Bible Text: Philippians 2:19-30 | Pastor: Pastor Jim Wood | Series: Philippians 2020
When Paul's assistant, Epaphroditus, became ill, Paul said Epaphroditus' death would have been sorrow upon sorrow. Sometimes, God lets people get sick and stay sick for a long time. Sometimes God miraculously heals people from their sickness. When we go through hardship, it can be a result of Satan, however, God is always in control. God will allow sickness and hardship if it brings us or others into a right relationship with Himself. Our bodies are amazing and one thing we realize is that sin has entered the world and death is upon us. Sometimes God uses our sickness so that other people can be a blessing to us. Though Epaphroditus was not and evangelist, but only serving and evangelist, he almost died serving Christ. Epaphroditus was in the will of God and still got sick. We should be like Timothy and fulfill the needs of others and we should appreciate someone who genuinely cares about us.
Bible Text: 1 Peter 3:8-22 | Pastor: Pastor Jim Wood | Series: SAS Chapel: 1 Peter
The Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish believers in Christ who were tempted to not follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Instead, they and we today, are called to follow Jesus through obedience and faith. We are supposed to be aiming for Jesus. Following Him will involve a cross and daily death. Everything we want to do should be pleasing to the Lord. We must persevere or we were never Christ's. We must encourage each other daily because sin deceives and cannot deliver. If we want to do the will of God, He will ensure that we do.