Scripture at Sunrise 12.27.2021

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” -1 Peter 1:6-9

“With God as our help, we must finish our journey with a great love for Christ and a joy that is inexpressible, even in the hardest times of suffering in life, knowing that God is sovereign and on the throne, and that He’s working all things together for our good and His glory.” -Pastor Steve Wainright (excerpt from Sunday Morning Sermon from 1 Peter 1:6-9)

Scripture at Sunrise 3.18.09

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.  For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”  -Colossians 1:28-29

“Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” –Corrie ten Boom

Scripture at Sunrise 3.9.09

“For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.”  -Colossians 1:29

No “summary” today.  This is what your Pastor has titled a “Supplemental Sermon.” 

“So, how might we know when God is energetically and powerfully working in us?  If, when you are slandered, you respond by entreating (I Corinthians 4:13), you can rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you.  If, when you are reviled, you bless instead of curse (I Corinthians 4:12), you can rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you.  If, when you are persecuted, you endure (I Corinthians 4:12), you can rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you.  If, when you are afflicted but not crushed, are perplexed but do not yield to despair, are struck down but not destroyed, you may rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).  If, when you are sorrowful and still rejoice, possess nothing yet are rich, you may rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you (2 Corinthians 6:10).  If, when you are in poverty and give generously and joyfully (2 Corinthians 8:1ff), you may rest assrued that divine energy is working mightily in you. 

You probably won’t feel anything.  There’s no guarantee that your body will vibrate or your appearance will change.  But if you find yourself responding and thinking as Jesus would, if you find yourself acting and choosing contrary to every fleshly and sinful impulse, you may rest assured that divine energy is  mightily at work in you.  Only in this way can we, like Paul, continue to serve and love and minister and not lose heart.” 

[From “The Hope of Glory” by Sam Storms pg. 138-139]