The Teaching of Adversity
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling…” (Psalm 91:1,10)— the place where you are at one with God.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment— “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life…” (Revelation 2:7). If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can “be of good cheer” even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God. – Oswald Chambers
The Lord’s Day Services
| Sunday,
August 7th |
11:00a.m. | Morning Service – Rev. Lee Sterritt
Communion Service Following. |
| 6:00p.m. | Pre-Service Prayer Meeting | |
| 6:30p.m. | Evening Service – Dr. Frank McClelland |
Weekly Announcements
| Monday – Friday
August 8th -12th |
6:46p.m. | Vacation Bible School |
| Wednesday,
August 10th |
6:45p.m. | Prayer Meeting will join VBS in Gym.
Please try to come at 6:45 p.m. to participate in the singing and Bible story. A short time of prayer will follow. |
Advance Announcements
| Sunday,
August 14th |
11:00a.m. | Morning Service – Pastor Mano Joseph
Grace Gospel Tamil Church |
| 6:00p.m. | Pre-service prayer time | |
| 6:30p.m. | Evening Service – Mr. Roger Valenziano | |
| Wednesday,
August 17th |
7:25p.m. | Bible Study & Prayer Meeting – Mr. George Robinson |
Please Pray For:
Vacation Bible School – August 8 – 12, 2016
We will be holding our Vacation Bible School program this week of (August 8th – 12th) in the evening, it will be held in the WCS Gymnasium for ages 6 – 12.
Please pray that God’s Word will have an impact on the children that attend.
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There will be a brief meeting after the evening service today with all those who have signed up to help this week.
Front Entrance Project
For over a year now the church board has been working on plans for a major renovation to the front entrance of the church to allow for easier access to drop off passengers closer to the door and a canopy for weather protection. The church has already received a substantial donation towards this project but we still need your help. To donate, please mark your envelope “Front Entrance Project”. Construction has begun and an alternative access to the church will be posted. Thank you for your patience and pray that all will be done to the glory of God.
40th Anniversary Services – September 16th – 19th, 2016
Please be in prayer for these special meetings, marking 40 years of God’s grace and provision in this ministry.
Special speakers include: Dr. John McKnight, Rev. Thomas Martin and Rev. Ian Goligher. The Solc family will also be attending from the Czech Republic.
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An anniversary choir is being prepared for these special services. Anyone who has been in our church choir in the last 40 years is welcome. Rehearsals will begin Sunday, August 28th at 5:00 p.m. Please plan to join us.
