TO GOD BE THE GLORY
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (KJV)
(1 Peter 5:10-11) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)
I. OUR HELP IN AGES PAST
A. THE EARLY CHURCH WAS FACING PERSECUTION.
“2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
1. From their family
2. From their friends
3. From their foes
B. THE EARLY CHURCH FOUND PEACE.
1. They knew the Lord was their strength.
(2 Timothy 4:17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (KJV)
2. They knew the Lord would be their solace. (Comfort or consolation)
a. The same Lord that called them…
b. Would be the same Lord that comforted them.
II. OUR HOPE FOR YEARS TO COME
1Ti 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, [which is] our hope;
Heb 6:19 Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
A. DESCRIBED AS BLESSED
(Titus 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
B. DESCRIBED AS BETTER
(Hebrews 7:19) For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (KJV)
III. OUR HEALING NOW, AND FOREVER
A. A PRAYER WE SHOULD PRAY
(Psalms 41:4) I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. (KJV)
B. A PROMISE TO THOSE WHO PRAY.
(Jeremiah 3:22) Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. (KJV)
