Is Trouble A Fringe Benefit? Series

THE END IS NEAR

Part 3

Is Trouble a Fringe Benefit?

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Pastor Brian Matherlee

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been talking about the end times. Jesus describes the signs of the end in Matthew 24 and as we emphasized last Sunday, he cautioned his disciples to be ready because the times and dates of events could not be determined.

Jesus observed in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.”

There are different reasons for trouble:

1. Trouble comes because of sin

a. My own sin

b. Caught in the crossfire of someone else’s sin

c. Sinful world is opposed to the people of God.

d. I Peter 4:12-16,

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

2. Trouble comes because of life

a. You live life and trouble comes.

b. A man looked up from his hospital bed and said to his wife, “You’ve always been with me when I have had trouble. When I lost my shirt in a poor investment, you were there. When I had the car accident, you were with me. When I got fired, you were there. I realized that in all these misfortunes, you were there. Now I believe what my friends were saying, that you are a bad luck.

c. Consider the following scenarios about living with women-- "WORDS WOMEN USE." "FINE." This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use "fine" to describe how a woman looks——this will cause you to have one of those arguments. "FIVE MINUTES." This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so it’s an even trade. "NOTHING." This means "something," and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with "Fine." "GO AHEAD" (With Raised Eyebrows!). This is a dare, one that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine." "GO AHEAD" (Normal Eyebrows). This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don’t care." You will get a "Raised Eyebrow Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off. "LOUD SIGH." This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment, and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing." "SOFT SIGH." Again, not a word, but a non-verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" mean that she is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe, and she will stay content. "THAT’S OKAY." This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That’s Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you back for whatever it is that you have done. "That’s Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and in conjunction with a "Raised Eyebrow." "GO AHEAD!" At some point in the near future, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble. "PLEASE DO." This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance with the truth, so be careful and you shouldn’t get a "That’s Okay." "THANKS." A woman is thanking you. Do not faint. Just say you’re welcome. "THANKS A LOT." This is much different from "Thanks." A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have offended her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing."