Illness on SermonAudio

When it's time to Stop Controlling and Start Trusting True biblical peace comes from trusting God with our circumstances, not controlling every outcome ourselves. In this episode of SheRises, we examine anxiety, surrender, Christian responsibility, and the exhausting burden of trying to hold the reins of life. Jesus promises, "My peace I give you" (John | 14:27), but He never promises a trouble-free life. Instead, He offers settled confidence in God's sovereignty, goodness, and care, even during grief, illness, conflict, financial pressure, or uncertainty. Jesus reminds us, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John | 16:33), while Philippians | 4:6–7 teaches us to bring our requests to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Biblical surrender is not passivity; it means taking faithful action while trusting God with the outcome. Listen and reflect on where you may be holding tightly to control instead of resting in Christ's peace.

What happens when a society loses its moral compass? Judges 19 gives us one of the darkest pictures of moral and spiritual collapse in the Bible, repeatedly reminding us that "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." In this study, we examine the disturbing events of Judges 19 and consider how the moral confusion reflected in that passage can help us think carefully about challenges facing American society today. The Lindsay Clancy trial provides a sobering contemporary case study that raises difficult questions about human life, moral responsibility, mental illness, compassion, truth, and accountability. But this study is not simply about criticizing society. It is a challenge to mature Christians: How should we live and serve Jesus Christ when the culture around us becomes increasingly confused about right and wrong? We will consider the importance of standing firmly on God's Word, guarding our own hearts, restoring the fear of God, strengthening our families, practicing compassion without compromising truth, shining as lights in a dark world, and remembering that Jesus Christ—not culture, public opinion, or individual preference—is King. Judges ends with the words: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." But for the Christian, there is a King. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. The question for us is not merely, "What is right in my eyes?" but "What is right in God's eyes?"

In this upcoming episode of The Narrated Puritan, we journey into 18th-century colonial America to uncover the incandescent life and ministry of Samuel Davies—a man Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones famously called "one of your greatest preachers." Born to humble beginnings and educated under Samuel Blair at the historic Faggs Manor academy, Davies entered pastoral ministry under the constant shadow of terminal illness, preaching every sermon with urgent, eternity-bound gravity. From navigating Virginia's rigid legal establishment to turn local "Reading Houses" into licensed Presbyterian churches, to pioneering literacy and evangelism among hundreds of enslaved African Americans, Davies' fearless leadership laid the very groundwork for religious liberty in America while inspiring the legendary pulpit fire of a young Patrick Henry. Join us as we trace his remarkable journey from the Virginia frontier to his final days succeeding Jonathan Edwards as the fourth president of the College of New Jersey, and discover why Davies' solemn, heart-searching preaching still speaks with profound power to our generation today.

What happens when there is conflict between two parties? How is it often handled? If your brother sins against you, the Lord commanded that you go and tell him his fault, one on one. This would also apply to groups of people. Let them know that they might be doing something wrong, even though they may not know it. Here, we have a situation where there are two sides, both devoted to the Lord, but there was a misunderstanding and an attributing of ill motive. How do we tend to handle such conflict? First, we must recognize that the body of Christ is One and then, be sure that we are worshiping the Lord in Spirit and in truth.

This sermon explores the story of Lazarus in John 11 to illustrate how sickness and death serve to glorify God rather than signify His absence. The speaker emphasizes that believers must live lives worthy of Christ, maintaining a testimony of faith and character even during illness or approaching death. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's perfect timing for prayer answers, noting that delays often allow for greater demonstrations of divine power. The message urges listeners to die to self and walk in the light, ensuring their daily actions reflect a commitment to God's glory. Ultimately, it calls for personal salvation and a life dedicated to honoring Jesus in all circumstances.

Chapter timestamps: Note: Times are estimated 0:00 Surely Goodness and Mercy 1:53 Victory in Jesus 3:51 Announcements and September Birthdays 10:54 I Am Resolved 12:40 Heaven Is Waiting for Me 14:24 My Sin Stayed Down 16:55 The Fire Has Never Gone Out 19:28 No Regrets Following Jesus 21:14 Testimony of Illness and Recovery 24:14 Opening Prayer and 2 Chronicles 7 26:13 If My People 27:17 Adopted Into God's Family 29:50 The Reality of Hell 32:09 A Peculiar People 34:22 Humble Themselves 37:08 Pride Goes Before Destruction 39:52 And Pray 42:06 Pray and Do Not Faint 45:17 Praying Through Cancer 47:15 The Power of Prayer 49:59 God Provides in Times of Need 52:18 Prayer During a Breakdown 56:36 Seek My Face 57:31 Seeking God in Trouble 59:34 Turn From Your Wicked Ways

Dr. Carolyn Knight shares her testimony of answering God's call to minister within the adult entertainment industry, specifically strip clubs, as a light in dark places. She details the harrowing realities faced by dancers, including high rates of abuse and trafficking, while recounting personal encounters where she has led women and even customers to Christ. After enduring severe personal trials involving illness, betrayal, and depression, Knight experienced divine healing and was commissioned to expand her ministry across multiple states. She emphasizes the importance of prayer support, practical aid, and financial partnership to sustain teams that offer compassion and the gospel to those trapped in desperate situations. The presentation concludes with an invitation for attendees to join or support this unique mission field through various roles within her organization. Questions How can Christians reach women working in strip clubs with the gospel? Should Christians go into strip clubs to share the gospel? How can the church minister to women in the sex industry? How can Christians help victims of sex trafficking? Can God save someone who works in a strip club? How do you share the gospel with a stripper or exotic dancer? What does it mean to be a light in a dark place? How can Christians reach people in places most churches avoid? Where should Christians go to reach lost and hurting people? How can a church start a ministry to women in strip clubs? How can Christians build relationships with women trapped in the sex industry? What can Christians do to fight human trafficking? How can the church help women escape prostitution or sex trafficking?

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-10 The Source of Encouragement The sermon addresses the universal experience of discouragement among believers, using the Apostle Paul's own struggles with illness, persecution, and spiritual warfare as primary examples. It identifies God as the ultimate source of all comfort, emphasizing that divine encouragement flows through Scripture, the blessed hope of Christ's return, and the supportive community of fellow believers. The central theological focus rests on the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which silences the accuser and provides assurance of justification despite human failure. The preacher argues that God allows suffering not merely for personal consolation but to equip believers to become channels of comfort to others in similar distress. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to look to Christ's sacrifice as the foundational basis for enduring hope and resilience in times of trial.

In Mark 5:21-43, we encounter two desperate people — a powerful synagogue ruler named Jairus and a woman who had suffered for twelve years. Through their stories we discover something profound about the nature of faith and the reach of Christ's power. Jairus, a man of rank and religious standing, throws aside every concern for his reputation and collapses at Jesus' feet, begging for his dying daughter's life. The woman, an outcast rendered untouchable by her illness, pushes through a crushing crowd just to brush the edge of Christ's garment. Both are at the end of themselves. Both find that Jesus is more than enough. This passage draws us into the climax of four consecutive miracles that together paint a stunning portrait of Christ's authority — over nature, over darkness, over disease, and finally over death itself. The raising of Jairus' daughter is a declaration that for those who belong to God, death is not the final word. Jesus calls it sleep, and that choice of words says everything. It tells us that what looks like an ending is, in the hands of our Savior, only a pause before the rising. Christ's words, "Do not fear, only believe", should encourage us to pray with confidence and perseverance, trusting in a sovereign God who does the impossible, while always deferring to his will.

Why does James say that judging another is an act of judging the law? Here is why gossip is wrong and an evil in the family of God: The presumptions of a righteousness before God that is found in ones moral sensibilities leads to gossip... speaking ill... judging another's performance. It is a judgment not only of others but a judgment of the law... and how Spirit uses that law to bring another into God's mercy and grace.

Not much worse for a man than to have to live with a brawling woman! But we must use discernment and in some cases have compassion, while calling all others to repentance! Also Reference: Acts 26:20 https://bbfohio.com

John 11:6 'When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.' This sermon examines the raising of Lazarus in John 11 to illustrate the providence and sovereignty of Christ. The preacher emphasises that severe sickness does not diminish God's love, countering false teachings that equate illness with sin or lack of faith. Believers are encouraged to approach God with respectful and honest supplication during trials, trusting that His delays are not denials. The text highlights that every affliction serves a purpose for the glory of God, ultimately bringing comfort and joy to those who wait on Him in faith.

To be a worker in the Lord's harvest is to go to the hopeless and the helpless with the gospel of Jesus Christ that they might be saved. 1. The hopeless ill 2. The helpless dead 3. The hopeless blind 4. The helpless mute 5. The harvest worker

This sermon concludes a summer series on the Psalms by exploring Psalm 30 as a testament to God's power to transform negative circumstances into positive outcomes. The preacher highlights four key contrasts within the text: deliverance from illness, relief from divine anger, repentance from self-reliance, and the transition from mourning to dancing. These earthly experiences of King David serve as types that point ultimately to Jesus Christ, whose resurrection guarantees believers' hope beyond death. The message emphasizes that while suffering and discipline are real, they are temporary compared to the eternal joy found in God's favor. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to trust in Christ's mercy, find comfort in His grace, and look forward to the final victory over sorrow in eternity.

Dawn Hill examines the teaching and practice of mass deliverance within the modern deliverance movement and compares its claims with the clear teaching of Scripture. Dawn addresses the belief that Christians can have indwelling demons, along with teachings concerning generational curses, chronic illness, demonic affliction, spiritual open doors, manifestations, and repeated deliverance sessions. She also examines several passages commonly used to support these ideas, showing why biblical context matters when considering Job, 1 Peter 5, Ephesians 2, John 5, John 10, and Matthew 12. Rather than directing Christians toward continual deliverance sessions, Scripture points believers to the finished work of Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit, biblical sanctification, and the gospel that truly delivers sinners from the domain of darkness. Dawn concludes by considering Acts 2 and the three thousand souls saved through the proclamation of the gospel, reminding Christians that true freedom is found in Jesus Christ. For more from Dawn Hill, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/dawn-hill/

Quote from JC Ryle: J. C. Ryle and J. C. Ryle, Matthew, Electronic edition, The Crossway Classic Commentaries (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Books, 1993), sec. Matthew 13:24-43.

True repentance must deal not only with sins against God, but also with trespasses against other people. From Luke 17, Matthew 18, and other scriptures, we learn that trespasses involve the harm, offense, injury, or dishonor we bring upon others, and that they cannot simply be ignored while claiming to be right with God. Forgiveness, restitution, humility, and reconciliation are necessary parts of walking in love, because love works no ill to its neighbor and seeks peace wherever possible. We, as believers, need to examine whether we have wronged others, seek forgiveness where needed, forgive those who have trespassed against us, and live as new creatures who fear God, love others, and stop walking carelessly over the lives of people around them.

In today's sermon, an ill-advised trip to the big city ends in a cascade of sin and a reminder of our own need for redemption.

Psalm 30 is a song of thanksgiving that teaches believers to direct their gratitude not toward blessings themselves, but toward God, the One who gives them. David praises God for rescuing him from the brink of death, likely during a serious illness, and acknowledges that only God could lift him from the pit. His personal deliverance becomes a testimony for the whole community, inviting God's people to worship together. The psalm highlights that while sorrow and weeping may last for a season, God's favor brings joy that ultimately overcomes suffering. The sermon connects this truth to Christ, whose resurrection secures lasting joy for all who trust in Him. The sermon's second half warns against self-reliance and pride. David recalls how prosperity led him to believe he was secure in his own strength, only to discover that everything he possessed depended entirely on God's grace. When God's favor seemed hidden, David was reminded of his dependence on the Lord. Yet in response to repentance and prayer, God transformed his mourning into dancing and clothed him with gladness. The sermon concludes by pointing to Jesus Christ as the greater fulfillment of Psalm 30. Unlike David, Christ conquered death permanently, ensuring that His people will one day experience everlasting joy without sorrow. Therefore, believers are called to continually thank, praise, and trust God in every season, knowing that in Christ, mourning is ultimately turned into eternal joy.

Stand For Health Freedom Faith Debate: Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 (08/09/26 on 930 WFMD in Frederick, Maryland) If you're a parent looking for answers about vaccines, you likely don't have time to read hundreds of pages, and you want clarity now. This series of episodes for The Faith Debate is presented to you for exactly that. Valerie Ferrell J.D. has co-authored the book, "The Vaccine Decision: Every Shot Has a Story" and its companion, "A Mother's Guide to the Vaccine Decision" - which is a visual, easy-to-use, guide that takes complex information and breaks it down into simple, side-by-side pages. Each illness and each vaccine is explained clearly in these resources, so that you can quickly understand what matters most. And this is what's shared with you now in this series of podcasts/radio shows. Designed for pregnancy and early parenthood, the aim is to help you feel more confident, informed, and prepared to make decisions for your children and for yourself. After a number of episodes featuring a presentation to an area church, we now shift to a direct panel discussion dialogue with Mrs. Ferrell. This is part 4 of a 5-part series. Find episodes of The Faith Debate at WFMD.com, ChristianPodcastCommunity.org, and most podcast platforms (including SermonAudio and Odysee). Videos are made available at many of these same places (as well as on Rumble). Find links for all of these platforms at householdoffaithinchrist.com. The Panelists: Troy Skinner. Founder, Household of Faith in Christ Valerie Ferrell. Associate Director & Policy Analyst, Stand For Health Freedom Dina Carole. "The Voice of Frederick"

1Co 11:17-34 ESV - But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged...

If a man came to your door promising to sell you an elixir that healed every illness, and yet, the whole time he was giving you his sales pitch he was coughing and hacking away, would you buy his product? Of course not. The evidence that his claims are false is right in front of you. You can see by the lack of health in his own life that his product is a sham. That situation is rather obvious to us all—and perhaps even a bit silly—but have you ever considered that this very principle is a major part of the reason that Christians are called to live holy lives? There is an inseparable relationship between the witness of the Christian and the holiness of the Christian. Our lives are meant to be living confirmations of the faith we profess to hold in our heart. Come join us this Lord's Day morning as we continue to learn from Paul's letter to Titus together.

The sermon contrasts the biblical mandate for Christian charity with the dangers of socialism and communism, using the story of four lepers in 2 Kings 7 as a model for selfless giving. It argues that political ideologies promoting wealth redistribution violate scriptural principles by encouraging greed and oppression rather than genuine compassion. The speaker warns against the collective mindset of taking from the righteous to support the wicked, citing Proverbs to highlight the trouble inherent in ill-gotten gain. By referencing the parables of the talents and the ten virgins, the message emphasizes personal responsibility, hard work, and stewardship over dependency on government systems. Ultimately, the text asserts that true faithfulness involves helping those in need while rejecting political movements that seek to dismantle liberty and individual accountability.

This sermon introduces the concept of biblical counseling by asserting that every believer is competent to counsel others based on the all-sufficiency of Scripture. Drawing primarily from Romans 15:14 and the work of Jay Adams, the message argues against secular psychology in favor of a worldview grounded entirely in God's word. The preacher emphasizes that while physical or medical issues may exist, they never serve as an excuse for sin, as believers remain responsible for their choices under God's sovereignty. By rejecting materialistic assumptions about mental illness, the teaching calls Christians to apply biblical truth directly to life's challenges and to equip one another for spiritual growth.

Para captar el contexto de los milagros de este capítulo, es necesario regresar a Genesis para entender la presencia de tantas enfermedades en este mundo.

Every Shot Has a Story Faith Debate: Sunday, July 26th, 2026 (08/02/26 on 930 WFMD in Frederick, Maryland) American kids receive more than 72 vaccine doses, including 37 doses by 18 months old. No other nation in the world follows a schedule this large or fast. Most parents haven't been told why the shots were added, what problems they were created to solve, or how they continue to influence health today. A book by Valerie Ferrell & Leah Wilson breaks open the history behind the entire childhood vaccine program. "The Vaccine Decision: Every Shot Has a Story" provides details (vaccine-by-vaccine & illness-by-illness) explaining when each shot was invented, what justification brought it onto the schedule, & why it remains there. The result is a clear, deeply researched narrative that helps parents understand not just the "what," but the "why." This edition of The Faith Debate features a part of Mrs. Ferrell's 90-minute presentation at Elk Neck Baptist Church in Cecil County, MD on March 24, 2026 – during which she outlines items that help folks navigate the medical morass as a biblically committed Christian. You can see the full uninterrupted video on the church's YouTube channel. This is part 3 of a 5-part series on The Faith Debate radio show & podcast. Find episodes of The Faith Debate at WFMD.com, ChristianPodcastCommunity.org, & most podcast platforms (including SermonAudio & Odysee). Videos are made available at many of these same places (plus on Rumble). Find links for all these platforms at householdoffaithinchrist.com. Panel: Troy Skinner. Founder, Household of Faith in Christ Valerie Ferrell. Associate Director & Policy Analyst, Stand For Health Freedom

(Thursday Bible Study) Psalm 106:32-43: "They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account, for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips. They did not destroy the peoples, as the LORD commanded them, but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did. They served their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds. Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity."

Isaiah 3:10-11 Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

This sermon examines James 5:13-18, emphasizing prayer as the primary Christian response to both suffering and joy. The preacher clarifies that while anointing with oil serves a symbolic role, the core instruction is for believers to call upon elders for intercessory prayer when facing illness or hardship. The text refutes the notion of a guaranteed formula for physical healing, asserting instead that prayer aligns believers with God's sovereign will rather than forcing His hand. Furthermore, the message connects physical restoration to spiritual forgiveness, highlighting Christ's victory over sin and death as the foundation for ultimate hope. The congregation is encouraged to maintain a lifestyle of worship through both sorrowful prayer and joyful praise, trusting in God's sustaining grace.

This sermon establishes a biblical theology of divine healing by examining the origins and causes of sickness and death. The preacher argues that while man's sin is the moral cause, God's holiness serves as the judicial cause for the general presence of suffering in the world. It emphasizes God's sovereignty over specific instances of illness, rejecting simplistic views that attribute all disease solely to demonic activity or lack of faith. The message warns against superficial theological assumptions and urges believers to accept the complexity of divine judgment and grace. Ultimately, it directs attention from physical restoration to the greater spiritual healing found in Christ.

1. Preserved on a Storm Driven Sea 2. Immune to the Serpent's Bite 3. Healing a Terminally Ill Sinner Scripture: Acts 27:9ff Psalters: 113C, 116C, 107D, 91C, 72G

Building your life on obedience to Jesus' words can be seen by everyone. The question is, "Is He worthy for us to build our lives upon?" Yes. He can give the grace to 1) see clearly enough to help another by removing the splinter from his eye without injuring the rest of him -- He helps us keep the log out of our own eyes; 2) be the kind of tree/branch that bears good fruit; 3) have good things grow in our heart so that what comes out of us is truly good and praiseworthy. (Luke 6:39-45) He also exhorts us to build our lives upon Him and His Word. He promises that if we do, our lives will be able to stand against judgements and tests from the world and to endure as a well-built life. He warns us that if we fail to build our lives upon Him and His Word, that our lives will surely suffer great collapse...if not in this life, for sure in the judgement to come (Luke 6:46-49). Then, again, we see that Jesus Is Greater than illness, distance, and physically visible presence (Luke 7:1-10). He is also greater than death. When He says "Arise," the one spoken to will surely arise (Luke 7:11-17).

What is the cause of all the ills and suffering we see in the world and in our nation? Is it the failure of public schools, the failure of government, bad parenting, or something else, something that stands behind all these things? Listen and find out.

A real life situation is addressed in our Proverb. It's not about some great spiritual truth but a simple matter that can have serious consequences if... you don't consider it well. https://bbfohio.com

Sunday, June 21, 2026 Morning Worship Service Rev. Tom Otremba

The sermon centers on the sovereign work of God in building His church, emphasizing that every spiritual advance is ultimately the Lord's doing, not human effort, as affirmed in Psalm 118 and Matthew 6. Through personal testimonies from a missionary family serving in Cambodia, the message highlights God's faithfulness amid cultural challenges, language barriers, and physical hardships, including illness and financial burdens, all while advancing evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. The preacher underscores the eternal priorities of God's kingdom, power, and glory, calling believers to humility, surrender, and unwavering trust in divine sovereignty, especially in the face of trials and opposition. The tone is deeply pastoral and reverent, blending gratitude with a sober call to remain faithful, knowing that only what is done for Christ will last, and that God's power is made perfect in weakness.

Scripture Text: John 4:46–54 (Legacy Standard Bible) Thematic Focus: Expository Preaching; Christology; The Nature of Saving Faith; Signs and Wonders. In this systematic exposition of John 4:46–54, we analyze the structural development of the Apostle John's narrative, specifically examining the strategic placement of the second sign at Cana of Galilee. John meticulously contrasts the deficient, sign-hungry consumerism of the Galileans with the exemplary, word-centered faith of the Samaritans observed earlier in the chapter. When an aristocratic royal official from Herod Antipas's court arrives in desperate supplication for his terminally ill son, our Lord delivers a corporate rebuke regarding the nature of sign- dependent unbelief: "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe." This sermon investigates how true, saving faith is systematically stripped of self-sufficiency and romanticism, leaving the believer with no alternative but absolute surrender to the authoritative declaration of Christ. By commanding the official to "Go; your son lives," Jesus demonstrates that His divine power transcends geographical boundaries and requires no physical proximity or ritual action. The subsequent chronological correlation between the precise hour of Christ's statement and the breaking of the fever highlights the absolute synchronization of Christ's word and cosmic reality. This exposition is tailored for believers and students of historical-grammatical interpretation, providing deep doctrinal insights into the growth of corporate household faith and the absolute sufficiency of the Scriptures.

Bosquejo del Sermón 06-14-2026 Predicador: Carlos Zapata Título: "La Vara De Medir De Un Discípulo De Cristo" Las Bienaventuranzas - Parte #2 Series: Evangelio Según San Mateo Texto Bíblico: San Mateo 5:8-12 I.-) Aquellos que somos seguidores de Cristo tenemos la responsabilidad de tener y mantener un corazón limpio... (San Mateo 5:8) Il.-) Aquellos que somos seguidores de Cristo somos llamados a ser agentes de paz... (San Mateo 5:9) Ill.-) Aquellos que seguimos a Cristo seremos perseguidos por vivir en bondad y justicia... (San Mateo 5:10) IV.-) Aquellos que seguimos a Cristo seremos perseguidos por la causa de Cristo... (San Mateo 5:11) V.-) Aquellos que seguimos a Cristo, podemos gozarnos y alegrarnos en la alegría que proviene de Dios... - (San Mateo 5:12) Verdad para Recordar: La Sangre del Señor nos limpia y capacita para poder ver v vivir en una aloriosa cercanía al Señor...

The passage from James 5 calls believers to respond to suffering and sickness with faith-filled prayer, emphasizing that the prayer of faith can lead to physical or spiritual healing, though not guaranteed in every case. While the text acknowledges that illness may sometimes result from sin—illustrated by Jesus' warning to the man at the pool of Siloam and David's confession in Psalm 38—it also affirms that not all suffering is due to personal sin. The central call is to confess sins to one another in the context of church community, not for ecclesiastical absolution, but for mutual prayer and spiritual healing, reflecting the intimate, accountable life of the body of Christ. James' instruction to pray for one another underscores the importance of authentic fellowship, trust, and intercession within the church, where believers support each other in both physical and spiritual struggles, grounded in the assurance of God's grace and discipline.

The sermon explores the enduring nature of hope for believers through the biblical account of Jairus and his daughter in Mark 5. It emphasizes that true faith requires trusting God's power even when circumstances appear impossible or hopeless. The preacher illustrates this by sharing personal experiences with serious illness, demonstrating that hope remains secure regardless of earthly outcomes. Key themes include the command to cease fearing and continue believing, as well as the assurance that God is never limited by human impossibility. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to bring their burdens directly to Jesus, confident in His ability to bring life and restoration.

This sermon explores the deep assurance of God's favor and ultimate victory in the midst of suffering, betrayal, and spiritual warfare. Centered on Psalm 41, particularly verse 11, it reflects on David's experience of illness, slander, and betrayal—echoed in Christ's own betrayal by Judas—and affirms that the enemy's final triumph is impossible. The message is grounded in the believer's identity in Christ, secured by sovereign grace, covenant faithfulness, and the redemptive work of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that God limits the enemy's reach, overrules evil for good, sustains His people in trial, and displays His grace most powerfully in weakness. Ultimately, it calls believers to rest in God's promises, knowing that the final shout of victory will be theirs, not the enemy's, through the finished work of Christ.

God's providential care for His people, especially those who are poor, sick, or suffering, shines through so many of the elements chosen for this morning's service. In the Call to Worship, we read that God "upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down" (Psalm 145:14). The hymn O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing declares that when the Lord speaks, He brings life, health, and peace to the "the humble poor," while O Lord Most High—Psalm 9 calls Him the "hope of the poor" and a "refuge strong for all oppressed." The Scripture reading from 2 Corinthians mentions the trials of the Macedonians' poverty (which nonetheless overflowed into generosity) and points out that Jesus, "though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). We echo these words later in the service in the Christmas hymn, Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor, singing that Christ "all for love's sake, becamest poor." Psalm 41, this morning's sermon text and closing hymn, opens with a commendation for the man who "considers the poor," and promises that the Lord will sustain David on his sickbed and "in his illness … restore him to full health" (Psalm 41:3). In light of this gracious care, how should we respond? Hymns like Comfort, Comfort Ye My People, To Our Redeemer's Glorious Name, and How Great Thou Art gives us an answer: since God has graciously lifted us out of our poverty, illness, and trouble, we should train our hearts to be "true and humble," to pay our "humble thanks" to Him, and to bow in "humble adoration" before His greatness. —Henry C. Haffner

The story of the Payson family is a captivating study in how profound spiritual light can emerge from the deepest valleys of human suffering. Dr. Edward Payson, famously remembered as "Praying Payson," was a towering figure of the Second Great Awakening whose legendary, agonizing intercessions literally wore grooves into his hardwood floors, yet he was constantly bedeviled by physical pain and overwhelming bouts of melancholy. This complex legacy of fierce devotion and raw vulnerability did not end with his early death; it was magnified in the lives of his two brilliant daughters. Louisa, a self-taught intellectual powerhouse, masterfully translated the silent longings of the soul into clear, resonant prose, while her sister Elizabeth—enduring a lifetime of devastating chronic illness and the tragic loss of her own children—penned the immortal hymn More Love to Thee, O Christ and the bestselling novel Stepping Heavenward. Together, this 19th-century family transformed their personal battlefields of grief, doubt, and physical frailty into an enduring literary and spiritual roadmap that continues to guide weary travelers home.

The message centers on the urgent call to embrace divine power and purpose in the last days, drawing from John 5:1–9 to illustrate how God's living water—symbolizing the Holy Spirit and the transformative Word—now flows from believers rather than waiting passively for sporadic miracles. It confronts the epidemic of despair, mental illness, and hopelessness in modern society with a passionate plea for the church to become a living testimony of God's healing, freedom, and resurrection power, rejecting passivity and embracing bold faith. The preacher emphasizes that God's presence is not confined to rare, external interventions but is actively stirring within believers, empowering them to speak with authority and life-giving power that breaks chains of addiction, depression, and despair. This spiritual awakening is not for personal gain but for the salvation and restoration of a generation, calling every believer to rise, take up their bed, and walk in the victory Christ has already secured. The tone is fervent, prophetic, and deeply pastoral, urging the church to stand as a mighty army, not in strength of its own, but in the overflowing power of Christ, where every word spoken in faith becomes a river of life that stirs the hearts of the broken and sets captives free.

The sermon, drawn from 1 Peter 1:3–12, presents a profound theological reflection on suffering as a divinely ordained means of refining faith and deepening trust in God's faithfulness. It emphasizes that believers are to find enduring joy not in the absence of trials, but in the certainty of their spiritual rebirth, secure heavenly inheritance, and God's ongoing protection through faith. The central message is that suffering, though painful, is not random or punitive, but a testing that reveals the genuineness of faith and ultimately results in praise, glory, and honor at Christ's return. Through the example of Amy Carmichael, whose life was marked by chronic illness and physical frailty yet yielded extraordinary fruit, the sermon illustrates how affliction, when embraced as a stewardship entrusted by God, becomes a vessel of divine purpose. The preacher calls the congregation to view trials through the lens of God's sovereign plan, trusting that He uses hardship—like a chisel—to shape character and deepen dependence on Christ, ultimately glorifying Him through faithful endurance.

The sermon centers on the profound tension between human understanding and divine purpose, using the story of Lazarus's illness and death to illustrate how God's delays and seemingly incomprehensible actions are rooted in His sovereign love and glory. Though Mary, Martha, and the disciples experience distress and confusion—especially when Jesus delays His arrival despite their urgent plea—Jesus reveals that the sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God, demonstrating that suffering, even in the form of death, serves a greater redemptive purpose. The passage emphasizes that Jesus, as the light of the world, walks in perfect alignment with the Father's will, making obedience and trust more vital than human safety or logic, even when the path leads into danger. The disciples' fear and Thomas's pessimistic loyalty contrast with the ultimate revelation of Jesus as the resurrection and the life, affirming that faith in His character, not in immediate answers, is the response God desires in times of uncertainty. Ultimately, the story calls believers to trust God's heart—His love, wisdom, and power—even when His plan remains hidden, for in such trust, the soul finds the sweetest assurance: that He is good, faithful, and worthy of all confidence.