The Church's Secret Weapon

 For this Sunday's service we had guest speaker, Bro. Raymond Woodward. As I have said before, I really enjoy hearing him preach, so I did not take notes. I strongly suggest you listen/view it here. The title of his sermon was, "The Church's Secret Weapon". His main text was taken from Romans chapter 8. He talked about how when the church truly believes and walks in the knowledge that all things work together for the good, we will make it. He gave four examples of how we can be overcomers. There are four major things that happen to us in our life. Trials are situations in our life that God allows. He doesn't do these things, but He does allow them to come into our lives. The key to overcoming it is to make the choice to allow it to make you better and not bitter. To grow from it and trust God to bring you through. Trouble comes from decisions that we have made. These are things that we need to repent from. When we do this, we are forgiven and able to move on.  Temptation comes from the devil. When temptation comes, the way to respond to it, is to resist the devil and flee. You don't need to walk around asking God for forgiveness if temptation passes your way. You didn't send it, but it's up to you to tell it to leave and to not give in to the temptation. When the devil comes after you, it's not time to be passive and say, this will pass. You are to push and fight back and not let it overcome you.  Offenses come from others. They are hurts or situations brought upon you that you did not ask for. The way to overcome this is to release it. Forgive and let it go. It doesn't matter what that person does with their life. You don't' need to hold on to what happened. Some people who have hurt you are not capable for giving you the forgiveness you need. They may never make it right. It's up to you to let it go and move on with your life. Be free from it. Make the choice to allow these things to all work together for your good. Choose to walk in joy.