This Week’s Experience – 5/24/2020

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“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
 -John 9:2-3

The apostles left the council and were happy, because God had considered them worthy to suffer for the sake of Jesus.

 -Acts 5:41     

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
 -Galatians 6:7

We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.
-Romans 5:3-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
 -James 1:2-4

To understand the relationship God wanted to have with Adam and Eve and their choice to rebel against Him, see Genesis chapters 2 and 3.

If a man is righteous and does what is lawful and right….he shall surely live, says the Lord GOD….The person who sins shall die….But if the wicked turn away from all their sins…they shall surely live; they shall not die.
 - See Ezekiel 18 for these verses in full context

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
 -Genesis 50:20

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
 -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

For the wages of sin is death…
-Romans 6:23

If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.  All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
-1 John 5:16-17

 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
 -Matthew 25:31-46

"If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
-Acts 5:39

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

-Acts 9:4-5

Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.  
-Acts 4:12

 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
-Romans 10:9

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
-Revelation 21:4

LIFE APPLICATION
To discuss during the week with your family or Life Group

1.     How do you typically respond to suffering in your life or those close to you?  How has this message changed your perspective?

2.     Why is it important to deal with your own sin right away?  What are the possible short and long term consequences if you don’t?

3.     What is your next step as a result of this message?