I. We are comforted by hope. • We do not grieve like those who have no hope. - Understand our spiritual destiny • John 14:2-3 "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And, if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." - The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the promise of our own resurrection. • 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep...But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."
• We are assured that we will be with the Lord forever. - The Lord will decend from heaven - The dead in Christ will rise first - Those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the air to meet the Lord in the clouds - And so shall we ever be with the Lord.
II. We are comforted so that we may comfort others • God is the God of all comfort. - He comforts us in all of our troubles. • We comfort those in any trouble • We comfort them with the comfort we have received from God. - He is the Father of compassion.
• Suffering and comfort go hand in hand. - We share in the sufferings of Christ. • 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trail you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." • They persecuted Christ. • They persecuted the prophets - Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." - Through Him our comfort overflows. • He gives us the strength to endure whatever we face. • He gives us hope to go on. • He encourages us through the hard times • The more we suffer, the more comfort He gives.
303 North Cedar Street, New Castle, PA 16102 724-654-0889
Each of the services are tape recorded for your convenience and use. Each tape contains the special music and morning message. To obtain a copy, make your request at the bookstore. A donation of $2.00 per tape is welcomed.
