Affliction on SermonAudio

Acts 20:17-38 Acts 20:17-38, serves as Paul's farewell address. As we examine the text this morning, we are stepping into a moment where final words make an impact. Paul is on the final leg of his 3rd missionary journey – he is headed to Jerusalem. He knows what lay ahead of him – imprisonment and affliction. Luke records a powerful testimony of Paul. He gives words of encouragement and bids his f...

This sermon examines Psalm 12 as a contrast between the pervasive deceit of humanity and the absolute purity of God's Word. The text highlights the universal nature of human lies and flattery, which often serve self-interest rather than truth, while affirming that God's speech is refined and trustworthy like silver. The central pivot of the psalm is identified as God's promise to arise and protect...

Does God remember you when the diagnosis comes, the injustice goes unanswered, and your prayers seem to hit the ceiling? Psalm 9 answers with a resounding yes: the LORD sits enthroned forever, and He does not forget the cry of the afflicted. But the psalm also turns the question around and asks whether we remember Him, warning that the road to ruin is walked not only by the openly wicked but by de...

This sermon explores the doctrine of God's infinitude, emphasizing that He is unbounded by space, creation, thought, or time. By contrasting the finite nature of heaven and the created order with the eternal nature of the Creator, the message clarifies that God exists outside of temporal constraints, acting within history without being subject to its passage. The theological argument asserts that...

We do not lose heart: how do we keep from losing heart? How do we persevere when we are weak, afflicted and dying? Because God preserves His saints; therefore, His saints persecute in faith until resurrection and glory

This sermon examines the healing of a leper in Mark 1 to reveal the identity and character of Jesus as the holy Son of God who willingly engages with human uncleanness. The exposition highlights the severity of leprosy under the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the social and spiritual isolation of the afflicted, to underscore the radical nature of Jesus' compassion and authority. By touching the man and d...

This sermon explores the theological foundation for rejoicing in suffering by examining 1 Peter 4:12-19, framing affliction as a sovereign act of God designed to test and purify faith. The message identifies five anchors for the soul, emphasizing that persecution is not an anomaly but a normal consequence of living as distinct exiles in a pagan world. It highlights the believer's union with Christ...

Fear not; we're in good hands. - In whose hands? The glorified Christ as Priest, King, and Prophet. - What are we afraid of? Suffering. We are cowardly; we misvalue suffering; we are content with deadness and mediocrity. - How do we fear not? We must fear Him most! 1. Be conformed to His image. 2. Be comforted in your afflictions. 3. Be courageous in your callings.

"Those who have tried to reach Mohammedans with the gospel message and who are in the midst of the work, do not call for retreat, but for reinforcements and advance. They know that in this mighty conflict we have nothing to fear save our own sloth and inactivity." Samuel Zwemer's words echo Paul's own declaration in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, "having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose hea...

God uses various trials, afflictions, and persecutions to cause the Christian to bear spiritual fruit and prepare the believer for glory.

Hosea 5:13-15 (KJV) When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. 14 For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. 15 I will go and return to my place, till they...

We Stood Through It So You Can Thrive Paul had poured himself into the believers at Thessalonica. He had taught them, encouraged them, and laboured for their faith. But when affliction came and the tempter pressed them, Paul was deeply concerned that all that labour might be in vain. "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tem...

Theme: King Lemuel counsels regarding inappropriate and appropriate uses of alcoholic beverages. I. Inappropriate Use of Alcoholic Beverages A. The beverages 1. Wine [yayin]—clearly, an alcoholic drink 2. Beer [strong drink][shekar] B. Warning regarding their use 1. Drinking alcohol is not a sin 2. The warning is with regard to drunkenness C. Particularly, there are two reasons for the warning 1....

12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. 13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the...

All of us experience hardships, trials, afflictions in life! Why does God allow His children to suffer? He does so as a means of disciplining us. As believers we often suffer painful consequences for our sins, but we will never experience God's judgment for them as our sins were paid in full by Christ at the cross. But God disciplines us as corrective punishment for our sins! He seeks to correct b...

This testimony recounts the spiritual journey of a former atheist and safari guide who, during a traumatic lockdown in Zimbabwe, was drawn to the Gospel through a six-minute video clip that required three hours to download. The narrative highlights how God used isolation and suffering to break down the speaker's pride and reveal the Creator within the creation, leading to a genuine conversion expe...

This sermon examines the counter-cultural nature of Christian generosity by contrasting the impoverished churches of Macedonia with the wealthier church in Corinth. It argues that true giving flows not from financial surplus but from the grace of God, which transforms deep poverty and affliction into abundant joy and self-sacrificial love. The central theological anchor is the incarnation, where C...

God is building His church into a city full of outer and inner splendor.

The LORD God insists that his humbled people celebrate his work of atonement for them.

This lesson will begin to cover Paul's second missionary journey. There is great background information to learn about Timothy and Luke. There are valuable lessons to learn from Paul's relationships with Lydia and the Philippian jailer.

Why can we proclaim the gospel without manipulation, self-promotion, or losing heart? Because the gospel's glory is Christ's; it's truth, comes from God and God himself through his word and spirit makes shine in darkened hearts