This is Why You Keep Experiencing Trials

Dear Partners in the Gospel,

Do you ever wonder why you keep facing trials after trials? Have you ever looked around at the people who seem to be enjoying their lives while you are constantly dealing with personal trials after personal trials and wondered what is wrong with you?

What if I told you that there is a reason, a truth behind why you continue to experience trials, but you may not accept it.

As we go through various trials and difficulties in our lives, let us remember the words of James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Is it possible that your perception of those around you who seem to be living their best lives - laughing, loving, excelling, and progressing - is partially flawed? They are living their best lives, but that doesn't mean they aren't facing trials. They are also plagued by personal, familial, financial, emotional, and communal trials!

How is their experience different from mine? It's their perspective! James tells us to “”Consider” it all joy when we encounter various trials.”” In other words, how we judge our trials determines how we experience them. How do you approach your trials? Do you consider them with a negative perspective or with a faith perspective? The living, laughing, loving, progressing and fulfilling group includes those who consider their trials with a faith attitude. Conversely, if you view your trials with a negative attitude, then you will be a member of the group that is bitter, sad, angry, and miserable.

Though we may find these trials difficult, have you ever considered how difficult they must be for our Heavenly Father to allow us to experience them? In spite of this, they serve His divine purpose of strengthening our faith and producing endurance within us. Instead of losing heart, let's trust in God's plan for us, knowing that through these trials we will become more complete and perfect.

Trials are inevitable and are meant to stir up joy and faith, because you are about to go to a greater level of maturity in your walk with Christ—this is the paradox of our faith. Let us therefore face these challenges with joy and faith, knowing that they are molding us into the people God intends for us to be. In the end, we will not lack anything if we hold on to our faith and endure through these trials.

Pastor Julian Rooks

Sunday Scoop: How to handle the unexpected

Pastor Joe delivered a powerful message, walking us through King David's life (1 Samuel) as an example of how to handle the unexpected. There are three types of unexpected events:

- Those that come from God (blessings or tests)
- Those that come from life (things outside our control)
- Those that come from us (consequences of our actions)

David, a man after God's own heart, trusted in a God bigger than his circumstances. He faced many challenges, including:

- Unexpected calls from God (being called to be king as a teenager)
- Unexpected tests from life (Saul seeking to kill him)
- Unexpected consequences from his own actions (sinning with Bathsheba)

Despite these challenges, David remained true to God's promises, and his story teaches us that:

- God is good and works all things out for our good
- God's timing is perfect
- God will be glorified even in hard times
- His faithful love never ends (Lamentations 3:20-29)
- He can keep us and bring us into His glorious presence (Jude 1)

There was a 10-15 year gap between David receiving the promise of kingship and actually becoming king. During that time, he faced numerous challenges, including hiding in caves and wildernesses, feeling rejected and abandoned, and battling the urge to take revenge into his own hands. Yet, he remained faithful to God's promise, persevering through trials that refined his character and heart. This process prepared him for the calling he had received, teaching him to trust in God's timing and purification, even in the face of adversity. As a result, the Book of Psalms was written over the course of his lifespan.

So, remember that there may be a journey between receiving a word from God and seeing it fulfilled, but don't give up. Expect the unexpected, and trust in God's goodness and guidance.

-Sherna Williams

Sunday Scoop: God deposited a divine power in your weak body

Pastor Rooks: “God deposited a divine power in your weak body that is superior to your current affliction. Like soil is to seed, affliction is to the treasure God has placed in you.”

Y’all…this one is a goody!

God is coming to collect on His treasure! He wants to use what's inside you to make a difference in the world.

Remember when you went through that really tough time and felt like giving up? Yeah, we've all been there! But here's the thing: God is always with us, even in the darkest moments. And He's always working to bring out the best in us.

So, let's explore how to tap into that treasure inside us and let God use it to make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us!

Pastor Julian describes despair as feeling hopeless and trapped, like there's no escape from our struggles - whether it's with our health, finances, career, or marriage. But here's the thing: Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, reminds us that our afflictions are not unique to us. He faced his own share of trials and tribulations, and yet, he continued to obey God's assignment for his life.

Sometimes, when our struggles test our faith and obedience, we might be tempted to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking, cursing, or illicit sex, or even renounce our beliefs altogether. But Paul's example shows us that we don't have to give in to despair. Instead, we can lean on God's strength to find a way out of our darkest moments.

Remember, Paul's experiences were real, and he understands what it's like to feel overwhelmed. But he also shows us that our afflictions can actually refine our faith and obedience, making us stronger and more resilient in the end.

In 2 Corinthians 4:2, God reminds us that we shouldn't face our struggles like the world does. As believers, we've been enlightened by the Gospel and therefore, should have a different perspective. So, needless to say, your current struggles aren't a valid reason to go back to old habits or relationships that God has freed you from. The enemy wants to use despair to control your decisions, but the light of the Gospel can break through that despair and lead you to victory.

Remember, where you focus your attention is where your faith will flow. When you give in to despair, you lose heart because you're focused on your circumstances. The enemy wants to keep you in the dark, so you won't pursue the light. Think about it - when we have a tough week, we often stop doing the things that nourish our faith, like going to church, reading our Bibles, or praying.

In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul reminds us that we're feeling the pressure of our struggles, but we need to learn to respond to God instead of just reacting to life. Responding takes time and maturity, but reacting is quick and often leads to stress. Let's choose to respond to God and trust in His victorious power.

Here's the thing, family: afflictions are meant to reveal areas where we need to grow and mature. Until we face challenges, we don't truly know our capabilities or the strength we possess. There's immense treasure within you, and the primary purpose of affliction is to help you discover it. You see, God has placed incredible power inside you, and affliction is meant to bring it out.

In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul reminds us that suffering is temporary, but we often make permanent decisions based on temporary struggles. Some people give up, walk away, or even take their own lives. But if we stop reacting and take a step back, we'll see that our afflictions are actually working for our good. Paul takes it further in 2 Corinthians 4:11-15, saying that our afflictions aren't just about us; they can bring life to others. It's like something in us needs to die so that others can live. There's generational treasure in your affliction, connected to something bigger than you. Your struggles can push others through, and people will see the treasure in your life.

So, it's up to you: will you let your affliction push you away from Christ or towards Him? Here's how:

1. Don't lose heart or draw back.
2. Take your focus off what you can see.
3. Stop looking outside and go within.

Remember, you're not living just for yourself. Your life has a purpose, and your afflictions can be a treasure that brings life to others.

-Sherna Williams

Sunday Scoop: The solution for what is happening in the world

Hey Scoopers!

Pastor Julian came through another WORD: “The solution for what’s happening in the world is the return of the Kingdom of God back to humanity.” 

Let me set the stage for this one— so, we know that Eve did not deceive Adam into eating the ‘Forbidden Fruit’. In the words of Pastor Julian, “He sinned with his eyes wiiiiide open.” How so? 

Adam had received God's warning about the fruit directly (Genesis 2:16-17).

But what happened immediately after, is where its’s at y’all, because the scripture said BOTH of their eyes were opened (Genesis 3:7). Then Genesis 3:14  starts out with “because you have ” and lays out a host of consequences for the enemy, the woman AND the man. 

THAT’S THE MOMENT - the moment that sickness/disease, murder, poverty, war, etc., entered the world. 

So, here’s your nutshell: Adam and Eve’s consumption of the Forbidden Fruit interrupted God’s government on earth and opened the door for darkness.

I know you’re wondering why God didn't intervene to prevent all of this.

The answer lies in His commitment to His Word because God regulates himself to His word (11 Timothy 2:13). His Word went forth when He gave Adam the standards and limits for governing the Garden of Eden, His earthly Kingdom. The standards and limits were in place to give us the best advantage at preserving the quality of life he intended for us. His Word also went forth with a consequence for sin: death (Genesis 2:17). So, while He could have overlooked Adam and Eve's violation, He chose not to, as it would have gone against His Word. Instead, He exalted His word above Himself.

….and plus, His comeback game is mad strong - I’m just saying!

We see this concept mirrored in Matthew 7 13-14, as God reveals His standards on the narrow way. The broad way (rebellion against the Kingdom) is free from God’s standards and requires nothing of us, which is why it is easy to find and access.

So, the serpent introduced Eve to the broad way/alternate way of living in Genesis 3:1-5, when he convinced her to become her own judge, so that she could be the one in charge and the one who decides right and wrong.

               *Cue in ‘independence’*

Independence is the desire to govern yourself based on your own understanding AKA acting outside of God. It’s the difference between “I’ll do whatever I want” and “I’ll do what the Lord commands” but come a little closer because I almost missed this part the first time around!

Independence is actually motivated by the Enemy. How so, you ask? Because it is covered in his ‘I can’t wait to live without rules, standards and laws being imposed on me’ fingerprints. Did you catch that? 

I bet if you take a good look at the world around you, you can spot the deviations from the path God initially marked out for us. If God commanded a specific standard for living, then sin is laying aside God’s commands or going beyond His commands by deviating from the mark God has set.

When Adam and Eve went against God’s command and ate the Forbidden Fruit, their crowning glory was removed, they were cast down, and they were no longer in their rightful position. They became purposeless and no longer fit to rule God’s earthly kingdom. 

Therefore, their relationship with God was severed and they were removed from God’s presence.

Which brings us back to the core of Pastor Julian’s message: “The solution to what’s happening in the world is the return of the kingdom of God back to humanity”.  

After condemning the Enemy, God declared, 'Your offspring (Jesus Christ) will crush the serpent's head' (symbolizing the defeat of Satan's authority). God promised to restore us to our rightful position when the Kingdom returns through the offspring (Jesus Christ).

-Sherna Williams

Sunday Scoop: Where is your faith rooted?

Sunday Scoop: Last week, Pastor Julian helped us understand how the fall of humanity (Genesis 3:5-7) was orchestrated by the adversary. Basically, when we're unclear about God's Word, we give the Enemy an opening to deceive us, as an in Eve’s misunderstanding of God’s command. …which means, Adam and Eve were simply tools being used by the spirit being, Satan!

I don’t want you to miss the message here, though: You must remember that the true enemy is not the tangible challenges you face, but the spirit being behind them. While the methods and instruments used may change, the spirit being remains constant: Satan. Therefore, stay vigilant and keep this in mind as you navigate your spiritual battles.

In today’s sermon, Pastor Julian posed a rather interesting question, if I do say so myself: What was it about Adam and Eve that made them so appealing to Satan, that it lead him to use a serpent to deceive them?

Though-provoking, right?!?!

Well, the answer is Kingdom. Satan coveted dominion and authority. In the beginning, he sought to supplant God as the supreme ruler (Isaiah 14:12-15). However, he was cast down from his position (Luke 10:17-20) and lost his heavenly territory.

So, his next move?

He set his sights on the earthly territory, ruled by man. …which shows he had knowledge of something. Remember, Satan isn’t ignorant - he simply ‘rules’ through ignorance. So He knew something Eve did not know.

What did he know?

Satan attacked Eve’s compliance to God’s Word (Genesis 3: 2-3) because he knew (!!) that God's Word was the key to His Kingship on earth (Genesis 1:26-28). …which was pretty gutsy (and petty, just saying) on the part of Satan because scripture tells us, in John 1:1, that the Word was God, meaning, Satan attacked God Himself. Satan attacked God through the heart of man because man was the legal representative of God on earth. Do you remember when Satan tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)? Who doesn’t, right? Because Jesus immediately resisted and cast him down. But when Satan tempted Eve, instead she gave in, thus elevating him and ushering in the kingdom of darkness which has been influencing the earth with corrupt wisdom ever since.

When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, God's Kingdom withdrew, allowing the Kingdom of darkness to take hold. This was never solely about a fruit or a serpent; it was an attempt to overthrow God's kingdom (Genesis 5-7).

But wait! There’s more (and this part is goooood)!

Jesus came to bring the gift of Kingdom, because wherever the Kingdom of God is established, the Enemy cannot prevail against you.

..which is why faith isn't rooted in emotions or feelings, but rather in trusting the sovereignty of God's Kingdom and relying on the promises He has established. Just like the Centurion, who had unwavering confidence in Jesus' authority and trusted that His word would heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-13).

Where is the root of your faith?

-Sherna Williams

Sunday Scoop: There is an invisible force driving deception and chaos

Pastor Julian’s sermon began with a profound truth: There is an invisible force driving the deception and chaos we see. And you don’t have to take his word for it - the Bible confirms it in 1 John 5:19, where it says the whole world is under the devil’s influence.

Then we confronted the reality that the devil isn’t ignorant himself, but rather, he rules by promoting ignorance in others.

I know you want me to elaborate, so  check this out…

Pastor Julian examined Genesis 3 to uncover the devil’s first move, revealing the strategy behind his initial attack.  And here’s the scoop, fam: His first attack was on Eve's understanding of God's Word, aiming to cloud her judgment, create confusion, and sow doubt.

You see, Adam failed to communicate the specifics of the forbidden tree to Eve (like come oooooon, Brother Adam), leaving her vulnerable to Satan's manipulation. All he did was warn her about “the tree in the middle of the garden” (Genesis 3:3) - “which tree, Adam?”. So, when Satan tested her knowledge, she couldn't identify the specific tree, and her added comment ("neither shall I touch it") showed her lack of knowledge. This created an opening for the Enemy to lead her into sin, through desensitization to the will of God. Basically, the enemy’s crafty questions and subtle lies gradually disconnected Eve from God’s Word.

Stick with me. I’m going somewhere with this!

 Eve's ignorance allowed Satan to reframe the tree as just any other tree, making her lose fear and respect for God's command. He deceived her into thinking God was holding back something good, leading her to disobey and open herself to alternative thinking AKA confusion.

Does this ring a bell? Haven’t we all ignored warnings and taken risks, only to continue pushing the limits (because we got away with it) even when we know we shouldn’t?

This deception broke humanity's relationship with God and still affects our circumstances today. The Enemy targets our response to God, exploiting our lack of understanding AKA our ignorance about our identity, marriage, finances, etc.

The Enemy knows that without a firm grasp of God's Word, our minds are open to alternatives and deception. We must settle the truth in our minds to resist the Enemy's schemes.

A Word from the Pastor: “You must settle the Word. The only way to do that is to commit to it, no matter the cost.
Imagine the worst possible situation you could face and settle it now. Don’t wait for it to happen before you live by faith. Instead, visualize it, and in your mind, settle it beforehand.”

-Sherna Williams