Tag: Persecution

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The Crucial Importance of Loving One Another

This past week, our church facility suffered from some rather extreme vandalism within our Fellowship Hall, a restroom, and our pastor’s office. While shocking and tragic, it seems that the Lord actually prepared us for this trial through His word. How so? Just three services ago, in his current series through 1 John, Ben Winslett spoke to the dangers of anger and hate, the proper response to persecution, and the importance of love! We share a portion of that message with you today on Words of Grace and hope you enjoy it.

Radio broadcast for November 3, 2024. Continue reading “The Crucial Importance of Loving One Another”

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In Christ, from Thessalonians

In this broadcast titled “In Christ from Thessalonians,” we explore the profound connection believers have with Christ, focusing on key “In Christ” statements found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Join us as we discuss our union with Christ, the resurrection of the dead in Christ, and the call to live for the glory of Christ. We consider the context of Paul’s letters to a largely Gentile church undergoing persecution, his teachings on the return of Christ, and how the church should live in anticipation of His coming. This is a message of comfort and hope, reminding us to labor faithfully while we wait for His return.

Radio broadcast for October 20, 2024. Continue reading “In Christ, from Thessalonians”

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When Iniquity Abounds

In today’s episode of Words of Grace, Pastor Ben Winslett addresses the topic, “When Iniquity Abounds.” Examining both secular and Christian perspectives, Ben considers the overall state of the world, its trends, and how we as believers can influence society for the better. He explains that despite medical advancements, the world’s cursed nature due to sin results in suffering and societal decay. Drawing from Matthew 24:12 and Romans 1, he highlights how indulgence in sin leads to societal chaos.

Radio broadcast for September 29, 2024. Continue reading “When Iniquity Abounds”

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Suffering With Christ

While Jesus’ life was one of difficulty, His final week leading up to the crucifixion was one of extreme and intense suffering. He would be betrayed, arrested, forsaken, lied about, tried, beaten, scourged, and then crucified. And yet despite knowing all of this, He rode into Jerusalem for the joy set before Him.

As we continue our series on the reality of afflictions, we look to the sufferings of Christ, and find examples for us in our own suffering.

Radio broadcast for March 31, 2024. Continue reading “Suffering With Christ”

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Paul, the Suffering Steward

Faithfully preaching God’s word invites adversity and suffering. In Colossians chapter 1, Paul remarks on this fact, claiming that he rejoices in such suffering. Moreover, this ministry God had “dispensed” unto him was the fulfillment of God’s promise, even a mystery hidden from the foundation of the world, that Gentiles would be blessed with the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12.

Message 7 in our series on Colossians, from November 2021. Continue reading “Paul, the Suffering Steward”

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The Church at Smyrna

Continuing our series from Revelation on Jesus’ “mini epistles” to the seven churches of Asia Minor, we consider the church that puritan John Trapp referred to as “the poorest but the purest” of them all, the church at Smyrna. Impoverished, persecuted, but faithful, this church was commended by Jesus when others were rebuked. May we learn from her example!

Radio broadcast for January 16, 2022. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna”

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The Suffering Steward

Faithfully preaching God’s word invites adversity and suffering.

Ask yourself the question: what is MY personal response to suffering. Many of us might respond with resentment. Others, self-pity. And some might even plot revenge! In this message from Colossians chapter 1, we learn Paul’s response, one he shared with other Apostles – rejoicing.

Radio broadcast for November 14, 2021 Continue reading “The Suffering Steward”

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What Makes the Difference?

Have you ever noticed how the early disciples faced hardships with a different perspective than Old Testament saints? Take Job for instance. His sufferings initially resulted in much confusion and even bitterness in his heart. Yet when the Apostles were persecuted, they rejoiced. What made the difference? Tune in to this week’s episode of Words of Grace for the answer.

Radio broadcast for March 14, 2021 Continue reading “What Makes the Difference?”