Transformation Through Suffering

1. Welcome to our GF service (9am sanctuary)

About us -

2. Introduction to Good Friday

Why is Good Friday referred to as “good”?

What the Jewish authorities and Romans did to Jesus was not good. However, the results of Christ’s death are very good!  That’s why we can read in the Bible:

Romans 5:8

, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

3. Invocation - creating sacred space

Music - no musicians, introduce Bruce Rider

4. The Old Rugged Cross

5. Prayer -

cross as an intercession, on our behalf; how can we intercede; how can others intercede for you?

6. Thief

7. Sermon - suffering is everywhere - can we see any of it as a gift?

a. associate the cross w/ salvation, love, sacrifice...suffering?

b. are you suffering? look to the cross: suffering that was unexpected; unexplainable, but was a gift.

1. we suffer - how can this be a gift?

2. others suffer more - how can this be a gift?

3. Christ suffered - how was this a gift?

on the cross we see suffering: unexpected; unexplainable; gift?

1. We suffer: boredom; isolation; frustration; depression; turn to outlets; unexpected, unexplainable, how is suffering a gift? move to prayer or to TV? self pity or other centered? a powerful teacher (move us to prayer, bring us back); give us time; direction

2. others suffer more: homeless; jobless; jobless; others more vulnerable - essential workers [especially health care worker] how can I say to them: your suffering is a gift? You are that gift!

3. Christ suffered - bloody, humiliating, slow, agonizing; horrifying death; how was this a gift? for you; give value to low esteem; give relationship for isolated; give healing for those in pain

Suffering can be Unexpected, unexplainable, unwelcome; the cross shows us that suffering can be a gift

8. Prayer

9. Song