Is there Christian life after disappointment?

Trouble, trials and suffering  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.“ John 16:33  Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 3:6  Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, James 1:12  the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, 2 Corinthians 1:3-6  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

Life Conditions in Bible Times  Disease rampant, malnutrition chronic  Average life expectancy for males: 45, females: 38  Half of people born in Roman Empire died before age 5  25% of babies don’t survive first year  Political oppression, grinding poverty  Up to half of population lived as slaves

Suffering in the world today  Rampant in 3 rd world countries  In America, avoid suffering at all costs! I have a right not to suffer discomfort and if it happens I have a right to be compensated! Billions spent annually to relieve physical and emotional pain Billions spent annually to entertain and to distract from life’s problems

Pastor Paul and Christians in Philippi  When first in Philippi and established the church, Paul was mobbed, arrested, beaten and put in the dungeon from which he miraculously escaped! Acts 16  Paul’s letter to the Philippians from Roman jail:  1:12-14 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.  27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Pastor Paul and Christians in Philippi  2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  2:25-30 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Pastor Paul and Christians in Thessalonica  Paul was harassed by opposition during his brief visit in Thessalonica when the church was planted.  Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church  2:1-3 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.  1:3-4 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

Pastor Paul and Christians in Thessalonica  Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church  4:13-15 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Pastor Paul and Christians in Corinth  Paul spent a year and a half in Corinth after God told him, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking. For I am with you and no one is going to attack and harm you because I have many people in this city.” Act 18: 9-10  Paul’s letters to the Corinthian church  1 st – 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Pastor Paul and Christians in Corinth  2 nd -7:5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn- conflicts on the outside, fears within.  2 nd -11:23-29 I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Base Camp: I’m a Christian who is now, or is working toward being involved with on Sundays, financially supporting the church and involved in a ministry. 1)I will feed my soul daily in God’s Word and prayer. 2)I will get together weekly with at least one other person for life discipleship process. 3)Once a month, with my discipleship partner(s) I will do something for someone in the community for Christ’s sake. Transformed lives Love and serve one another Healings and miracles Lots of new believers

1 Peter 1:3-9 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

James 1: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.