A Hard things for Christians to do is accept Sad & Bad things happen to them.
Some Christians Live in Denial of Reality claiming/confessing “I am not Sick/Sad nothing bad ever happens to me”
Acts full of Power & Persecution & Prison fro those who followed Jesus
Paul’s suffering 1Cor 11 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
The Hero of Heb 11 suffered 11:35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37They were stoned[f]; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
It is suggested All but one of the Apostles died cruel death, Martyrs for their faith. They were Stoned, Clubbed Buried, Burned, Crucified
Video an example of Sad n Bad, but also highlights keys to dealing with Sad n Bad things are Our Response (bitter or Blessed) Our Resolve (stand firm or sink in sin) Our Resource (Trust in Jesus or self) in the Sad n Bad things (Video 99 Balloons http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c975d005cd2c4d261f7f)
ILL Personal story while Witnessing with teen challenge, I was asked “Why is there so much suffering in the world?” I gave a good theological answer, free will, fall, greed, inhumanity….. Well If he is so Powerful Why doesn’t he just stop it? Can God not Stop it ? YES Selective evil….. All evil………..
There will come a day when it will all stop, that day is not today, today is the day of salvation deal with personal sin.
Why do Sad n Bad things happen? Four answers;
1. Goes with the calling Jesus warned his disciples that they would suffer much persecution because of their faith in him (Luke 6:22). The Apostle Peter explained that as a result of their Christian faith many of them would suffer (1 Peter 1:6; 2:20; 3:14,17; 4:15-19).
2. The Devil attacks, Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
3. God is pruning & purifying, Its for our growth, don’t fall in love with the fruit, cause it goes bad, cause God Loves us.
Heb 12:5 "My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
4. Irresponsible choices, take life into your own hands and if it turns sad or bad don’t blame God
If Facing Consequence of Foolish Choice ……Heb 12v15 don’t miss the God of Grace second chance,Heb12 v25 Stop refusing Him get life back in line ……..Heb 12 v1 get rid of hindrances
If Facing God’s Disciple… Remind yourself it cause HE LOVES YOU, You are a Child of God, See the Bigger Picture Heb 12v11
If Facing Cost of Call … consider Jesus, His Actions and Words, your troubles are momentary, …
If Facing the Devil Attack ……Consider the Mountain to which you have come Heb 12V22 ……………. Consider the Kingdom Heb 12v23
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