Why do Christians have trials?

Why do Christians have trials?                                June 24, 2017 

Since the first of the year, we all have had trials, facing cancer, surgery and chemo treatments, deaths in the family, family problems, other personal sickness, work, travel, etc.  I have thought about the reasons God allows, us, His people or His Saints, to go through trials in our lives. The Bible is filled with people of God facing trials, so it is very clear that just because we serve God, we are not exempt from trials, storms and many tests along the way. That is what the faith chapter is all about, Hebrew 11. 

Let’s look why we have trials and tests we encounter.  12 points. 

First, Remember, We are being led by the Holy Spirit 

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning’s which cannot be uttered. 

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;  (13)  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

1. To glorify God 

Isaiah 48:10-11 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.  (11)  For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. 

1 Peter 4:15-17 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.  (16)  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.   

Daniel 3:17-18 Your majesty, if it be his will, our God whom we serve can deliver us from the blazing fire furnace, and he will deliver us from you.  (18)  But if not, rest assured, your majesty, that we won't serve your gods, and we won't worship the golden statue that you have set up." 

Daniel 3:24-25 Astonished, King Nebuchadnezzar stood up in terror, and asked his advisers, "Didn't we throw three men into the fire, bound firmly with ropes?" In reply they told the king, "Yes, your majesty."  (25)  "Look!" he told them, "I see four men walking untied and unharmed in the middle of the fire, and the appearance of the fourth resembles a divine being." 

2. We are disciplines by God for known sin  

Hebrews 12:5-11 NKJV  And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "MY SON, DO NOT DESPISE THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD, NOR BE DISCOURAGED WHEN YOU ARE REBUKED BY HIM;  (6)  FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS, AND SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."   

(7)  If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?  (8)  But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.  (9)  Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 

(10)  For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 

(11)  Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 

James 4:17  Therefore, anyone who knows what is right but fails to do it is guilty of sin. 

Romans 14:23 But the person who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not act in faith; and anything that is not done in faith is sin. 

Psalms 32:3-4 When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away by my groaning all day long.  (4)  For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; my strength was exhausted as in a summer drought. Interlude. 

Revelation 3:19 I correct and discipline those whom I love, so be serious and repent! 

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

3. To prevent us from falling into sin  

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,  (2)  that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 

4. To keep us from Pride, Conceited.   

Romans 2:8 but wrath and fury for those who in their selfish pride refuse to believe the truth and practice wickedness instead. 

        Paul kept from pride by his “thorn in the flesh”         

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of the exceptional nature of these revelations, a thorn was given to me and placed in my body. It was Satan's messenger to keep on tormenting me so that I would not become conceited. 

(8)  I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me,  (9)  but he has told me, "My grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah's power may rest on me.  (10)  That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for the Messiah's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong. 

        Paul eyes? 

Galatians 4:15 What, then, happened to your positive attitude? For I testify that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 

Galatians 6:11 Look at how large these letters are because I am writing with my own hand! 

5. Trials to build faith 

1 Peter 1:6-7 You greatly rejoice in this, even though you have to suffer various kinds of trial for a little while,  (7)  so that your genuine faith, which is more valuable than gold that perishes when tested by fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed. 

Will cause growth and Godly character by our trials,  

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus the Messiah.  (2)  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace by which we have been established, and we boast because of our hope in God's glory.  (3)  Not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  (4)  endurance produces character, and character produces hope. 

(5)  Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 

2 Corinthians 10:15 We are not boasting about work done by others that cannot be evaluated. On the contrary, we cherish the hope that your faith may continue to grow and enlarge our sphere of action among you until it overflows. 

6. We learn Obedience from sufferings 

Hebrews 5:8  Son though he was, he learned obedience through his sufferings 

Romans 6:16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 

Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord told him, "Go, since he (Paul) is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the gentiles, to their kings, and to the descendants of Israel.  (16)  For I am going to show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake." 

Philippians 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in.  (12)  I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little. 

7. We can comfort others 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  (4)  who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

8. To prove the reality of Christ in us 

2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us.  (8)  In every way we're troubled but not crushed, frustrated but not in despair,  (9)  persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.   

(10)  We are always carrying around the death of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may be clearly shown in our bodies.  (11)  While we are alive, we are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be clearly shown in our mortal bodies. 

9. Teach angels by our actions what is God’s will 

1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle (speck–tee-kol) to the world, both to angels and to men. 

1  Peter 1:12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. 

Ephesians 3:8-11 To me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given so that I might proclaim to the gentiles the immeasurable wealth of the Messiah  (9)  and help everyone see how this secret that has been at work was hidden for ages by God, who created all things. 

(10)  He did this so that now, through the church, the wisdom of God in all its variety might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm  (11)  in keeping with the eternal purpose that God carried out through the Messiah Jesus our Lord, 

10. We become a witness to unbelievers 

1 Peter 3:14-17 NKJV  But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "AND DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED."  (15)  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;  (16)  having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  (17)  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 

11. Does our walk match our talk. 

Proverbs 22:1 A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold. 

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 

12.  Heavenly Rewards 

Matthew 5:11-12 "How blessed are you whenever people insult you, persecute you, and say all sorts of evil things against you falsely because of me!  (12)  Rejoice and be extremely glad, because your reward in heaven is great! That's how they persecuted the prophets who came before you." 

We as God adopted children, like it or not, we represent The King wherever we go; at work, at home, at church, and in the community.  We are reflecting Him to other individuals every day as Jesus Ambassador. 

If we see our trials as an opportunity and not as an obstacle.  Whether it is physical, illness, financial, spiritual, a relationship, persecutions, distresses, temptations, tribulations, fiery trials, work, reproaches or some other crisis, we need to learn to trust and have faith in God.  

We have such short memories.  After a trial, we forget it and move on to our normal habit of our lives.  The real secret of survival in any trial is recalling the many times in faith that God has always brought us through before and because of God’s promise, He will do it again.

Do we love God?  Here is one of Jesus’s promise. 

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

We still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good. 

God has given us His Word to guide us. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

Finally, what does James tells us 

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  (3)  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  (4)  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Father’s Day 2017

Father’s Day 2017                                               June 17, 2017 

Father’s Days are very meaningful to many individuals.  What does Father Day mean to you. We asked the same question about Mothers.  No right or wrong answer.  Or does it really mean anything. 

Father’s Day should be every day of the year, but we need to be reminded to do it.  That is what this day is all about. 

We know being a father is not easy.  It is very appropriate and right to pause and say ''Thank You'' to our fathers, or individuals who were like a father to us, and to honor them, and thank God for them.  We realize what they had to do and how to put up with us, as we grew up.  I myself had a step father. 

Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood and the influence of fathers in society.  When Father day started, many men was against it because it was a commercial gimmick to sell more products, often paid for by the father himself.   

During the Great Depression, struggling retailers and advertisers redoubled their efforts to make Father’s Day a “second Christmas” for men, promoting goods such as neckties, hats, socks, pipes and tobacco, golf clubs and other sporting goods, and greeting cards.   

When World War 2 began, advertisers began to argue that celebrating Father’s Day was a way to honor American troops and support the war effort. By the end of the war, Father’s Day may not have been a federal holiday, but it was a national institution. 

In 1972, in the middle of a hard-fought presidential re-election campaign, Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a federal holiday at last. Today, economists estimate that Americans spend more than $1 billion or more each year on Father’s Day gifts. 

Most of the time on father day, the preacher would tell the dad’s what they should be doing right instead of what they have been doing right. 

Father Day started due to greed.  Interesting 

The most important thing for each of us, We know without a doubt that God Himself is a Father to us, His Saints.  

Matthew 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

Matthew 6:9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 

Matthew 6:32  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 

Romans 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. 

There are many instances that speak of Jesus Christ, the Son, honoring His Father and honoring the will of His Father 

John 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 

John 17:5  And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 

When a man becomes a father, he learns from the way his own father treated him, how he grew up as a child, his interaction with his dad, and his relationship with God and by the Word of God. 

1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

Our Father is an example and He will comfort us, we are to comfort our family 

Psalms 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

Psalms 86:17 Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. 

        Psalms 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.       

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 

John 14:26-27 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  (27)  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

The Apostle Paul gave instructions to one’s earthly father 

Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  (2)  "HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER," which is the first commandment with promise:  (3)  "THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU AND YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH." 

Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. 

The Father has made men the God-given spiritual head of the family, could and should be honored.  Fathers responsibility.  

1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  (6)  "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  (7)  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 

We know the Scriptures is silent about a day being set aside specifically to honor fathers, the Scriptures does recognize fathers as examples. 

Genesis 4:20-21 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.  (21)  His brother's name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. 

God told Abraham that he will be the father of many nations. 

Genesis 17:4-5  "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.  (5)  No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

God does recognize the importance of fathers 

What does a father do for their children from the Scriptures. 

Leads Them 

Proverbs 20:7  The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 

Integrity definition:  The quality or state of being complete or undivided. 

The father is example to his children for the concept of loyalty and obedience.   

True leadership is having the integrity to practice what you preach and do what you say you will do. 

Do not provoke them 

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 

Teaches them 

Proverbs 4:1-2 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding;  (2)  For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. 

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. 

We need to be involved in our child’s formal and informal training which takes a lot of energy and time, but it comes with great reward.  Don’t we know. 

Provides for them 

Matthew 7:9-11 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  (10)  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  (11)  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 

The example of providing for them of their earthy father is how a child learns to understand how our heavenly Father provides for us. 

Disciplines and Corrects them 

Proverbs 3:11-12  My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;  (12)  For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. 

Proverbs 13:24 Whoever does not discipline his son hates him, but whoever loves him is diligent to correct him. 

Protects them 

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 

Mark 9:42  "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 

Loves them 

Psalms 103:13 As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. 

How they turn out 

Proverbs 17:6  Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the pride of children is their parents. 

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are living according to the truth. 

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 You know very well that we treated each of you the way a father treats his children.  (12)  We comforted and encouraged you, urging you to live in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 

Decisions I make for my children as a father will affect their future.   

Jesus gives us a warning to us fathers 

Malachi 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.  (6)  And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse. 

Being a father is the most important role in the lives and futures of our children.