SCRIPTURE READING HEBREWS 12:1-2 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

THE FURNACE! RESPONDING TO THE FIRE!

JAMES 1:2 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

I PETER 1:6 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

I PETER 4:13 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

MATTHEW 5:12 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

IMPORTANT TRUTH: We can’t control what happens to us in this fallen world but we can control our response to it.

A SET PATTERN: Belief Emotions Behavior

UNDERSTAND THIS: Fear and faith cannot reside in the same space.

TWO BELIEFS: 1. In this fallen world we are going to experience tough times.

I PETER 4:12 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

TWO BELIEFS: 2. The God who loves us s able to turn our temporary tough times into eternal gain.

HEBREWS 12:1-2 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

THE FURNACE! RESPONDING TO THE FIRE!