Christ Our Example in Suffering (Part 2) - Nathan Rages

In this 2nd installment of a 3-part series, we continue to examine the subject of suffering by looking to the Lord Jesus Christ as great primary example in how to handle our suffering.  We make the following connections between Christ's sufferings and our own:   

4. He suffered without sinning. 

    (1Pet. 2:22-23, John 15:10,8:29, Heb. 4:15, 1Cor. 10:13, Job 1:11,20-22)

5. He exercised faith in God.

    (1Pet. 2:23, Luke 23:46, 1Pet. 4:19, Jas. 1:2-3)

6. He endured shameful humiliation.

    (Phil. 2:7-8, Matt. 26:67-68, 27:27-29,38-44, Luke 23:35-36, Ps. 22:6-8, 69:19-20, Isa. 50:6,53:3, Heb. 12:2, Acts 5:41, 1Cor. 4:13)

7. His reputation was slandered.

    (Prov. 22:1, Matt. 26:59-65, Luke 23:2, Isa. 53:12)

8. He was motivated by love. 

    (John 13:1, 15:13, Gal. 2:20, 1Jon 4:19, John 21:15-17, Luke 6:27-28)

Christ Our Example in Suffering (Part 1) - Nathan Rages

Suffering is unavoidable in this life (Job 5:7,14:1, John 16:33, Rom. 8:20-22) and comes in many forms.

Christ is our supreme example in suffering (1Pet. 2:18-23, Phil. 3:10, Luke 9:23).  Many aspects of *His* suffering can be applied to *our* hardships;   this message covers the first three:

1. He was not surprised by His suffering (Rev. 13:8, Matt. 20:18-19, John 12:27, Acts 14:22, 1Thess. 3:2-4, 1Pet. 4:12).

2. His prayers to avoid suffering went unanswered (Matt. 26:37-40, Luke 22:44, 2Cor. 12:8-9).

3. He could have removed Himself from suffering [but didn’t] (John 18:6, Matt. 26:53).

Seeking More of the Spirit's Power in Your Life - Nathan Rages

As a follow-up to last Sunday's teaching about the Holy Spirit's work within believers, this message describes five things that a person *can do* if they desire a greater measure of the Spirit's influence, power, and help in their life.   

1. Become a true Christian (John 7:37-39, Acts 2:38-39).

2. Believe that God is willing to give you this blessing (Acts 1:4-5,2:33,39, 1John 5:14-15).

3. Eliminate whatever grieves the Spirit (Eph. 4:30, Acts 5:32, Psalm 139:23).

4. Persist in specific prayer (Luke 11:5-13).

5. Wait patiently for whatever God will give (Acts 1:4-5).

"He Will Baptize You With the Holy Spirit" - Nathan Rages

“I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  (Mark 1:8)

This message concerns the Holy Spirit's work within believers, leading to these conclusions:  

1. Every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9).

2. Christians may also receive an outpouring / filling / baptism of the Spirit either at or after conversion (Matt. 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:4-8,2:1-4,8:14-17,9:17-20,19:1-7, Luke 3:22,4:1,14,17-18).

     It is available to all believers (Acts 2:38-39). 

     It may be repeated (Acts 2:4,4:8,4:31).

     It produces recognizable effects (Acts 1:8,2:4,9:20-22).