Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "The Glory of Suffering"

Links:

 

Messages of Grace

(Past Recorded Sermons) 









Preaching: 
Dr. Bruce Bickel


 
This Sunday
January 10, 2016



Sermon Title:
"The Glory of Suffering"



Scripture:
1 Peter 4:12-19  
Picture of Pastor Tim
January 7, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
This Sunday, we welcome to the Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church pulpit our Teacher in Residence, Dr. Bruce Bickel. Many of us have enjoyed the privilege of hearing Bruce preach and teach for years and even decades. Some of us know him as the author of Christian books and articles, as well as a speaker at conferences and retreats. Perhaps best of all, Dr. Bickel is a friend to our church family and to its individual members.
 
Over the years, Bruce has faced adversity, trials, and suffering, even as have others among us. Through these challenges, God works in the lives of His people who offer themselves to Christ. In fact, some of the most intense trouble arises when we face opposition precisely because we identify ourselves with Jesus. Outright persecution even comes to some Christ-followers. In the midst of such situations, Christians can experience blessings as the Spirit of God's glory rests upon them. Yes, there even can be glory in our suffering for His sake.
 
Dr. Bickel's text for Sunday is taken from 1 Peter 4:12-19, which we provide here to be read, reread, pondered, and even prayed through. Set aside time to explore this rich text before coming to worship when Bruce will preach.
 
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
 
            "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
            what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
 
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
 
As you anticipate God's Word preached by Dr. Bickel on Sunday, please pray that God's Spirit will inspire Bruce as he prepares the sermon. When the Spirit of God works through the Word of God proclaimed, lives are changed. We want that at MLEPC every single Sunday!
 
Let me finally mention that we know some of us cannot come to Sunday worship. If so, please plan to listen to the sermon which will be available on-line at the address, hiswordpreached.blogspot.com. Sermons usually are posted on Monday or Tuesday of the following week. An extensive archive of past messages also is available at this website. Please take advantage of this resource, and grow in your faith in Jesus Christ.
 
Pastor Tim
 
 ++++

Having Trouble Viewing the Clip Art?

 

If you are having trouble viewing the clip art on this Pastoral E-Letter, please go to the top of the page and click where it reads "Click Here." If you have Outlook, please right click in the image block and "download pictures."