Message: Don’t waste your sorrows, seize them as opportunities to experience God’s love today in preparation for eternity. The Usefulness of Suffering ROMANS 5:3 – 5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Don’t Lose Heart in Your Suffering 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16–18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Troubles: Affliction is anything causing pain or distress. Four Reasons Not to Lose Heart 1. Your troubles are “momentary.” 2. Your afflictions are “light.” 3. Your troubles are achieving an eternal weight in glory. 4. Your mind is fixed on the unseen, eternal glory to come. ScottMadison Story Useful Sorrows May 17, 2020 | Joel K. JohnsonWant to go deeper? Check out the attached discussion questions to engage more with the sermon. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 Romans 5:3-5 Romans 8:18 Bible Reading Plan Join us in reading the Bible together. The Bible Reading Plan is a way to incorporate reading the Bible into your week. Each day read a passage and take a few moments to reflect. These verses are chosen by our staff and designed to complement the Sunday message. Reflection questions: What does it say? What does it mean? How can I live this out today? Summer Online Service Times Our summer service times begin Memorial Day weekend! Join us online for live services at 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00am. You can watch services on demand anytime after 1:00pm on Sundays. Invite friends or family to check it out. Parenting Webinar Learn the parenting practices that work and ensure kids are ready for whatever they will experience in life. Pastor Joel Johnson will host this conversation with Dr. Tim Johanson, author of “Gist: The Essence of Raising Life- Ready Kids.” Wednesday, May 27, 8:00-8:45pm. Register online. Past webinars are available on our YouTube channel. May 17, 2020Don’t Waste Your Sorrows Useful Sorrows Sunday, May 17 1. What is one thing that you have found that you really don’t miss during “Stay at Home” that surprised you? 2. What is the item that you have purchased during the pandemic that has made you happy? 3. 3D Glasses can change how you see things. They can give you a new or different perspective. Where in your life currently could you use a pair of 3D glasses? 4.Read Romans 5:3-5. We will experience difficulties that help us grow. Discuss how this has happened to you in your life. What has your relationship with God looked like in times of suffering or difficulty? 5. As you read Romans 5:3-5, why do you think Paul says we should “glory (or rejoice) in our sufferings”? 6. These verses talk about suffering producing character. Discuss this as a group. Whose character should we be looking to? 7. How you deal with your sorrows is useful for today, but it also determines your assignment of service to God in heaven. Don’t waste your sorrows. How does this statement help you to consider how you view suffering in your own life? 8. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. We have all faced problems and situations in relationships and in our work that are difficult that may have caused us to think about quitting. What does this verse say about that? 9.We cannot see all that is ahead, but God can. With COVID 19 there is so much about the future that is unknown for us. Reflect on this as a group. How has this been hard for you? How does knowing God and that he sees and knows what is ahead make this easier for you? 10. Scott Madison shared his story of a traumatic accident and what he has learned about God in the journey. How does his story encourage you in your own journey with Christ? Next >