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Elements City Church
Believe - Week 13 (John 16:33) ONLINE ONLY
We are taking an extended dive into the gospel of John. In this gospel we witness the hands-on Jesus in all his splendor and radiance. John writes as one who is very close to Jesus and he goes to great length to record a full picture of the person and powerful work of Jesus: a human Christ to redeem us, a divine Christ to reveal God’s nature, and a powerful, Spirit-filled Christ to help us live godly lives. We want to lean into this incredible portrait of Christ painted in the gospel of John! We want to grow to know Jesus better, grow in the life He gives and grow in the life-mission He invites us into. John writes so that we would BELIEVE. *(see John 20:30-31)
Locations & Times
Elements City Church
1825 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
Saturday 5:00 PM
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As we continue to navigate this Covid-19 situation - we're doing all we can to keep your family safe AND continue to connect as God's church. We need one another. Practice social distancing, but avoid social isolating. So join us online Sunday's at 5pm. Also sign up to be of help to folks that need it -- or let us know if you need some help by visiting our website...
http://elementscitychurch.orgWhen it comes to life and especially moments like this that we're navigating, we all find ourselves asking WHY? The “why” question goes back thousands of years. It was asked in the Old Testament by Job and the writers of the Psalms and it is still prevalent today.
QUOTE:
John Stott, one of the most distinguished Bible teachers of the last three generations, said: "The fact of suffering undoubtedly constitutes the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith, and has been in every generation. Its distribution and degree appear to be entirely random and, therefore, unfair.”
John Stott, one of the most distinguished Bible teachers of the last three generations, said: "The fact of suffering undoubtedly constitutes the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith, and has been in every generation. Its distribution and degree appear to be entirely random and, therefore, unfair.”
Unlike some other religious leaders who wrote off pain and suffering as just being illusions, Jesus was honest about the things that make us ask WHY? He told us the truth. See John 16:33
In fact, just as he spoke about the gift of the Holy Spirit that would accompany everyone who put his or her faith in Him. And He said that we would have a forever Advocate that would journey life with us – each and every day – the ups and downs of life.
In fact, just as he spoke about the gift of the Holy Spirit that would accompany everyone who put his or her faith in Him. And He said that we would have a forever Advocate that would journey life with us – each and every day – the ups and downs of life.
There are some Biblical truths that can illuminate some points of light for us to follow as we navigate the seasons and situations of life that cause us to ask WHY? As we navigate heartache, suffering, discomforts of life and pain, we can look to these points of light to illuminate the way forward and the possibility of HOPE that still resides with each follower of Jesus.
The 1st point of light: understanding God is not the creator of evil & suffering.
The 2nd point of light is this: Though suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish good.
-Romans 8:28:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
-Romans 8:28:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
the 3rd point of light: The day is coming when suffering will cease and God will judge evil.
Point of Light #4: Our suffering pales in comparison to what God has in store for his followers.
2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Suffering doesn’t have the last word anymore.
Death doesn’t have the last word anymore.
Jesus has the greatest & last word over you – as a follower of Him!
God’s ultimate answer to suffering isn’t an explanation; it’s the incarnation. Suffering is a personal problem; and it calls a personal response…God responded in a personal way: by sending His Son.
Death doesn’t have the last word anymore.
Jesus has the greatest & last word over you – as a follower of Him!
God’s ultimate answer to suffering isn’t an explanation; it’s the incarnation. Suffering is a personal problem; and it calls a personal response…God responded in a personal way: by sending His Son.
Here’s Jesus’ words again:
John 16:33
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
He said that before the cross and resurrection – then he went out and proved it!
We may never fully understand suffering.
We may never fully answer the WHY questions of life.
We wrestle with: Why do bad things happen to good people?
===But our Christian faith is built upon the reality that the worst possible thing happened to the best possible person – to Jesus; and yet God still worked the ultimate GOOD FROM IT!
John 16:33
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
He said that before the cross and resurrection – then he went out and proved it!
We may never fully understand suffering.
We may never fully answer the WHY questions of life.
We wrestle with: Why do bad things happen to good people?
===But our Christian faith is built upon the reality that the worst possible thing happened to the best possible person – to Jesus; and yet God still worked the ultimate GOOD FROM IT!
-God doesn’t cause evil and suffering.
-God will work for our good in all things.
-The day is coming when suffering will cease and God will judge evil.
-Jesus promises to always present within our ups and downs, our good moments and our moments of suffering.
-God has guaranteed that our best days are still ahead - for all who have given allegiance to Jesus!
-God will work for our good in all things.
-The day is coming when suffering will cease and God will judge evil.
-Jesus promises to always present within our ups and downs, our good moments and our moments of suffering.
-God has guaranteed that our best days are still ahead - for all who have given allegiance to Jesus!
COMMUNION AT HOME
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Elements family: thank you for being a part of enabling us to BE the Church in our city especially in this moment. Your gifts help fuel the mission and capacity to share His love with all we can. You can give here, online or via our app...
http://elem.cc/giveAgain - if you need help or wanna help - visit www.elementscitychurch.org and let us know. We love you - you can also let us know of specific prayer requests via our app (prayer request tab). You can also listen to playlist of songs we sing via the playlist in the app. We're here FOR YOU and God is too! We'll see you back online NEXT SUNDAY AT 5PM!