Why Do Christians Have to Suffer? | Sunday Message

If you’re suffering today as a Christian, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: God uses suffering to reinforce some big truths. In this Sunday episode, Pastor Greg Laurie reveals the profound reasons God allows His people to experience trials. Listen in!

Notes

The Christian life is about persevering.

Job said, "We're all adrift in the same boat: too few days, too many troubles.”

There is a loving God who, despite the worst tragedy, can bring good out of bad.

Christians are not exempt from suffering.

1. Suffering and adversity keep us humble.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” —C. S. Lewis

2. Adversity teaches us eternal truths we would otherwise not learn.

Trials are like God's gym: to break us down and to build us up.

God will teach us lessons in those valleys we would never learn on mountaintops.

“Pain removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul.” —C. S. Lewis

3. We have a new compassion for others in pain.

Success builds walls; failure builds bridges.

There are two forms of satanic attacks when you set out to serve the Lord:

1. Outward attack

2. Pride

On Heaven:

1. The 1st Heaven: the sky, clouds, atmosphere surrounding Earth

2. The 2nd Heaven: outer space, the sun, moon, galaxies, stars

3. The 3rd Heaven: the dwelling place of God and future destination of believers

“Paradise” indicates the “future life.”

Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”

In Revelation 2, "Paradise" can be translated “the royal garden of a king.”

Heaven is a place of sight and sound.

Heaven is a place of feasting, fellowship, friends, and family.

Heaven is a place of fun.

Paul and Barnabas encouraged the believers to "continue in the faith."

We need to “continue in the faith.”

You don’t go to Heaven to find Christ; you go to Christ to find Heaven.

Scripture Referenced

• Romans 5:3
• John 11:4–7
• Proverbs 30:7–9
• 2 Corinthians 1:4-5

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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

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