Tag: suffering

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The Church at Smyrna (Part 2)

What does it mean to be truly rich? In Revelation 2, Jesus tells the impoverished and persecuted church at Smyrna, “I know thy poverty, (but thou art rich).” Though these believers possessed little of this world’s goods, they enjoyed spiritual riches that no earthly power could take away.

In this concluding message on the Church at Smyrna, we examine the sources of their persecution, the spiritual wealth they possessed in Christ, and the Lord’s promise that their suffering would be temporary. We also consider the remarkable historical account of Polycarp, an early pastor of Smyrna who suffered martyrdom for his faith, illustrating the courage and steadfastness of these early Christians.

Though the world may regard a struggling congregation as weak or insignificant, the Lord sees things differently. Join us as we consider Christ’s encouraging promise to His suffering people: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Radio broadcast for November 8, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna (Part 2)”

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The Church at Smyrna (Part 1)

What does it mean to be rich in the eyes of God? In Revelation chapter 2, Jesus addresses a congregation that was surrounded by wealth but personally acquainted with poverty, persecution, and suffering. Yet unlike a majority of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, the church at Smyrna received no rebuke from the Lord. Instead, Christ offered words of assurance to a people who had remained faithful despite tremendous hardship.

In this first part of our message on the Church at Smyrna, we consider the historical setting of this congregation, the opposition these early Christians faced, and the significance of Christ introducing Himself as the One who was dead and is alive. Their circumstances were difficult, but their Savior knew their suffering. What an encouragement to us today, knowing that no trial escapes His notice and that even death itself has been conquered by Jesus Christ!

Radio broadcast for November 1, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna (Part 1)”

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He Is Risen Indeed!

In this special Easter edition of Words of Grace, Pastor Benjamin Winslett proclaims the triumphant truth of Christianity: Christ is risen! Drawing from all four gospel accounts, Pastor Winslett walks listeners through the moments in which the empty tomb was discovered, exploring what the resurrection proves to us, and what it teaches us about our own sufferings in this world. From eyewitness testimony to deep theological truth, this message reminds us that because Jesus lives, we shall live also. He is risen indeed!

Radio broadcast for April 20, 2025. Continue reading “He Is Risen Indeed!”

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Blessed Assurance

Recently on Words of Grace, our focus has been on suffering and afflictions. We’ve spoken to the origin of suffering, the various causes of suffering, the great difference between when God sends affliction and when Satan afflicts us, as well as many related themes like God’s sovereignty and the wiles of the Devil.

In today’s broadcast, Ben Winslett considers the great blessing of peace that we have when we are faithful and trusting of God IN our afflictions. Tune in to learn more!

Radio broadcast for April 21, 2024. Continue reading “Blessed Assurance”

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Cast Down but Not Destroyed

We all experience great affliction in this life. In a sin cursed world, troubles of various stripe are unavoidable. In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul reflects on this while making some of the most encouraging and beautiful statements about God’s providential protection of us in the New Testament. Join us for this message from Ben Winslett to learn more.

Radio broadcast for November 26, 2023. Continue reading “Cast Down but Not Destroyed”

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When the Right Thing Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, when we do all we can to prayerfully obey God’s word, a situation still blows up in our face. On today’s radio program, we consider a very notable account of this from the Old Testament, namely when Moses initially went before Pharaoh demanding he release God’s people, Israel. Surely, Moses’ obedience would yield immediate results, right? Wrong! In fact, in the short term, it made things worse. You and I can learn much from this example. Join us for more on today’s edition of Words of Grace.

Radio broadcast for January 15, 2023 Continue reading “When the Right Thing Doesn’t Work”

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Finding Christ in the Book of Job

The book of Job is quite unique,  an historical account of a family’s suffering written as a work of poetry, and full of sadness, bitterness, confusion, and even restoration and hope. But did you know there there are also pictures of Christ in Job? Join Ben Winslett for this episode of Words of Grace, in which we search for Christ in this ancient book of the Bible.

Radio broadcast for March 7, 2021 Continue reading “Finding Christ in the Book of Job”

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A Word to Those Who Suffer

Suffering is inescapable in this fallen, cursed world. Whether major issues such as a pandemic or regional ice storm, or our own personal battles with disease and affliction, every single one of us will suffer at some point in our lives.

Turning to God’s word for counsel in times of trial, we find two great encouragements from God’s words to Israel during their season of suffering cruel bondage at the hands of Pharaoh in this edition of Words of Grace. Continue reading “A Word to Those Who Suffer”