Have you ever wondered if there is a purpose to the trials we go through? I have. But I find myself constantly trying to avoid trials and difficulties. As I read my New Testament, whether in the Gospels, Acts, Epistles or even in the Apocalypse it seems like there is trouble for anyone who is associated with Christ and God's kingdom.
John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus himself was crucified. James was beheaded. Peter was imprisoned. Stephen was stoned to death. Paul was stoned and imprisoned and eventually martyred. That is just the persecution type of trials.
All the letters deal at some point with trials the churches are encountering with not only persecution but also doctrinal trials. False teachers trying to lead their people astray from the truth.
Its really amazing to realize how much there is in the New Testament about trials and troubles and how to navigate through them such that God is glorified. A few weeks ago I went away for a few days to study and prepare to lead a bible study retreat focused on this very theme. I was amazed! Humbled! Challenged! I didn't realize how important a role trials played in the development of Christian men and women and for the progress and glory of the Gospel.
I am excited and looking forward to spending a day and a half with about 50 of our church members in the word working through this bible study. We will study scores of passages and interact and pray together that we might live faithfully and biblically for the Lord Jesus through whatever God may sovereignly allow to come our way.
If you are interested in joining us for this event here is a link for you to our workshop brochure.
If you desire to register for this event click here
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