Coronavirus 129 million cases 2 82 million deaths
- Slides: 9
Coronavirus = 129 million cases & 2. 82 million deaths. Spanish Flu = 500 million cases & 21 million deaths. “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. . and death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. ” (Rom 5: 12) “But Christ… brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. ” (5: 18)
GRACE WINS! GOD TAKES THE WORST OF THINGS AND TURNS THEM INTO THE BEST OF THINGS. “Because of Jesus, everything sad is coming untrue. ” (J. R Tolkien) “We know that all creation groans. . . ” (Rom 8: 22) = life is hard. “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him…. ” (Rom 8: 28) = God is good.
The world around me seems to be falling apart, so how is God doing that for me now? How can I believe that there is ‘good’ in that? 2 Corinthians 11: 23 -28 = Paul wasn’t a blind optimist + didn’t live a trouble free life. Our definition of ‘good’ = convenience, comfort, immediate pleasure. God’s definition is better. Paul isn’t saying that tough times are good, but the results are.
“It was the tough times that really taught us what matters … we got our priorities straight and we never forgot those lessons. ” “We do a huge disservice to young Australians by trying to make the path so smooth for them. We are removing all of the things that are so crucial to a person’s learning and development. ” “Happiness is a state we recognise by contrast with sadness. . success by contrast with failure”. “Happiness is a state we recognise by contrast with sadness” while success can be differentiated “by HUGH MACKAY – AUSTRALIAN contrast with failure”. DEMOGRAPHER
HOW DOES GOD WORK FOR OUR GOOD? 1. To equip us to make a lasting difference. “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. ” (John 20: 21) = a dangerous search & rescue mission to save the world from sin. Tough times = endurance, strength & character + effectiveness (Rom 5: 3 -5). “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ” (Gen 50: 20)
2. To make us more like Jesus – “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. . ” (Rom 8: 29) God may not cause them, but he uses them. Cancer (eternal things), addiction (selfcontrol), unemployment (faithfulness), difficult baby (patience), frustration (obedience), difficult person (forgiveness). We may not choose it or like it, but we must not waste it.
3. To draw us closer to God – in OT it was often after time of suffering that people would turn back to God. “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. ” (2 Cor 7: 10) Suffering > repentance, pain > revival. Training & discipline proves that God loves us (Heb 12: 6 -8).
4. To remind us that we have a future hope “And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. ” (Rom 8: 30) Glory = the certain hope of “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ” (Rom 5: 29) Jesus’ certain & better hope = “. . there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” (Rev 21: 4 -5)
Easter = God can turn the worst-case scenario into the best-case scenario. Easter = your fear, anxiety & uncertainty can be replaced with peace, joy & an unshakeable hope. Easter = even you we don’t see it or feel it, God is in control and always working for your good – His grace always wins. The question is do you believe and are you ready to receive?
