Suffering: A Path To Revival | Pastor Charles Philip | NLF Dubai

Summary

The transcript is a heartfelt sermon that delves into the topic of suffering, drawing on biblical stories and personal anecdotes to explore the purpose and meaning of pain in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of faith and divine intervention, particularly in the face of adversity, and encourages believers to find comfort and hope in God's plan. The message underscores the idea that suffering can lead to spiritual growth, character development, and ultimately, revival, as individuals draw closer to God through their trials.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The importance of prayer, particularly for Pastor Phillip who is undergoing treatments and needs divine intervention for healing.
• 🤗 Praying for wisdom for doctors and comfort for families during challenging times, like Pastor Phillip's health situation.
• 🛖 The biblical story of the Tabernacle and the roles of the Levites in protecting and serving it, highlighting the importance of following God's instructions.
• 📜 The restrictions placed on the Kohathites, a tribe of Levites, from touching or looking at the holy items, teaching lessons about obedience and reverence.
• 😔 The theological question of suffering, as explored through the story of the Kohathites and other biblical examples, seeking to understand why suffering exists in the world.
• 🌍 The impact of global events such as pandemics, wars, and economic crises on people's faith and mental health, and the importance of finding meaning in suffering.
• 🤔 The theological debate about the nature of God and the existence of evil, with the emphasis on free will and the choices of human beings.
• 🕊️ CS Lewis's perspective on pain as God's megaphone, suggesting that suffering has a purpose in getting our attention and leading us closer to God.
• 💪 The call to glory in suffering, as it can lead to perseverance, character, and hope, aligning with biblical teachings in Romans and 1 Peter.
• 🙌 The encouragement to commit oneself to God during suffering, finding comfort and strength in the belief of a loving and supportive Creator.
• 🎶 The power of hymns and songs like 'It Is Well with My Soul' to provide solace and reassurance during times of hardship and suffering.

Q & A

What is the main prayer request for Pastor Phillip?

The main prayer request for Pastor Phillip is for divine intervention during his treatments, asking for the treatment to be effective for his healing, and for wisdom for the doctors involved in his care.

What is the significance of the Levites surrounding the Tabernacle in the context of the sermon?

The Levites surrounding the Tabernacle symbolize the protection and sanctity of the holy place. It also represents the different roles and responsibilities assigned to the various groups of Levites, such as the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, in serving and maintaining the Tabernacle.

What was the specific service assigned to the sons of Kohath in Numbers Chapter 4?

The sons of Kohath were assigned the service of carrying and covering the holy items of the Tabernacle with skins when the camp was preparing to journey.

Why were the Kohathites not given any carts and oxen like the other Levite groups?

The Kohathites were not given any carts and oxen because their service involved carrying the holy items on their shoulders, and they were not allowed to touch or look at the holy items even after they were covered.

What is the theological perspective on suffering as discussed in the sermon?

The theological perspective on suffering discussed in the sermon is that suffering is a path to revival and a means for God to get our attention. It is not always a punishment for sin but can be a way for God to refine and transform us.

How does CS Lewis define the purpose of pain in our lives?

CS Lewis defines pain as a megaphone of God, suggesting that pain is a way for God to shout and get our attention when we might not hear His whispers in our pleasures or His speaking in our conscience.

What is the ultimate purpose of life according to the sermon?

The ultimate purpose of life, according to the sermon, is to fulfill the divine plan and will of God, even in the midst of suffering and pain, by committing ourselves to God's sovereign hand and trusting in His perfect timing and purpose.

What does the Bible say about God's relationship with us during our suffering?

The Bible says that God is near to the brokenhearted and contrite in spirit, indicating that He understands our pain and is present with us in our suffering, offering comfort and support.

How does the story of the woman whose daughter was born with congenital insensitivity to pain illustrate the concept of suffering?

The story illustrates the concept of suffering by showing the mother's desperate prayer for her daughter to feel pain, which is a natural and necessary part of life. It highlights the idea that suffering, while difficult, can be essential for our growth and development.

What is the message conveyed by the hymn 'It Is Well with My Soul'?

The message conveyed by the hymn 'It Is Well with My Soul' is one of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the author's personal losses and suffering, he professes a deep trust in God's love and sovereignty, affirming that all is well with his soul because of Christ's sacrifice and God's faithfulness.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Prayers for Pastor Phillip and Others

The paragraph begins with a call for prayer for Pastor Phillip, who is undergoing treatments. The speaker asks the congregation to pray for his healing, for wisdom for the doctors, and for comfort for his family. The prayer emphasizes gratitude, faith in divine intervention, and the belief in the power of prayer to effect miracles. The speaker also encourages prayer for other individuals, including Suja, and reflects on the importance of community support during challenging times.

05:08

🏛️ The Tabernacle and the Levites

This section discusses the biblical story of the Tabernacle's construction as directed by the Lord to Moses, highlighting the role of the Levites in its protection and maintenance. The speaker delves into the specific duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, as well as the 12 tribes of Israel. A detailed account of the responsibilities of the Kohathites, particularly their service related to the most holy items, is provided, emphasizing the importance of following divine instructions and the consequences of disobedience.

10:15

🤔 Reflecting on Suffering and Life's Purpose

The speaker transitions to a theological examination of suffering, questioning why God allows it and how it fits into the ultimate purpose of life. Drawing from personal reflections and global events, the speaker explores different religious interpretations of suffering and encourages the audience to consider suffering as a path to revival. The narrative includes a personal anecdote about a lady whose daughter suffers from a rare disease, illustrating the profound impact of suffering on individuals and their families.

15:37

🌟 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth

The speaker continues the theological discussion on suffering, using the story of the Israelites and their experiences with the Ark of the Covenant as an allegory. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience and reverence for the divine, even in the face of adversity. The narrative also touches on the concept of free will and its role in the introduction of evil and suffering into the world, suggesting that suffering can serve as a test of faith and a means for spiritual growth.

20:42

🕊️ God's Comfort in Suffering

The speaker shares a deeply personal account of a fellow pastor's struggles, illustrating the transformative power of suffering and the presence of God's comfort. Despite facing numerous trials, including false accusations and the loss of a son, the pastor found solace and purpose in his faith. The speaker encourages the congregation to find hope and healing in their suffering, drawing strength from the belief that God is always present and that suffering can lead to spiritual revival and deeper connection with Christ.

25:45

🎶 Embracing Suffering through Faith

The speaker concludes with a powerful message on embracing suffering with faith, using the hymn 'It Is Well with My Soul' as a symbol of hope and resilience. The speaker recounts the story of Horatio Spafford, the composer of the hymn, and his own trials, including the loss of his children and fortune. The message emphasizes the importance of gratitude, even in the midst of hardship, and the belief that all things can work together for good for those who love God. The speaker invites the congregation to commit their suffering to God, trusting in His plan and His comfort.

Keywords

💡Divine Intervention

Divine intervention refers to the belief that a higher power, often God, directly influences events or situations in the world. In the context of the video, the congregation is praying for Pastor Phillip's healing, asking for divine intervention to make the treatment effective and for the doctors to be granted wisdom.

💡Tabernacle

The Tabernacle, as mentioned in the video, refers to the portable sanctuary built by Moses in the wilderness, as described in the Bible. It symbolizes the presence of God among the Israelites and is a central place for worship and sacrificial offerings.

💡Levites

Levites are members of the Jewish tribe of Levi, who were assigned religious duties in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. In the video, the speaker talks about the different tasks assigned to the Levites, such as the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, and their roles in carrying and covering the Tabernacle and its sacred items.

💡Suffering

Suffering is the experience of physical or mental pain, distress, or hardship. In the video, the concept of suffering is explored theologically, discussing why suffering exists and how it can lead to spiritual growth and revival.

💡Free Will

Free will is the ability to make choices that are genuinely one's own. In the context of the video, free will is discussed as a gift from God to human beings and other creatures, which allows them to choose between good and evil, thus introducing the possibility of evil into the world.

💡Theology of Suffering

The theology of suffering is a branch of religious study that seeks to understand the existence and purpose of suffering from a theological perspective. In the video, the speaker explores biblical explanations for suffering, including the role of sin, the allowance of suffering for a greater good, and the idea that suffering can lead to spiritual growth.

💡Revival

Revival refers to a renewed interest or increase in religious activity or spirituality. In the video, the speaker suggests that suffering can be a path to revival, leading individuals to a deeper relationship with God and a transformation of their lives.

💡Comfort

Comfort, in the context of the video, refers to the solace and support provided by God in times of suffering. It is the reassurance that God understands and cares for those who are going through hardship, offering them peace and hope.

💡Commitment to God

Commitment to God involves dedicating oneself to the will and ways of God, trusting in His plan even in times of suffering. The video emphasizes the importance of committing oneself to God during trials, as this can lead to spiritual growth and understanding of God's purposes.

💡Transformation

Transformation in the video refers to the process of change or development, especially in a positive or spiritual sense. It is the idea that suffering can lead to a change in one's character or situation for the better, aligning with God's greater purpose.

💡God's Love

God's love, as discussed in the video, is the unconditional and everlasting affection that God has for His creation. It is a central theme in Christianity, emphasizing that God's love persists regardless of human imperfections or circumstances.

Highlights

The prayer for Pastor Phillip undergoing treatments, seeking divine intervention for his healing.

The importance of praying for wisdom for doctors and for the treatment to be effective.

The story of the Levites and their roles in protecting and serving the Tabernacle, illustrating the importance of different roles in a community.

The detailed explanation of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, and their specific duties.

The discussion on the fairness of God's distribution of tasks and blessings among the Levites, leading to a deeper understanding of divine justice.

The exploration of the purpose of suffering in life, drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings.

The theological perspective on suffering, including the quotes from C.S. Lewis on the role of pain as God's megaphone.

The five points explaining the origin of evil and suffering, based on the theological reasoning of Augustine.

The encouragement to glory in suffering, as it produces perseverance, character, and hope.

The call to commit one's soul to God during suffering, as exemplified by Jesus' own commitment to His Father's will.

The testimony of Pastor Babu George, sharing his personal sufferings and how they led to a deeper trust in God's love.

The powerful statement that suffering allows us to identify ourselves with Christ, drawing comfort from God's presence.

The story and significance of the hymn 'It Is Well with My Soul,' written by Horatio Spafford after personal tragedies.

The benediction, emphasizing the love, grace, and comfort of God in Jesus' name.

Transcripts

uh before we go into the word um can we also pray  for pastor Phillip who is at this point of time  

um you know undergoing different treatments  and all so can we all just close our eyes and  

ask the Lord for his divine intervention let's  pray that this treatment would be so effective  

that he will be healed the doctors who are  undergoing or who are doing this that the  

Lord would give them wisdom and let's pray  for suja for Comfort let's pray that Lord  

would give her courage and let's pray for  the family that the Lord would give them

peace Father we just want to thank you  for pastor Phillip we pray this time as  

a church we pray for healing Lord there is  nothing impossible by you and we pray God  

that you may send your word that you may heal  him oh Father Lord we pray for comfort in his  

family we pray also for wisdom for doctors  and Lord that this treatment would be so  

effective in his body that this itself would be  a miracle and we claim we declare healing in the  

matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus  Christ thank you for listening to our prayer  

Jesus name we pray amen when you're praying  for pastor philli as he um as he's undergoing  

this treatment and U he is strong um yet let's  pray that Lord would uh heal him completely all

right I'm just taking this um subject on the

[Music] Tabernacle and um I came  across something which was very  

different and in numbers he uh we  see the Lord told Moses to build  

the Tabernacle the pattern he showed  him and different things that he was

going and um I gave you the picture of how the  Levites were surrounding the Tabernacle from  

all angles right and there are three types of  Levites the the kohathites the gershonites and  

the mearis all covering the Tabernacle from  all sides and behind them were the tribes uh  

the 12 tribes of isra Israel so so I was just  reading through reading through and the Lord  

then I came to this passage of Numbers  Chapter 4 where you know God is telling  

Moses to take the senses of the sons of kohad  that is the Levites but is asking to take the  

census of goat and and ask asking him that  anybody who is 30 and above to the 50 year  

30 to 50 they all should come and serve or  service uh or work in the Tabernacle of the

meeting

so and then so I was like wow this is so nice  that they are you know doing and as I was reading

verse Numbers Chapter 4

verse4 God is saying this is the service of  the sons of goat in the Tabernacle of meeting  

relating to the most holy things verse 5  when the camp is preparing to Journey Aon  

and his sons they will do the covering all the  things and they will cover it with skins where  

six says they will cover it with skins and all  and verse 15 says that when Aaron and his sons  

have finished the covering and when the camp  is set to go then the sons of Kat shall come  

and carry them right but they should carry them  but there is so many restrictions there number

one they cannot touch any of the Holy items  they cannot touch them if they touch they will

die to the point numbers 4:15 say that they  cannot even not 15 numbers 420 says that they  

cannot even look at the holy things when  they are um they have been covered okay  

the Koh they supposed to carry but they  cannot touch them they cannot look at  

how they are doing it so I was just thinking  in myself like this is crazy till I came to  

chapter 7 of the same numbers chapter 7 and  Moses have finished the Tabernacle and he's

going and I came across this very powerful

verse five no verse um three says the the  people they brought their offering before  

the Lord all you know six covered carts  12 oxen and a cart for every two of the  

leaders and for each one an ox they brought  all the people brought them and verse four  

um the Lord spoke to Moses saying that  verse 4 and 5 except these gifts from  

the people so verse six says that so Moses  took the carts and The Oxen and gave them to  

the Levites okay so who are the Levites  here the kites the kohathites and the

mearis verse 7 says two carts and four oxen he  gave to the gites so how many carts he gave to  

the gites two carts and how many oxen four oxen  and verse eight says that he gave four cards and  

eight oxen to mearis okay the Levites who are the  mearis four cards and eight oxen to the Maris now  

verse n something which is not fair look at  this but to the sons of kohat he gave them

nothing because there was the service of  the Holy things which they have to carry on

there and I was asking this question this is not  fair not fair God you gave to just imagine the  

situation of kites they will be thinking you  gave to this gites I am the oldest you gave  

to the gites so many carts and so many oxin  and whatever it is you gave to the marari so  

many carts so that they can do it but as for  us for kites we cannot see at the holy thing  

we cannot watch how they are doing it we cannot  touch them and to the point that we cannot even

have the privilege of having something  to transport they have to carry on their

shoulders the question arises is it fair why would  God do this why would God allow this kites to

carry and that led me to this uh as I  was reading that led me to the this thing

of what is the ultimate purpose of life life that  we are in you know this past few years we have all  

suffered right from Global pandemic to horrific  war overseas the unrest in different parts of the  

world out of control inflation economy being  deflating and this has driven many people to  

stress and um depression many have lost their  faith many have gone wild and this suffering is  

interpreted by different religions in different  way okay for example what does the Bible says  

what is the Theology of suffering how can we see  suffering in the context of what all these people  

are saying and sometimes we get carried away by  some of this suffering and that's the reason I  

thought you know let me just work this out and  and make this title as suffering the path of

Revival if you have been suffering unduly if  you have been facing Injustice or you have been  

cornered if you have been spoke about wrongly if  you have been framed or you have being the victim  

of abuse use and then you ask this question Lord  it is not fair this led me to this you know as I  

was reading a book a you know the doctors may  know there was a lady this lady had a daughter  

she was born with a rare congenital disease  called cipa maybe the doctors the nurses they  

may understand this it's called cipa pital  incense sensitivity to pain and anhidrosis  

okay this is what this thing is this is like you  know this happens to very few in the human history  

okay this has stricken to very few people what  what what is this disease the body simply does  

not feel pain that's it the disease is the body  does not feel pain what is the danger the girl  

could step on a rusty nail and she will not  even feel that she has done that or maybe she  

would actually Place her hand on a burning stove  and does not even feel that her flesh is melting  

this is a physical malady of a deadly proportion  and this came in the papers and the prayer of the  

mother of this daughter you know what was  the prayer please let my daughter feel the

pain please let my daughter feel the

pain certain times we think that you know why  why this is this [Music] kmat is it karma or  

is it the Divine bending you to submitting  to the Divine what is the ultimate purpose  

of this pain and suffering in this world what  does the Bible say when we are undergoing pain  

and suffering some of the people when Jesus came  into this face of the Earth the Pharisees and the  

Sadducees asked if he is God let him come down  from the cross that's the world's reasoning of  

giving an answer to the suffering and pain if  he is God he cannot die that's a questions that  

we all we all ask and when we especially in this  world these questions have been an asked we have  

been ask this questions how can your God die  how is it possible that God can die or how is  

it possible they take the Bible and they say  you know your Bible says that you know Jesus  

okay they ask this question like this Jesus Is  God right we say yes okay so your God sleeps we  

say because Old Testament says your God never  sleeps no no Slumber wait let me show you in  

your Bible that Jesus is sleeping how can your God  sleep and then they say you know what God is the  

provider of all food and things of this world  but your God Jesus it is written that he was

hungry and to the point that he was even eating  

food he was eating fish your  Jesus liked fish did he know

that amazing questions and then  we have no answers to all this

things so what is the ultimate purpose of  life what is the purpose of this pain like  

the kites they might have you know yes some of the  kites definitely did something in if you come to  

Numbers Chapter 10 one coite rebelled against  Moses and uh many people they interpret saying  

that you know because they rebelled against Moses  and his leadership that's the reason God punished  

them actually speaking it was more than that it  was that you know they were completely standing  

against the instructions which the Lord has  given to them so it was not that you know  

because I have heard a lot of time you know  um these people were standing against Moses  

and his leadership God punished them and killed  them and no no no it is more than that it is if  

you read those passages you will know that  you know it was taking God casually that was

the

you're not supposed to even touch them you're not  supposed to take it casually you're supposed to  

carry it on your shoulders even after knowing  this is the role that not this was not placed  

by Moses this was placed by God himself even after  knowing that this is what it is they still chose  

and they ask this question why only Moses can  do this sacrifice we can also do it and that's  

the Rebellion which God punished it was not that  you know he was standing against the leadership  

of Moses he was standing against the man of God  well you can take it in a different way but more  

than that it is taking God casually let's be very  careful if God is saying something if we take it  

as common then we invite the of God in us and just  imagine this kohathites have to go through this  

and they have to just carry they don't know the  entire life they don't know what's what they're  

carrying it and the story of this girl okay the  mother is crying this prayer she's telling these  

doctors please do something my daughter should  have pain any mothers who will cry that prayer  

no why suffering and I just want to you know bring  what um uh CS Lewis said on the problem of pain um  

this is this is the theology I just want to I will  go a little deeper a little um you know it'll be a  

little tough but then just follow me I'll connect  it when Souls become Wicked they will certainly  

use this possibility to hurt one another right  to hurt one another and this perhaps accounts  

for four fifths of the sufferings of men all  the sufferings in that 80% of the sufferings  

is because one person feels the other person and  they hurt the other person okay it is men not God  

who had produced racks whips prisons slavery  guns bayonets bombs It Is by human avarice  

or human stupidity not by the churlishness of  the nature that we have suffering if you have  

asked this question why suffering in it is our own  foolishness it is our own sin it is an isia which  

says is it not that your sin that have separated  you from the holy God it is not because you know  

of the way that nature is it is not something  and then he goes on to the next he explains  

CS Lew he's saying this if you can put the next  slide he's saying about pain he defines pain as  

a megaphone of God all those people who are going  through suffering and pain this is encouragement  

for you CS Lewis defines by the way this person  called CS Lewis is one of the greatest Theologian  

in the 18th century maybe before that and when  we used to go to the when we were going to the  

library in the Bible colleges the name itself will  give us headache and some of us used to say Lord  

why did you create this man and to the point we  also say God thank you for creating this man but  

why did he have to write all these books because  he had no job that we young people p innocent we  

have to go through whatever he said and do a  report and write a assignment so this is this  

this man of God okay he says God Whispers to us  in our Pleasures he speaks in our conscience but  

shouts in our pain it is his megaphone to Rouse a  deaf World God did not create pain but God allows  

pain so that he can get your attention if you  have been going through suffering one of the  

interpretation which job's friends gave to job  of his why he was going through suffering was  

that he has done some sins and that's the reason  why you are suffering well that's not the full  

Theology of the word of God if you see what the  Bible says it is something different Bible says  

God gets our attention and it is in pain that God  speaks the most and if you are here suffering let  

me just give you one words Bible says God is  near to the broken and the contrite in spirit  

turn to your neighbor and say I am suffering  because God is with me at this point of

time don't worry if you are suffering  and if you going through pain we all go  

through pain we all go through some  of the tough situations of our life  

but this is God's way of telling you that  my child I love you and if you are going  

through the pain that I'm talking about  thank the Lord because he will get you

through he will not label you as the people  labeled you he will not frame you as a person  

this guy good for nothing no this guy can do  nothing if you are going through this pain  

Bible says he is near to the Brokenhearted  and if this is the if this word is true and  

if I'm speaking with the same Authority  rested upon me let me just tell you for  

all those people at this point of time  going through pain and you are thinking  

nobody understands you my God understands  you better than anyone else in this whole

world so why suffering why is suffering in this  whole world okay so this is I just you know read  

the entire um the Systematic Theology one of  the passage of um man and suffering and pain  

in Systematic Theology and this is the summary  of how it is look at this why suffering if if  

God is a creator of all and he cannot create  evil then why then does evil find its origin  

why is evil there in this whole world and  this was Austine who gave Five Points not  

the theology it is the other one yes if  God is good then then why then is evil  

in this whole world look at this God is per  absolute this is the summary okay there is  

a whole lot of like 100 pages to read it  this is just a summary number one I want  

you to understand God is absolutely perfect  turn to your neighbor and say he's absolutely

perfect number two God created only perfect  things okay he created only perfect things  

because if God is good he cannot create  something bad if you think that you're not  

beautiful or if you're not handsome if you're  not tall if you're not you know wellb built  

or if you're not handsome like Pastor you  know know this fact that God cannot make a

mistake because Bible says you have been  wonderfully made and that thought is so  

mystery nobody can understand that  now every time we say turn to your  

neighbor this time don't turn to  your neighbor say this I am made by

God I said tell

yourself yes God only creates perfect things  that means you are perfect in the sight of in  

the sight of God God you're perfect in the sight  of God you may be tall you may be short you may  

be dark you may be fair you may be brownish  or bsh or whatever it is you may be healthy  

you may be slim God made you exactly the way  you are you may be going through some of the  

challenges physically you may not have some  of the organs or you may have like you know  

some of the way maybe your eyes is looking  that side or maybe your tongue is like you  

know your voice is not that great and when  you speak it's like you know I had a friend  

he was so wellb built you know 6 feet gym  and you talk to him hello brother how are

you that itself will know put him down this entire  six feet with but that's how God created him I  

did not create him his parents did not create him  God created him and God has a purpose so God only  

creates perfect things number three one of the  Perfections God gave some beings was the power  

of free choice that means in this free choice  God doesn't interfere it is the choice of you  

some of you ask this question if God knew that  Eve would actually take and eat the fruit from  

the garden that that forbidden frood why would  God keep that tree there you know why because  

in his perfection in his Perfection he made a  perfect being and he gave them this free choice  

to choose whether or not to take it or not so  in his Perfections God gave some beings with  

the power of free choice number four some of  these creatures freely choose to do evil now  

when God created perfect being we are prone to  do evil God did not make us prone not to do evil  

God made us free gave us free choice that means  everybody is free to do whatever they will and  

some of the creatures choose to freely choose  to do evil and the last thing therefore perfect  

creature caused what evil how did Evil come  into this world that's how it is I I I said  

this once if God had to eradicate all evil from  this planet somebody asked God you know Pastor  

God we we can just pray that God will kill all  the evil people of this world and keep all the  

good people of this world right children we  ask this question right and when you grew up  

you also ask this question many times if you  know God could eradicate all these bad people  

and all the good people if God had to eradicate  all people evil people from this planet he would  

have to eradicate all evil men right if he have  to eradicate all evil men where would he start  

according to the word of God where would he start  he would start with you and me because Bible says  

in Romans chapter 3:23 that all have sinned and  have fallen short of the glory of God you may be  

living in an environment where you may be feeling  good about yourself or you may be thinking that  

I'm better than the other person or the other  person is suffering because he has sinned but  

let me just tell you if God had to eradicate all  men if that was the retribution principle that's  

what we say it if the retribution principle was  something that was true then he would have been  

have to start with you and me but you know what  does the go what what what does he want he wants  

all men to be saved than to actually God would  rather transform the evil when than to eradicate  

them he's not man that you know he gets ah I  just want to kill them off now he would rather  

transform them than to you know what is the joy  of Heaven I I have mentioned it many times here  

the joy of Heaven I want to think it very deep  okay Joy Of Heaven is Stephen and Paul sitting

together think about it that's the grace of God  now you asking what is Pastor what is stepan and  

Paul okay for the benefit of those who are very  good in the Bible who are not reading the Bible  

though Stephen was stoned because Paul agreed and  Paul gave his thing because he was following Jesus  

and that's the beauty of Heaven that Paul and  stepen sitting together there is one quote and  

if you can put that last quot about go next yes  on the next one yes none are ruined by the justice  

of God but those that hate to be reformed by the  grace of God God none are ruined by the justice  

of God you may be thinking you know oh something  I'll happen if I do this no no don't worry God  

will as the previous slide said there is there  is you can put the previous slide yes there is  

no wisdom before that there is no human wreckage  lying in the Ooze of the deepest sea of iniquity  

that God's deep love cannot redeem and reach if  you ever think that you know your sin have been  

so deep let me just make it a showed to you at  this point of time his love will still reach  

you maybe you are in the depth of the ocean  where nobody is seeing you he will but the  

problem is the next one the next slide no no the  the quote that we Matt and re this the problem  

is we are not ruined by the justice of God but  those who hate to be reformed even after after  

warnings after warnings after warnings we hate  and that's thing and that's happened to What  

Judas it happened right let's I gave you the the  Theology of how evil had its origin and let me  

give you this Theology of suffering this is what  the Bible says okay this is what the Bible says  

the theologist number one is sin and suffering  entered the world through our Rebellion I just  

run it through number two God allows suffering  for a greater good you know the story of Joseph  

what happened to Joseph was he was a good guy had  a good dream spoke to his brothers his brothers  

felt jealous of him and you know the story he was  put in the dungeon he was sold as a slave he was  

put in the Pier's wife's uh care sorry Po's home  his wife was uh took under advantage of him he  

was put in the prison and just imagine all this  bad thing happened to him you know why because  

God had a purpose for him and his purpose was  to make him the prime minister of that land and  

his purpose was not just to make him the prime  minister of that land it was to feed his own  

people and that's the purpose of suffering that  God allows suffering for the greater good that's  

a reason why Romans chapter 8 vers 28 says and I  want all of you to say with me Romans chapter 8:  

28 it says like this therefore 828 8:28 and we  know that all things work together for good of  

those who are called according to the purpose of  God tell yourself this I am called by the purpose  

of God so if you're called by the purpose of God  all your pain all your suffering will turn out  

to be good you know why because God is with you  number four what should we do when you when you  

glory what what you should do when you are going  through suffering Paul says this in Romans chapter  

5 and that's number three point one should glory  in the suffering I don't know how many of us can  

glory in the suffering it is so difficult I know  as a pastor it is difficult for me to glory in  

this suffering you know I will be praying Lord  I cast The Suffering in the name of get get out  

of my house get out of my house in the morning  you pray this prayer you know that that's how  

we we all don't we don't want suffering because  suffering is bad but Paul is saying in Romans chap  

5:3 to5 we should glory in the suffering why if  you can take that passage Romans chapter 3 uh 5:3  

to 5 not only that that we should glory in our  suffering knowing that suffering produces what  

perseverance and perseverance character and  character hope and hope does not dis a point  

because love of God has poured out in our hearts  by the Holy Spirit who has given to us there is  

a purpose of this suffering and the suffering you  may not understand that purpose you may don't you  

may not even know why you are going through this  but you have a purpose and God will make it for  

good and at the end it will be for the glory  of God number four Peter says this okay this  

was Paul who said this glory in the suffering you  know what Peter says he's saying one should commit  

to God in suffering when you are going through  suffering don't just blubber and you know murmur  

and you know complain and then you know Grumble  and you know make yourself I'm not telling I I  

myself I'm like that saying one should commit  to God in suffering if you can take 1 Peter 2:  

19 Peter is saying this beautiful statement what  1 Peter chap 2: 19 for this is commendable because  

of conscience towards God one endures grief and  suffering wrongfully 20 what credit it is when  

you are beaten for your faults and you take it  patiently but when you do good and suffer you take  

it patiently it this is commendable before God now  you can put 1 Peter chapter 4 ver 19 1 Peter 4:  

19 therefore let those who suffer according to  the will of God what you have to do commit your  

souls to God for doing good to a faithful Creator  I want you to turn your attention to Mark chapter  

10 and I will explain to you how Jesus endured  how Jesus committed his soul to the faithful  

father look at this Mar Mark chapter 10 verse  32 okay these are words that now they were on  

the road they means Jesus and the disciples they  are going to Jerusalem and Jesus was going before  

them and the word says that they were amazed  and they were following they were afraid why  

were the disciples amazed why was why were they  afraid you know why because Jesus had told them  

what that he's going to be killed and to suffer  and to be now before this passage Mark chapter 8  

Mark chapter 9 and Mark chapter 10 three places  Jesus have mentioned almost like five times if  

you can give the predictions of Jesus five times  he already predicted okay five times he already  

told his disciples this is what is going to  happen look at the five prediction number one  

at Peter's confession in Mark 8:31 Jesus said  the son of manine is going to be betrayed next  

after the Transfiguration Jesus said he's going  to be betrayed after the healing of the epileptic  

which is not there in the mark but Luke says that  while passing through Galilee he said in Mark 9:31  

and then near Jerusalem this passage he again he  is telling you know look at verse 29 onwards you  

know that he's going to be betrayed knowing that  he's going to suffer knowing that he's going to  

be betrayed knowing that his own friend is going  to betray him it says in verse 32 10:32 going up  

to jerus number one he did not stop going to  Jerusalem and number two he was going before  

them he was not behind and you know grumbling  and sitting there and complaining and you know  

praying about it and Lord I pray that you may  take this cup away yes there is a time when he  

said that but then at this point of time he's not  sitting there and you know murmuring Bible says in  

verse 32 he's going up to Jerusalem and he's going  before them and that is the reason the disciples  

were amazed this guy says that you know he's going  to die but the way he's going it doesn't look like  

he's going to die it looks like he's going to  have some funny party over there you know that's  

why he's running there but the disciples  were amazed because he is leading them to

Jerusalem because Jesus committed himself to his  faithful ful father and the theolog of suffering  

number five is God is the God of All Comfort he  is the God of All Comfort 2 Corinthians chap 1:  

3-5 says blessed be God the father of our Lord  Jesus Christ the father of mercies who comforts  

Us in all our tribulation with the comfort with  which those who are in trouble with the comfort  

with which we ourself are comforted by by God he  is a God of All Comfort last few months and weeks  

had been very terrible for me as um as a pastor I  was going through some of this tough times and I  

was asking this question most of the time I was  just asking Lord enough I am done with I don't  

want anymore this is it I'm quitting and I was  just you know going through my own emotions as  

I told you know complaining murmuring not only  you I will also go through it so as I was going  

through this and one night I was so down that  I told the Lord I'm quitting I cannot take it

anymore that day one man of God called me okay one  a pastor called me who is um who was my previous  

Pastor in my hometown in in Kerala maybe he was  a pastor when I was 15 years old when I was 15  

years old he was the pastor of my church in in  Kerala so he said um I want to come and meet you  

mon I want to come and meet you maybe some of you  know this man of God he's the famous uh writer a  

theologian and writer his name is Pastor Babu  George so he said mon I want to just come and  

meet you and I was like not in the frame of mind  to invite him home and you know to to host him  

or to show the hospitality but he was insisting  that I want to come and meet you and I was like  

um okay okay pastor I will I cannot come and  pick you I will send my brother he will come  

and pick you he said no problem if you want I  can come in taxi but I want to meet you today  

so so he came in the night 8:30 he came home and  I was not in my frame of mind to talk anything to

him and then this man of God he was sitting there  and and I was just quiet and I was listening to  

him he was telling me about the books that  he wrote uh you know he wrote so many books  

and today he his books are the only theological  basis in Kerala because you have all the English  

theologies and all but his books are for the  for the for the malis and how he's doing the  

work there and he was telling on and on and  on he was going and on and at one point he

said mon he calls me mon said mon you may look  from there you may look at me and you may say oh  

this pastor is successful Pastor right but I have  had sufferings I cannot explain to you suddenly  

it stuck me I was like what suffering is talking  about and I'm thinking in my heart he's talking  

about suffering he doesn't know my problem in my  mind I'm thinking you know my problem is the the  

most biggest problem in the whole world and this  man of God said I I I just you know in a sarcastic  

reartic way I said what suffering so he said when  I started my Ministry at the age of 25 I was been  

put as a pastor of a small congregation in Kerala  in 1991 some Mystic guy came and put bomb in my  

church so many people died and I was been framed  for no reason 95 he had a major accident that he  

couldn't do anything for one year 99 he had  another major accident that point of time you  

know it was scooter you know 99 he had another  major accident another one or two years gone 2005  

when he came to our church he was Fed Up of the  politics of the the people of a church my church  

back in Kerala and he want to quit Ministry and he  told the Lord I done with this I will not do any  

any more Ministry this is the last assignment I'm  doing it finished I will not do it 2010 one guy  

random guy put pastor Babu Jo's publication inside  his um newspaper and this guy was a cult so he  

spoke something against other faiths and beliefs  and their practices and he was condemning them and  

this came into the public paper and this man this  man was you know it was I think 2010 11 you may  

some of you might have known in Kerala there was  a big rally of 255,000 people against this writing  

and they were asking the government to take action  or you know they something bad will happen to this  

and there was a big m in 20 25,000 people were  and then this man uh um Pastor Babu George he  

was like you know okay fine suddenly this man who  had this publication died okay he died of heart  

attack or whatever it is and they have to bring  somebody into this picture you know because the  

government have to show something so there's  somebody into this picture and they saw that  

there was a small area where the publication of  Pastor Babu George is there they caught this man  

and said this guy is the culprit and they framed  him for almost for 2 years he was in prison for  

hi didn't even know that his his writing is there  in that publication it didn't even know but then  

because of the pressure of the rally because of  the pressure from different political parties he  

was framed and he was put behind the bars for two  years after 2 years he was released when things  

became cool he was released he came out he was  taken out of all the Pastoral um you know Ministry  

because they said you know this guy was in the  prison cannot he's not a role model to to Pastor  

a church so took him out of the Pastoral thing and  he started he started concentrating on his work  

2020 he had a because of all these issues going on  he couldn't educate his children okay he couldn't  

educate his children that they they couldn't even  pass the 12th standard okay 12th standard Al the  

his oldest son 12th standard failed and his son  was concentrating in Ministry and he was good  

in singing and you you know recording and all the  stuff 2020 the sun was going in the night he slept  

off in the car and the car hit the truck and some  of you might have come this news came in the paper  

about Thompson and lson had a major accident uh  maybe some of you have seen in the um in the in  

the paper to the point that this guy cannot even  doctor said this guy is a vegetable he cannot move  

he cannot speak he cannot eat nothing and this  pastor when you're saying this he's crying and  

his tears are just coming out of his he's saying  my son would never walk never talk never eat

anything heal this guy  completely healed today he's

[Applause] walking he's singing for the  Lord and you'll be surprised that some  

of the major songs that have come  in he's the producer of those all  

those major songs this happened  in Just 2 years and then he's

saying

he said a very powerful statement at the

end so so powerful

that that's the reason I made this sermon based  on that um that statement that he made he said  

because of all this suffering that I gone  through I know one thing he loves me so much

[Applause]

and I ask the worship team to come forward if  there is anybody here going through suffering and

pain and you think that your world is falling

know that God is a source of all comfort and he  Comforts everybody and it is through suffering  

that we identify ourself with Christ it  is through pain that we we go through

this and it was prophet mikah if if we can stop  it with this prophet mikah in mikah chapter 7 if  

you can take with me mikah chapter 7 he's he set  a beautiful statement this is chapter 7 verse one  

in mikah chapter 7 this is Prophet who is serving  the people he's verse one he's feeling miserable  

about himself okay he's feeling miserable about  himself and he's number chapter two he's even  

knowing that there is nobody faithful and upright  in the whole land verse three everybody is taking  

bribe and gifts and schemes and they're scheming  together verse five even the true friends he had  

they the companions they are not trustworthy  and then in chapter verse 6 there are families  

who have been you know H father and mother's  mother and child they are all fighting but  

then he comes to a beautiful statement in mikah  7:7 he says ask for me if you can put it in the  

NLT all this trouble he's going through but as  for me I will look to the Lord for his help and  

I will wait confidently for God to save me and my  God will certainly hear me if you have been going  

through pain I wanted to declare this statement  ask for me I don't care about how the world thinks  

at this point of time I don't think I don't care  about how this world is looking at me maybe I've  

been the target of whatever it is but as for me  I will look to the Lord for his help because he  

will certainly he's not an idol he's not a image  that you he will not hear you he will certainly  

hear me and this brings me to the story of I  have shared the story of this this song called  

it Is Well with My Soul how many of you know this  song you know the story of this guy I think I have  

shared it couple of times here in this way say  this person's name is horio sp Horatio spord okay  

this is his name 1870 his foure son dies of 71 he  loses his fortune in the Great Chicago Fire 73 his  

left four daughters traveling to England they're  drowned because of the Shipwreck and after all  

these events he is sailing to join his wife who  survived this shipwreck and when he reached the  

sport of the ocean where his daughter is drowned  he wrote this famous hymn and this hymn had

been comforting Christians for  almost like 150 years and he wrote  

this all It Is Well with My Soul can  we all just arise in the presence of

God can we just sing this [Music] song  and really mean it and commit ourself to  

the Lord and say thank you for if there have  been somebody who have been accusing you say  

thank you Lord for this person somebody you  have been because of sickness you have been  

trouble say thank you Lord for the sickness  thank you Lord for so and so thank you Lord  

for my boss thank you Lord for my husband  thank you Lord for my wife as we sing this

song when peace like a r were  attend at my when s like SE Bel

L what ever my Lord thou has taught me  to say it is well it Is Well with My  

Soul It is Well Is Well with My Soul with  My Soul It is Well it Is Well with My Soul

though Satan should buff though  Tri should come let this blessed  

assur [Laughter] control that Christ has  regarded my head bless and has shed his  

own blood for my soul it is it is with  My Soul with My Soul It is Well it Is  

Well with My Soul it is well it is with My  Soul with My Soul it is well it is with My

Soul thank you Father for this beautiful day  thank you for your love and mercy so father thank  

you God that you love us despite our limitations  our weaknesses our faithlessness the way that we  

are still you love us and Lord we pray that you  may help us to commit our self to your hand and  

that that we will glory in our suffering and we  will know that we have a god who's a God of all  

Comforts who comforts in all our tribulations and  that everything will work out for those who love  

you work out for good and thank you Father Lord  for the amazing cloud of witnesses that we have  

and Lord thank you for your Holy Spirit and  never allows us to to quit but gives us the  

Reckoning that he is with us and we pray God  that there's anybody going through this this  

loneliness this stress the fear about tomorrow  the fear of relationships I pray in the name of  

Jesus Lord that your tangible presence make seal  and cover them that they will experience your  

powerful presence like never before and Lord that  they will joy in suffering like how you walked  

ahead of the disciples knowing the fact that you  are going to be betrayed that you're going to be  

crucified you walked ahead towards Jerusalem and  I pray God that you may help us for your glory  

and to realize that it is through suffering that  one can achieve the Revival in our lives bless us  

for your glory in Jesus most precious name we pray  amen and amen can we just lift up our hands and go  

with the benediction now by the love of God grace  and mercy of Jesus Sweet Fellowship of the Holy

Spirit enable each one of us knowing the fact  that we have a God who is a God of all Grace and  

all comfort in Jesus name we pray amen and amen  anden put our hands together for the [Music] Lord