HARD TIMES

          Text: 2 Corinthians 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

           ⁹Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

           ¹⁰Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

           ¹¹For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

          We are going through difficult times. What is your problem?

Is it?

Money?

          Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Health?

          James 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

          ¹⁵And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Family problems?

           Husbands love your wives. Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands. Children obey your parents.

          How about adult children?  The word now is HONOR your parents and parents love your children.

Mental problems and fear?

          2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

          If you have fear or mental problems, you didn't get them from God, but God is able to take them away.

Spiritual problems?

          Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

           ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

           ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

           ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

         

Problems with neighbors?

Think about Job. Were his comforters sincere?

Where do we go from hear?

          1 Peter 2:5-10 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

          ⁶Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

 

           ⁹But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

          ¹⁰Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

          We are God's covenant people. A spiritual house, a holy nation,   a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices.