The Advantages of Hard Times

Sunday Morning Service - September 12, 2010
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7
Sermon Series: Words to Live by from an Old Fisherman!
Sermon by: Pastor Kip McKee

1. Our Trials are BRIEF! (In comparison with Eternity...1 Peter 1:6)
2. Our Trials are NECESSARY! (Hard Times come to EVERY Believer. How we view them is life changing! ...Philippians 3:10-11) (Hard Times teach us MORE about God's LOVE and CARE for us! ...Matthew 28:20) (Hard Times STRENGTHEN our Faith & increase our Service to God! We grow in our desire to serve God & in our ability to serve Him.)
3. Our Trials are PURIFYING! (Our Trials have a PURPOSE! ...1 Peter 1:7) (Our trials prove that God will NEVER FAIL US!)
4. Our Trials IMPACT Eternity! (Our Trials can bring God PRAISE, HONOR & GLORY! ...1 Peter 1:7) (Our Privilege as Christians is to GLORIFY God in all we do. How we respond to trials can GLORIFY God in a major way.)

3 Questions to Ask in Trials:

1. Is what I am doing with my life PLEASING GOD? If not, what needs to change?
2. Am I pointing others to GOD or pushing them away from God?
3. Are my Actions and Words HONORING GOD, His Word & Pleasing to Jesus?

2 Things to Remember in Trials!

1. Trials are common to all Believers.
2. Trials should bring us CLOSER to God, not push us away from GOD.

Romans 8:28...And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose for them.