We saw in this study that the struggle in the Christian life is part of the sanctifying process that God uses to refine and purify us. Instead of seeking to avoid suffering, the Christian is to embrace it for God’s glory. Peter exhorted us to possess clear thinking and spiritual-mindedness in the midst of our trials and to be given fervently to Christian love and service, following Christ’s example.

In this teaching we saw the blessedness in suffering for Christ and how God uses the darkness surrounding the Christian to show off His light. We saw that our calling is not necessarily to answer every theological question, but to give an answer to the world for the hope that lives within us. As Christians we are not given over to fear of what may happen in this life, but we are called to hope in God.

In this study we began James with a short introduction to the book, its authorship and general subject. In Chapter 1 we saw James, the brother of Jesus, hold out to us the blessing of trials and temptations and saw how God uses them in our life to mature us and grow us in our faith. We were exhorted not just to be hearers of God’s Word, but to be doers of it, showing that our religion is genuine and not fake.

We continued in the Hall of Faith looming at the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their “even-if” faith. They along with the “others” of verses 36-40 showed us that choosing to trust God through suffering is great faith. We also saw that even-if faith looks to the ultimate reward of being united to Christ eternally and is willing to accept whatever He has planned in this life.

This morning, Pastor Brett takes a closer look at the second half of 2 Timothy 2. Learn about the Christian walk as unto the Lord. Consider the farmer, the prisoner, the worker, the vessel and the servant as we continue our study through the Bible.

In 2 Timothy 1, Paul begins his last epistle by listing three essentials that Timothy needs to have in order to be successful in his ministry: courageous enthusiasm, shameless suffering and spiritual loyalty. Pastor Brett talks about how each of these are applicable to how we live our lives today.

This Christmas Eve, we take a moment to remind ourselves of what God has done for us. Today, the world forgets that God dwelt among us. As people experience pain and suffering, we can remember God came to this earth as a man and lived through pain and suffering as well, so that every one has the opportunity to be saved.

As we read in 2 Corinthians, Pastor Brett talks about the biblical importance of dads as the leaders of their families. This Father’s Day 2011, we study the Father of grace, mercy and comfort.

As we continue our study through Romans, Paul further discusses the concepts of sin, redemption, mercy and grace. In chapter 8, he writes about how there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Pastor Brett talks about condemnation versus conviction, how we have no obligation to the flesh and how we have the hope of heaven.

The Bible promises trials and tribulations, and yet they always seem to take us by surprise. This morning we look at some of the ways the Lord redeems these hard times in our lives. For anyone lacking hope, this is a great message of encouragement!