Why Bad Things Become Perfect Gifts | James 1:17b

Sermon, Video

Paul had a problem. His tendency toward arrogance could easily get in the way of his kingdom usefulness. So, what did God do? God gave Paul a gift, actually, several gifts. What were those gifts? Here’s the answer: weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions and difficulties. If that seems unacceptable, stop here and go no farther. The weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions and difficulties will not go away. However, if you proceed, what has been a gut-wrenching grind just may be transformed into a life-changing, energy-charged gift.

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Ian the Terrible | Proverbs 1:2-7; Luke 13:1-5

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According to the Weather Channel, Hurricane Ian was headed straight for Tampa Bay, but then turned more eastward and moved through Florida to the south Clearwater and the surrounding area. Why? Why not here instead of there? Why were we spared and others weren’t? Does the Bible have anything to say about such catastrophes? The answer is a resounding, Yes!

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Freedom Isn’t A Show Car | Romans 6:17-18

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As a ten-year-old child, I loved cars, especially the 1987 Lamborghini Countach. I once saw a Lamborghini Countach in the garage of a neighbor who lived next to my dad’s parents. That car met all the expectations of my heart and mind. However, the man who owned it rarely drove it. For all practical purposes, that car was only for show.
Then it occurred to me that many believers go at Christianity like that Lamborghini Countach. They never get their Christianity out on the road of life, but treat it as a show car only.

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Great Expectations | Isaiah 54:1-3a

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What are our expectations for the future, and in particular, what are our expectations for the future of the Countryside Baptist family with God at work among us? Whatever our future may be, if we have great expectations, we cannot accomplish those expectations on our own, but with the involvement of God there is nothing we cannot accomplish. Expect great things from God; Do great things for God.

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Escaping the Emotional Junk Heap | Habakkuk 3:17-19

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Though my business fails, though I become unemployed, though I lose my home, though my cancer is incurable, though the stock market crashes, though my marriage ends in divorce, though my friends forsake me, though my dreams die, though my husband is murdered, though my wife runs off with another man, though my health deteriorates – yet will I worship the Lord. What if? How will you survive?

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In the “Between” Time | Genesis 39:1-6

Sermon, Video

Verses 1 & 2 in Genesis 39 present a paradox. In verse 1 we are told that Joseph was sold for a second time as a slave, yet verse two tells us that Joseph became a successful man. Does that make sense? It seems that nothing had gone right and that things would get worse. Yet, Joseph became a successful man? How can that be? Let’s dig a little deeper, and brace yourself for success.

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