Glorious Distress

Justin Turney

Thy Kingdom Come • Sermon • Submitted a year ago • Presented a year ago

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We've all asked the question "Why God?" We all face hardships that we don't always understand. In the midst of our chaos and distress God is still glorious and most often displays His glory through us, especially as we remain obedient and faithful to Him in the turmoil.

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Transcript

INTRO

Have you ever asked the question “Why God?”

If you have come to accept the truth that God exists, then you’ve definitely asked that question.

We generally ask that question in times of stress and uncertainty…in times of trouble and distress.

One of the great truths is that God is greater than any distress that we face.

While we may not understand or know the answer to “why?” we certainly can see and be encouraged that God is intentional and has a plan and that He cannot be thwarted by broken people living in a broken world!

In fact, often times when look back at times of distress, we can see God’s glory on display in ways that we didn’t realize at the time, but we are grateful for now.

Acts 11:19–30 ESV

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

1) Distress is a Guarantee in Life!

Broken People (v.19)

Broken Creation (v.28)

2) God is Aware and Works Through Distress!

Hand of the Lord was with them (v.21)

God alerts His people through His servant Agabus (v.28)

3) Christians Grow and Shine in Times of Distress!

A great number turn to the Lord (v.21)

First called Christians at Antioch (v.26)

Compassion relief ministry initiated (v.29-30)

CLOSING

WHAT DISTRESS IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE?

HOW ARE YOU SEEKING TO KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD AND BE OBEDIENT TO HIM IN YOUR DISTRESS?

HOW CAN YOU BE A LIGHT FOR OTHERS TO SEE GOD AT WORK AND COME TO KNOW HIM IN YOUR TIME OF DISTRESS?

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