What was Meant for Evil, God Uses for Good

Joke Van Opstal

Revelation 21:3-4

Being a Christian does not exempt anyone from suffering. No matter how many good things we may do for God, we will still experience suffering, because suffering is not the result of God's punishment on us. Suffering is a tool for our sanctification, to help us grow and develop stronger character. As we grow to know our God, we see that his picture is much bigger than ours, and he is weaving a story through our suffering to bring about good, though we may not see it in the midst of our trials. We have a choice to make in how we respond when faced with suffering: we can give up in bitterness or hold fast to the Lord's promises and His eternal hope.

When God Doesn't Seem There

Lee Campbell

Isaiah 30:18

We will all experience times when God does not seem present, but several key principles can help us to endure these valleys faithfully. We should expect what is biblical rather than our own desires for God to present himself in vibrant, spiritual experiences. We must exercise trust in God's sovereign goodness and evaluate our own heart attitude and flawed perceptions. Our final step is to wait on the Lord, for which this workshop provides several practical applications.

Joy & God's Sovereignty

Jim Leffel

Acts 17:26-27

Like Paul, sometimes our situations seem to distract us from joy. However, we see that when we understand God's sovereignty and ability to work purposefully, even through superficially negate situations, we gain a new perspective and can experience joy throughout the worst of circumstances.

Stephen's Defense

Ben Foust

Acts 6:8-7:60

Just before his stoning by the religious leaders, Stephen answers their charges in an eloquent speech, showing through the scriptures two themes from Israel's history that continue to the present day: that holy ground is wherever God is, and that God's representative is often rejected by His people. We are challenged to examine our own heart before God and not be hardened.

Are We Overprotective?

Paul Alexander

Rebecca Alexander

1 Samuel 1

As much as we hate suffering, it is fair to say as parents, we hate even more to see our children suffer. Paul and Becky Alexander share how they as parents have learned to avoid the mistake of following the cultural mandate to protect your children from any and all suffering. They cite studies that demonstrate that allowing your children to experience normal, reasonable levels of suffering actually prepares them to deal with the inevitable suffering, that will come their way, in a positive, healthy way.

Suffering for Christ

Ben Foust

Acts 5:17-42

The early church in Jerusalem continues to face challenges, this time persecution from religious authorities, including flogging and imprisonment. Yet, as the apostles persevere, the church continues to grow as God provides for them. So we too should have a mind to persevere as we face suffering in our ministry for Christ, or else risk accomplishing little.

The Anonymous Servant

Mike Sullivan

Leviticus 16:14-15

Isaiah gives many prophesies about the Messiah who is to come. In his predictions about the anonymous servant, he reveals both a great ruler and one who endures great suffering. Common objections to Isaiah's prophesies are reviewed and refuted.

God's Message of Comfort

Mike Sullivan

1 Peter 5:6-7

When our circumstances are painful and God feels far away, how can we feel comforted? God keeps his promises, which are different from our expectations. God sustains us through his presence, other people and the hope of eternal life.

Ahaz and Hezekiah: Fear and Faith

Mike Sullivan

2 Kings 16:7

What can we do when we're facing difficult or scary circumstances? Two kings of Israel, Ahaz and Hezekiah, both faced threats to their kingdom and reacted very differently. One made an alliance with an enemy, the other took his fears to God.