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Word & Deed: We are Witnesses: Suffering
with Glenn Power
This sermon explores how suffering can be a pathway to witnessing for Christ. The message begins by acknowledging our society's aversion to suffering compared to historical and other contemporary cultures. The speaker argues that a lack of a robust theology of suffering contributes to this weakness. The sermon contrasts a secular worldview focused on material comfort and happiness with a biblical perspective that finds meaning and purpose in hardship. Key scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13.
The sermon outlines five ways God can transform suffering into powerful witness:
- Tools for Reaching Others: Suffering allows us to comfort others with the same comfort we receive from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). It fosters empathy and provides practical wisdom to share.
- Weakness and Humility: Suffering reveals our weakness, pointing people to God's all-surpassing power (2 Corinthians 4:7). It counters self-reliance and allows God's power to be made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12).
- Integrity: Enduring suffering well demonstrates God's goodness, justice, grace, and love to a watching world. It creates a compelling testimony that prompts questions about our hope (1 Peter 3:15).
- Circumstances for the Gospel: Suffering can open doors for the gospel to be shared, even through limitations (Philippians 1). God's word is not chained.
- Prologue to Breakthroughs: Suffering often precedes major redemptive acts, culminating in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, which offers salvation to all.
The sermon concludes with a call to receive prayer and embrace hope and redemption through hardship.
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*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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