Sunday Evening Service – May 18, 2008

PREACHER: John Ritchie, Assistant Pastor

Sermon Outline: “Why sit we here until we die?”

II Kings 7:3-16a

Sometimes we think that after we get saved, everything will be peaches and cream from then on. We expect to never have any more problems from that point on. The truth is, living the Christian life is not always easy. It seems that those who are the most serious about their Christianity often have the most and biggest problems.

Often we find ourselves in desperate situations with no reasonable solutions at hand.

When difficulties come—and they will—they don’t necessarily indicate anything (like sin).

A. For a nation.

B. For an individual (vs. 3-4)

a. Bad things happen to good people. Good things happen to bad people.

b. Difficulties don’t define people. They don’t automatically mean that someone has done something wrong.

c. Don’t automatically assume that difficulties are God’s judgment in your own life. It could be that God is trying to teach you something or preparing to deliver you to glorify Himself.

These men in II Kings truly were afflicted, just as we are.

a. They were afflicted with leprosy—something they could do nothing about. We often dwell on the problems we can do nothing to fix or change—like our pasts.

b. They were afflicted with hunger—something they could possibly do something about. These show us situational difficulties. Given enough time, some relief can usually be found. These difficulties drift in and out of our lives.

These men accurately assessed their situation. They seemed to be between a rock and a hard place. Before they could find a solution, they had to assess their situation objectively.

a. Ask yourself, “Is this situation changeable?” Is it really a problem, or are you making a mountain out of a mole-hill? If it is not changeable, we need to move on. If it is changeable, we need to see what we can do about it.

b. Be honest with God and with yourself. Make sure that you are right with God. If you are, look elsewhere.

These men took action.

a. These men determined to do something.

b. These men ventured into the unknown. God already has all the answers for our unknowns. What appears to be desperate and hopeless to us appears to God as an opportunity for divine deliverance!

These men achieved.

a. Personally

b. For a nation

Conclusion:

A good relationship with God is gained when we develop a proper perspective on the trials of life. Instead of focusing on the hardship, focus on the fact that God is getting ready to do something!

Sunday Morning Service – May 11, 2008

PREACHER: Ed Schwarz, Associate Pastor