Sunday, February 2

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Sunday school – Subject: Single-minded Obedience – Matthew 4:1-11 – Teacher: John Diffenderfer

How do we stand up to daily temptation?

“God would rather that we make a daily commitment than a yearly resolution.”

Jesus’ commitment to bring salvation to us meant He did not turn His back on God – even when He was led to the wilderness – even when He was hungry and Satan tempted him to turn stones into bread.

What was wrong with Jesus turning stones to bread? Larry Rohrer’s answer, “You do not want to dine with Satan.”

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Worship Service – Minister: Glendon Zook – How Difficult Times Help Me Grow Spiritually – Romans 5:1-5; Philippians 2:5-8

Do you want spiritual growth?

Do you like difficult times?

When sin entered the world, perfection was lost.

Difficult times will come. Difficult times help us grow close to God.

What is spiritual growth? Intentional effort to find the mind of Christ.

How can I grow spiritually when life is so tough – when I am barely able to survive.

Only by God’s grace can we grow spiritually.

Our choice in difficult times is to become bitter or better.

God does not delight in watching us suffer.

Where is the joy when a child is born with cancer?

Where is the joy during persecution?

Where is the joy when a family is separated by jealously, divorce or bitterness?

Patience, endurance, and finishing the race does not come in a neatly wrapped.

Hope is knowing that God has been faithful and He will be faithful.

Brokenness is a prerequisite for spiritual growth.

Growth will not happen is a proud heart.

How difficult times helped me to grow spiritually.

Learned that I am not in control.

I need to make adjustments, focus and listen.

How can you navigate your way through difficult times.

Invite God into your situation.

Accept your situation

Ask, “How can I grow?” instead of why me.

Count your blessings

Allow others to help you.

Ask others to pray for you.

Closing: We were blessed when about two dozen men from Pennsylvania Adult Teen Challenge choir – shared two testimonies and two songs.