1 Peter 5:1-11 NIV
[1] To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: [2] Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; [3] not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. [5] In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
This Sunday at Real Life Christian Communities we will begin a new series for the whole month of June 2024. We want to talk about the things that happen to current followers of Christ or even to those who want to become followers of Christ. In short, these things are called "sufferings". Some people may not want to talk about such things but they are realities we must face. As we choose to follow Christ, or as we consider following Him for the first time, we will come face to face with sufferings. Our enemy the devil wants to use these as weapons against us, to stop us from following Jesus. Often, they become impenetrable walls that hinder us from moving forward. Unfortunately, we make foolish decisions because of them and we lose our way. This Sunday, I will give you an overview of four types of sufferings that we must be aware of. Then, on the second Sunday and for four Sundays thereafter I will expound on each one. Join us this whole month of June as we learn together how to stand firm in the Lord.
For more information about RLCC, including our physical and virtual locations and schedules, please visit https://online.rlcc.ph/.