Secret Church |
- Day 36: Less-Reached Peoples of Kenya
- Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 4
- Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 3
- Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 2
- Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 1
| Day 36: Less-Reached Peoples of Kenya Posted: 06 Apr 2012 11:00 PM PDT During this Secret Church on Good Friday, April 6, we are focusing our prayer time on the people of the Horn of Africa. Throughout the weeks leading up to Secret Church we will post information and prayer requests on this blog. We invite you to join us in learning about and praying for the people of the Horn.  Photo Courtesy of the IMB Over the next two days, pray specifically for the following people groups in Kenya. The Muslim Oromo-related peoples of the northeast have no churches among them. The Rendille, Samburu, and Daasenach are largely pastoral, animistic peoples who live in the north and west parts of Kenya. There are very few believers among these people groups, but they are increasingly responding to the gospel. Instability in Somalia has driven tens of thousands of Somalis into the northeast and cities of Kenya. They often bring their strife with them but are also more open to the gospel. Numerous Christian workers are reaching out to the Somali in Kenya. The coastal Swahili and Arab populations are strongly Muslim and largely unreached. They tend to be quite resistant to outreach. Some Kenyan churches now minister to these groups. Ways to Pray
For more information about and ways to pray for the people of the Horn of Africa, visit Pray for the Horn.
Source: Operation World |
| Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 4 Posted: 06 Apr 2012 09:20 PM PDT 11:19 — Session 4 – the final session – is now beginning. Don’t forget to go to the Secret Church website if you missed anything. You can find Study Guides with the answers filled in. In about a week, you’ll be able to get the audio of tonight’s Secret Church right here. Video showing for Radical – this is the new name for DMI (Disciple-Making International). Visit radical.net for resources from David Platt. There will also be a blog updated daily on the website beginning Monday April 9th. Go to the website and click around.
11:21 — Platt says the next Secret Church will be next Spring (2013). In the Fall, he and Francis Chan will be simulcasting on the topic of disciple-making. We’re now on the book of Acts. Acts 4:23-31 – Confidence in Prayer amidst Suffering Acts 4:32-37 – Generosity with Possessions Acts 5-7 – Joy Amidst Persecution The church’s mission is unstoppable. The church spreads BECAUSE of persecution. As believers suffer, they’re scattered, and as they scatter, they spread the gospel. Acts 8: Boldness in Proclamation Acts 9: God’s Sovereignty over Disease and Death Acts 9: Paul is Converted by Christ to Suffer Paul was saved to suffer for Christ. Acts 12: God’s Sovereignty over Persecuted Disciples Acts 13-14: Paul’s First Missionary Journey Acts 16-18: Paul’s Second Missionary Journey A jailer comes to Christ in Acts 16 – God may bring suffering for the purpose of salvation. Acts 19-28: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey The proclamation of the gospel will always be challenged in this world. Are you willing to go wherever He leads? This is what it means to follow Jesus.
11:32 — Paul’s Epistles – Platt apologizes for having to cover this much on Paul’s teaching on suffering in this short of a time span. Apology noted. First, Romans 5. Then Romans 8. Romans 8 is the mountain-top when it comes to the theme of suffering. God ordains suffering as part of the process to make us like Christ. Suffering is used to tether us to the hope of Christ. We are reminded that our hope is in something to come. We are driven to Christ. 2 Corinthians 1, 4, 12: Suffering for God’s Sake God’s comfort always outweighs our suffering. Comfort shows up over and over in 2 Corinthians. As we experience this suffering, we extend it to others. The church is a fellowship of the broken. We strengthen and hold up one another. All affliction for the Christian is light and temporary in view of the coming glory (See 2 Cor 4:16-18). 11:41 — Galatians is up. Christianity is not about human achievement, but about God’s provision. The cross frees us to suffer. We boast in the cross because it keeps us from wasting our lives in this world. It supplies us with every good thing we have. Philippians 1 and 3. Paul says that all his goodness, including his religious pedigree, is as good as a pile of dung when compared to knowing Christ. Death is a reward for the Christian. This allows you to endure suffering. David is giving a story about Josef Tson, a Romanian pastor persecuted for the preaching Christ in that country. Colossians 1 – Filling Up Christ’s Afflictions Paul says he is filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions in Col 1:24-29. What does that mean? Was Christ’s death insufficient? No. Christ’s suffering was for propitiation, while ours is for proclamation. Paul suffered to take the message of the gospel to the lost. His suffering was of a different kind than Christ’s.
11:50 — Passages we’re covering now – too fast to keep up. Or too late. 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 11:23-26; Hebrews 11:29-40; Hebrews 11; Hebrews 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:3-11; Hebrews 13:11-14 Hebrews message – will we retreat from the mission, or will we risk everything for the mission? James 1 – Faith that Perseveres God is sovereign over our trials. We are responsible in our temptations. James 4-5 – Faith that Perseveres (part 2) Pictures of faith that perseveres – it’s humble, obedient, confident, patient, prayerful, and loving toward sinners. 1 Peter: Suffering in Christ and the Christian Suffering has many benefits for the believer according to 1 Peter. 1 John: His Work and Our Wait Revelation 2 Revelation is for the purpose of encouraging persecuted churches to persevere. Revelation 5 – The Conquering Lamb That’s it – 75 key texts.
5 Conclusions to stand on: 1) High view of God (Platt has taken some time to respond to the objections of atheists). We cannot conclude that God doesn’t exist as a reaction to suffering and evil. Any attempt to deny God’s sovereignty goes against the biblical witness and destroys the hope of sufferers. 2) A humble view of man 3) Suffering ultimately exists to exalt the glory of God’s grace through the suffering of God’s Son for the salvation of undeserving sinners. 4) God ordains suffering for the Christian in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes. 5) The completion of the Great Commission will include great suffering, but eternity will prove it was worth the price. Platt is unpacking each of these points.
12:16 — Platt is continuing to unpack these 5 conclusions. Why do bad things happen to good people? Bad question. There is none good. The real problem is our sin. Let us repent in heartfelt brokenness. All of the sin and suffering is ultimately leading to Good Friday and the cross. This was not Plan B.
12:24 — Still unpacking the 5 conclusions. God doesn’t just permit suffering. He ordains it. Platt is warning us about the errors of the prosperity gospel so prevalent today. Paul’s gospel is more like the adversity gospel. The Christian has his best life, not now, but later.
12:31 — Unpacking the fifth and final conclusion. Platt is talking about what it means to be unreached. 6619 people groups still unreached. Revelation tells us there will be a day when the mission will be complete. Christ has not yet returned, so the task is not yet done. Completing the Great Commission will involve great suffering. “The blood of Christians is seed.” — Tertullian Christian, are you willing to embrace suffering for the accomplishment of the Great Commission? Who might God be calling tonight to go to the Horn of Africa? Or East Asia? Or to some unreached people group across the world?
12:42 — We’re ending where the Bible ends. Amen, Come, Lord Jesus! We are getting ready to close by singing “It is Well with My Soul” This will conclude the night. Don’t forget to check www.secretchurch.org for the video of tonight – should be up in approximately a week. Also, answers to the study guide will be provided. A great evening. Convicting. Challenging. Encouraging. May the cross be the ground of our hope in the midst of suffering.
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| Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 3 Posted: 06 Apr 2012 07:52 PM PDT 9:49 Session 3 is starting up. I hope you’re hanging in there. For more on how to pray for the people in the Horn of Africa, go to prayforthehorn.com. The month of April will be dedicated to this. Showing pictures on the big screen of groups from all over the U.S. and the world.
9:53 — “We’re about to kick it up a notch” — David Platt We’re starting on the Prophets Isaiah 53: Salvation through a Suffering Servant This is one of the mountain peaks of the Old Testament. In Isaiah, we see that God is majestic and man is depraved. Painstaking sin leads to breathtaking grace. We’re moving quickly through the book of Isaiah, all leading up to Isaiah 53. Here, we see a stunning picture of Jesus. He is a divine sovereign who will astound the nations. The Lord will reveal Him, but we will reject Him. Before the cross is for anyone else’s sake, the cross is for God’s sake. God provides salvation for sinners through His Son, a suffering servant. Next, we’re on to Jeremiah. Suffering as a result of sin. God promises a new covenant to take care of sin in Jeremiah 31 – 34. The law will now be written on human hearts. God will change His people from the inside out. Trust in God and He will give you the power to obey. We are reconciled to God through a flawless man. Next, we’re on to Lamentations: The Steadfast Mercies of God in the Sufferings of Men A blow by blow record of the destruction of Jerusalem. Key text: Lamentations 3:19-24 — the fresh mercies of God in the midst of suffering and despair. God’s character and promises give us hope: “The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.” Next up, Ezekiel: God-Centered Suffering God judges all peoples for His glory, including His people. Thankfully, that’s not the whole story. Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel prophesies a new covenant and a new king. Ezekiel teaches that suffering is about God first and foremost. For His glory. Next up, Daniel: God-Centered Suffering Part 2 (Part 1 was Ezekiel) Seek the face of God and trust the promises of God in suffering. One day God will redeem and resurrect His people. Daniel 7:13-14 – The Ancient of Days.
10:09 — Hosea: Unfaithful People and an Unreasonable God The people of God are pictured as a wife who is adulterous, idolatrous, hypocritical, forgetful. Jesus was regarded as the unfaithful wife in our place. The mercy of God in Hosea is astounding. Nothing in us to deserve it. Next up, Joel. We repent, God relents. Next up, Amos. Sin will ultimately never be excused. Judgment will never be escaped. Our need for Christ is great. Next up, Obadiah. God will ultimately exert His authority over all earthly powers. Next up, Jonah. God’s people cannot outrun God’s pursuit.
10:14 Stay with me. Micah. Sin is destructive and we need a Savior. Nahum. God is a warrior. Just. Good. Sovereign. His judgment is terrifying for His enemies. It is liberating for the people of God. This book reminds us that we are at war – Ephesians 6. Jesus has overcome our enemies, so we have hope. Habakkuk. Habakkuk questions God. God uses painful experiences to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Does it ever seem like God doesn’t hear or doesn’t care? Habakkuk wondered. Big question: Is God worthy of my trust? God answers by telling Habakkuk that He will judge His people through the Chaldeans. Not the answer Habakkuk was expecting. Will you live by trusting yourself or by trusting God? Just as you trust in God for salvation, trust in Him during suffering. He will sustain you. There is coming a day when evil and suffering will be no more. God’s glory will one day cover the earth. He will show His glory and we will be in awe. Habakkuk ends with a wonderful song of praise and trust in God. God uses painful events to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Platt is sharing the story of Horatio Spafford, the story behind the song, “It is Well with My Soul.” Spafford had just learned of losing his 4 daughters. – 10:28 Zephaniah & Haggai He’s moving too quick – see the study notes on secretchurch.org
Malachi – last book of Old Testament The problem of evil and suffering in the world is ultimately a problem with people’s hearts. With so many problems that need to be addressed, we must remember that the gospel is the ultimate answer. Malachi prophesies Christ’s coming by pointing to the coming of John the Baptist in Mal 3:1.
– We’re now in the New Testament. And it’s 10:32 pm. Beginning with the Gospels. Matthew Jesus is the true Son of God who, unlike Adam, was faithful when tempted. Question: Does God tempt us? We are tempted by Satan, but tested by God. God is not tempting Jesus to sin (James 1:13). God will not tempt you to evil. Could Jesus have sinned? Raise your hand. The answer is no-yes. Jesus in His deity could not have sinned. In His humanity He could have in that it was physically possible. Jesus’ temptations in Matt 4: 1) self-gratification 2) self-protection 3) self-exaltation
10:39 — Luke. Luke’s emphasis 4:16-21: to the poor, the lost, the hurting. God will redeem you. Mark 4-5: Good News for the Weak – Jesus power over nature, demons, disease, and death. Luke 13:1-5: Jesus and Natural Disasters Death is a reality and should change the way we look at the world. Natural disasters should remind us that death is unpredictable, the penalty of sin plagues all of us, we need to repent and be reconciled to God, our mission is urgent. Matthew 10: Suffering Promised for Christians. Jesus tells His followers the dangers they will face. Jesus says to go to danger. Being in God’s will isn’t necessarily safe. Everyone who wants a safe, comfortable life should stay away from Jesus. When we become like Jesus, it will be harder for us in this world. The question: Do we really want to be like Jesus? 10:49 — Still in Matthew 10. Jesus’ promises in Matt 10 should strengthen us. All they can do is kill you! Confess Him publicly, Love Him supremely. Platt is now going through a number of texts in the Gospels on how Christians should respond to suffering. Now, we’re going through predictions of Christ’s sufferings in the Gospels. Jesus wasn’t a victim on Good Friday. He suffered willingly. The glory of God drove Jesus to the cross. He wasn’t only thinking of you. Now, we’re going through the purposes of Christ’s sufferings. Now, from John 3:16: Everlasting Life and Everlasting Suffering. Consider the torments of hell. Our condemnation is eternal. But God’s salvation is also eternal. Now, Platt is going through the timeline of Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion.
10:56 — All of this leads to Jesus’ resurrection. John 19 – The Resurrection of the Son of God Platt is going through the ways in which people have tried to explain away the resurrection. However, even if we believe the resurrection as it is presented in the Bible, intellectual assent is not enough. You can believe in the facts of the gospel and not be saved. But you must repent and embrace the gospel. Surrender to Christ’s lordship. Turn from sin and self to Jesus. We’re pausing for an offering for the persecuted church – 100% of what is given goes for this purpose. Video and prayer upcoming before the last break. 10 minute break. One more session. Get coffee. |
| Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 2 Posted: 06 Apr 2012 05:51 PM PDT 7:48 — Session 2 beginning now. Don’t forget – you can follow us tonight on twitter: @secret_church. If you tweet, use #sc12. Get the answers to the study guide at: #sc12answers. Speaker is greeting people in the various languages listening. Or, at least he tried. Everyone encouraged to tweet: I’m at #sc12
7:51 — Next up, the Historical books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Joshua and Judges – make it clear that God judges individuals. The pattern in Judges is this: Relapse into sin, ruin, restoration, and then forgiveness and rest. The core of the sin of God’s people in Judges: blatant idolatry. Now to the book of Ruth. In God’s sovereign design, He ordains sorrowful tragedy to set the stage for surprising triumph. We think that God is far from us (in death, loneliness, barrenness, shame, etc.), but God will show Himself faithful to us. The story of the book of Ruth is why David and his wife named their daughter Mara Ruth. Continuing the book of Ruth. 8:01 — Ruth gives us the portrait of a kinsmen-redeemer. Boaz: - seeks the outcasts as his family - shelters the weak under his wings - serves the hungry at his table - showers the needy with his grace Ruth – opens with 3 funerals, ends with a wedding and a baby God brings His people from death to life, curse to blessing, bitterness to happiness, emptiness to fullness, despair to hope. When we get to the New Testament genealogy, we read that the line of Christ comes through the book of Ruth – Obed comes through Boaz and Ruth – from Obed to Jesse to David….to Jesus 8:08 — 1 Samuel 17: Our Champion in Battle (David & Goliath) 3 levels to this story: 1) individual history 2) national history 3) redemptive history 3 takeaways from this story: 1) we must live with passion for God’s glory 2) we can live with confidence in His power 3) We do not fight for victory (we fight FROM victory)
8:12 — 1-2 Kings — The Seriousness of Sins in the Kings of Israel - Platt flew threw these books Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther: The God who Preserves His People Even where God is not named, He is working.
Now, we’re on the Psalms and Wisdom literature (we’re moving at an alarming pace) Platt is going through Job first. The Suffering of Job: - suffering is often undeserved - suffering is often unexpected - suffering is often unimaginable - suffering is always painful The Bible does not gloss over the pain of suffering. The point of tonight is not to say that suffering is easy – it’s not. Now, the sovereignty of God in Job. Who is bringing the suffering in Job’s life? Ultimately, since God is sovereign, He brings the suffering. Satan doesn’t have ultimate authority. God is sovereign over demons, angels, nations, nature, disease, death, comfort, and calamity. Conclusions from Job: - God’s sovereign design for our lives on this earth includes suffering. - The sovereignty of God is the only foundation for praise in the middle of pain. (it won’t bring you much comfort to think Satan is in control). - Ultimately, our pain on earth can only be rightly understood from the sovereign perspective of heaven Unlike us, Job didn’t know the end of the book. Our perspective in the midst of suffering is limited. Why is this happening? The reason may be hidden from us. 8:25 — More on Job. Job 3-31: God’s Sufficiency in Suffering - when suffering persists God is still present (we want an explanation, but God gives us revelation) - when the gifts we enjoy are gone, God is still good (Job’s friends have a wrong view of suffering – they think Job’s suffering means that he needs to repent) - in the confusion of circumstances, God is all-wise Many in America think that all we need is faith and we will prosper. We’ve exported a distorted gospel – God’s blessing means more stuff, more houses, etc. Job should correct our thinking here. The true gospel sees suffering as a means to more deeply treasure God.
8:32 — We’re still in Job. (Don’t forget to keep refreshing your screen) - in the depth of our despair, God is our hope Job 32-37: God’s purpose in suffering - God has a purpose (He isn’t arbitrary) - God’s purpose is sometimes different (sometimes for correction, sometimes for love) - God’s purpose is always good Various purposes for which God uses suffering: - to refine our faith - to reveal His glory God reveals Himself: - in creation - through His Word - in our pain
8:38 — We’re still in Job. A lot here on suffering. Questions to Ask in the Middle of Suffering: 1) What areas of my faith are being refined through this suffering? 2) What is God revealing about Himself through suffering? 3) How can I rely on God more as a result of my suffering? 4) What sin(s) do I need to repent of and renounce as a result of my suffering? 5) How can this suffering drive me to find deeper reward in God? Platt is giving much more on God’s attributes in Job.
8:44 — Psalms: Songs Amidst Suffering The Psalms give us: - lament amidst suffering (ex: Psalm 13) - confidence amidst suffering (ex: Psalm 27) - thanksgiving amidst suffering (ex: Psalm 119)
Next, to Proverbs. Proverbs: Suffering and Wisdom (we just covered this in under 3 minutes – that’s gotta be a record) Next, to Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes: Suffering and Worldliness God has made the pursuits of this world futile to show us that they will not satisfy. You will have an empty soul if you pursue what the world pursues. Next, Song of Solomon. Not a lot of suffering. A lot of sex (laughter). - We’re pausing for a Persecuted Church Highlight
8:51 — Video on the people of the Horn of Africa For some countries, Islam is the religion for nearly 100% of the people. But, by God’s grace, people are coming to faith in Christ in some areas. For some, this could mean being disowned, abused, or even killed. Orthodox Christianity is the religion in some parts of the Horn of Africa. It is a barrier to the gospel in many respects. However, some are now coming to a true understanding of the gospel. God is strengthening these believers. There are great physical and spiritual needs in the Horn of Africa. But the gospel is still spreading. We are being called to begin to pray for these peoples – to turn hearts to Christ, to send out laborers into the harvest. We are now getting to hear from Nick Ripken, a man who has served as a missionary in the Horn of Africa. He spent about 30 years on the mission field – 15 years in the Horn of Africa. Nick has witnessed intense persecution. Out of 150 known believers, only 4 were alive just a short time after the persecution began. His 16-year old son died during these years. Nick (this is what the believers in persecuted countries would want us to know): - in your Bible, persecution is normal - persecution happens today when the gospel is shared and believed Nick’s accounts of the suffering of believers and the triumph of the gospel message in this area are convicting and challenging. He encourages us to ask: Is Jesus worth it? We are now moving to a time of concentrated, extended prayer. Prayer requests will appear on the screen, and then prayer will be offered for that request. I’ll update again after this time of prayer. Maybe you could take this time to pray for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Horn of Africa, and for the faith of believers there to be strengthened in the midst of suffering and persecution. 9:34 — the prayer time has ended. We are heading to a break. We’ll begin by looking at the Prophets, beginning with Isaiah 53. Stay with us. You can’t leave now. We haven’t even gotten to the New Testament yet!
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| Secret Church 12 Live-Blog: Session 1 Posted: 06 Apr 2012 04:07 PM PDT 6:07 — Good evening from Secret Church 12 on this Good Friday. I’m David Burnette with Radical, and I’ll be live-blogging here from The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL. Thanks for tuning in with over 50,000 others from 48 states and 20 countries! May the Lord use tonight for His glory and the spread of the gospel.
You can follow us tonight on twitter: @secret_church. If you tweet, use #sc12. Get the answers to the study guide at: #sc12answers. You can send your simulcast pics to: secretchurchpics.simulcast@ For more info on additional resources, visit: SecretChurch.org or Radical.net. Our prayer focus tonight will be on the people of the Horn of Africa (prayforthehorn.com). More on this as the night progresses.
Tonight’s Topic: The Cross and Suffering Pastor David Platt will be speaking on how Christians should view suffering in light of the cross of Christ. I’ll be giving updates throughout each session with a summary of what’s being said and what’s going on, so don’t forget to refresh your screen. There will be four main teaching sessions, as well as time for prayer and musical worship. Platt will also be interviewing a missionary who has served in the Horn of Africa. 6:08 — David is beginning by giving us the purpose for tonight via video. Believers gathering around the Word for the purpose of knowing Christ better and making His gospel known to the ends of the earth. Corporate reading of Isaiah 53 – very fitting for a Good Friday. Now, corporate worship through song – Crown Him with Many Crowns 6:19 — just finished singing “Man of Sorrows, What a Name” “Guilty, vile, and helpless we Spotless Lamb of God was He Full atonement, can it be? Hallelujah, what a Savior!” 6:25 — Corporate worship through song has ended. David is beginning his message. Thinking about 50,000 different people listening tonight is sobering – that’s 50,000 different experiences of suffering – cancer, lost loved ones, and so much more. None of us knows what the next week may hold. Suffering is real. All of us have either known, are in the middle of, or will face suffering. May God take tonight’s message strengthen and sustain us through the Word of God to face the suffering God may bring. The challenge is to embrace suffering. We want to take what we learn tonight and take the good news to the ends of the earth. 6:29 — David shares a personal email from John Piper: “May God make that night epoch-making in the history of the church” High expectations for tonight. May it be so.
6:31 — John Stott – “Suffering constitutes the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith…” Almost 50% of men and women born today will get cancer at some point during their lifetime. Diseases. Disasters. Over 13 million people are currently suffering amid famine and food shortages in the Horn of Africa – the region we will be focusing on tonight. There is not only natural evil, but moral evil. Murder, rape, genocide, war. Suffering is a universal experience. That includes Christians. Christians are not immune from suffering. One of my goals is to blow out of the water the theology that says Christians should not have to suffer, or don’t have to.
6:35 — Satan intends suffering to sabotage us. God intends suffering for our sanctification. Suffering is not just broad – it’s for individual men and women. Our questions, our struggles. How can God be good and ordain such suffering in my life. Atheism says there’s no way there can be a God with such suffering. Christian Science, New Age, Fatalism, Process Theism, and others… all give their own answers to why suffering exists. Platt says his aim is to show why all these other approaches to suffering are insufficient.
6:39 — The Bible gives us a different, a God-centered view of suffering. The Bible addresses suffering honestly. The Bible also addresses suffering mysteriously. – an assumed truth the mind cannot comprehend, but which we accept by faith. 6:43 — We are getting ready to look at 75 key texts about suffering. That’s right, 75. Good Friday is perfect for this. We have to behold the majesty of the cross if we would understand suffering. Everything in all of history, including suffering, was planned for Good Friday. The cross is THE key to understanding suffering. First question: Have I been saved? The most important question. 50,000 people – have you been saved? Platt is going through passages about God’s wrath and judgment – 2 Thess 1:5-9, Rev 20:11-15. May God wake up hearts tonight to be delivered from everlasting suffering. Suffering in the present time can reveal whether our faith is real. All of us should examine our own hearts tonight. 6:47 — After considering whether we’re saved, the next question is: Am I prepared to suffer? We need to be ready for suffering, but nothing can completely prepare us for suffering. In an instant, your world can change. Tonight is to help us prepare to stand on biblical, gospel foundations when those times of suffering come. We want to be prepared to die – Phil 1:21 — to live is Christ, to die is gain This is not just for super-Christians, but for every follower. Suffering is worth it to: - to share the sufferings of Christ on this earth - to show the supremacy of Christ to all nations - to experience the satisfaction of Christ for all eternity powerful quote from C.T. Studd – be sure to go to the Secret Church website (secretchurch.org) to get these quotes and full Scripture passages. David is reading Romans 8:18-39 — is there anything better on confidence in suffering than this passage?
6:54 — Ok, we’re now starting the 75 key texts. Buckle up. First, the Pentateuch – the first 5 books of the Old Testament. Platt is going through text after text, commenting on them. Genesis 1-11 gives us the essential foundations for understanding suffering. In these early chapters, we get: - The Nature of God - The Nature of Creation - The Nature of Man - The Nature of Satan - The Nature of Sin - The Need for Redemption God did not have to give us redemption – the last point above. He would have been completely right to leave us in our sin. Instead, He gave us the promise of redemption already in Genesis 3. What grace! This hope, which centers around Christ, goes through the rest of the Bible. Redemption from Genesis to Revelation. From beginning to end, the Bible is about Jesus Christ. 7:02 — David is now going at a slower pace (relatively speaking!) through Joseph’s story beginning in Genesis 37. This story is to show us the providence of God through temptations and trials. God is present with Joseph at every turn. Who sold Joseph into Egypt – God or Joseph’s brothers? God did. Through the brothers. Platt is explaining how God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility intersect.
7:06 — The point of going through the Joseph story and God’s redemptive plan tonight? So that we will know we have: - a Lord who is with us - a King who is guiding us - a Savior who will redeem us All the intricacies of the Joseph story should alert us to the fact that God may be doing a number of things (unknown to us) in our lives and in our difficulties. God’s providence is the only foundation for embracing life’s pain. Regardless of the situation, God is in control. He will turn evil and turn it into good. Suffering into satisfaction. How do we know God will turn evil into good for us? Because we have a Savior who will redeem us. Genesis 37-50 helps set the stage to save His people from their sins. God used sinful actions to deliver His people. Likewise, He used the cross of Christ to redeem sinful man. God is preserving the line of Judah. Ultimately, as Revelation 5:5-6 says, it was through Lion of the tribe of Judah that God would bring about revelation. 7:17 — Platt is now looking at Exodus 3. (As a reminder, we’re beginning with the first 5 books of the Old Testament) Exodus 3 – The Lord Who Sees our Suffering It wasn’t Moses’ ability, but God’s promised presence. God is holy, merciful, ever-present, all-powerful, self-existent, self-sufficient, eternal, immutable, faithful, sovereign. We must be careful not to evaluate God’s justice in the short-term. Put your faith and hope in God, in Christ. Do not focus on the circumstances around you, but on the character of the One who called you. This is intensely practical. 7:26 — Next text: Exodus 12 – Blood that Saves from Suffering and Sin God guarantees His children: - deliverance from suffering through blood - salvation from sin through blood The whole sacrificial system points to the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
Next, we’re in Leviticus – “…be holy, for I am holy” Sin is serious. We cannot be casual with God. The sacrificial system and the law reveal our sin and our need for God’s mercy. Hebrews 10:11-14 is the answer to our sin in light of God’s holiness. Last book of the Pentateuch — Deuteronomy The God Who Afflicts His People Blessings and curses. Blessings for obedience. Curses for disobedience. Deut 28:58-63 — God’s promised curses for disobedience – “you won’t read that on a Christan greeting card” (laughter) We are under the curse of God’s law, and we can’t overcome it. We must acknowledge our sin and run to the cross. Just before break – video on the countries in the Horn of Africa. Go to prayforthehorn.com – Breaktime
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