


Why God Wants Us To Experience Suffering II
We continue on the reasons why God would have us experience suffering:

Why God Wants Us To Experience Suffering I
It is easy to accept faith when it is about the things we like and the impossible being done for us. Hebrews 11:1-16 is about this. Then also some suffered and lost by the same faith and because of the faith, and especially from v35
Reasons Why God Wants Us To Suffer:
1. It pleases Him. Isaiah 53:10 it pleased the LORD to bride Him: He hath put Him to brief
2. Because it makes you perfect Hebrews 2:10
3. Because it makes you obedient. Hebrews 5:8
4. It brings us closer to Christ Phil 3:10
5. Because of the glory that will follow you Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Peter 1:11, 1 Peter 4:13
6. So that you play your part in completing the sufferings of Christ Colossians 1:24

Prepare for Your Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1-58
Revelation 14:13
Christ undoubtedly resurrected! Many saw Him. Things completely changed!
We too shall be resurrected in Him.
Seeing that it is our future, how must we prepare for that stage life? We must be rich in works, for they are the only things that crosses into that life.

Responding Appropriately To God’s Love
The convention continued on with this gripping message to help us think about how to respond appropriately to God's love that is show by giving Christ to die for our sin.
If God went as far as giving His life for us, what ought to be our response?
Should we not give our lives without reserve? Is there anything too precious to lose in order to gain such a love?

Steps To Following Christ
Matt 16:21-28
The steps to following Christ
1. Deny self
2. Take up own cross
3. Follow Christ
Anyone and everyone desiring to follow Christ must carry their own cross
When Christ went to the cross, power was released that triggered Christianity and forgiveness of sin.
We also must take up our cross for power to be released into our lives and ministry

Sir, We Would See Jesus
John 12:20-22
The people wanted to see Jesus. THey said, Sir, we would see Jesus!
God wants us to seek Him not the things that come from Him. He must be the subject and the object of our worship.
John 6:1-2, 22-28 - These people did not seek Jesus but for the miracles He was doing.
It appears God is always analysing the purpose for which we serve Him and come to Him.
Heb 11:6 - He that cometh to God must believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Psalm 91:14-16 The blessing of those who set their love upon God.
For setting love upon God, He will:
- deliver you
- set you on high
- He will answer you
- He will be with you in trouble and deliver you
- He will honor you
The people in Matt 6 that at the beginning were blessed for coming to Jesus, later on followed because of the bread. Follow Him geniuinely for Him.