How should those who trust in God react to impossible situations? Sadly most people don’t cope well with great difficulties. Millions of people are on medications for stress-related problems. Millions more will experience nervous breakdowns in their lives. Over 100,000 people attempt suicide every year in the USA. Thousands turn to illegal drugs and alcohol. For the past few weeks we have been looking at King Jehoshaphat’s reaction to an impossible situation in 2 Chronicles 20. His godly reactions offer the people of God a great pattern for reacting to our own challenging problems that test our faith. As he fervently prays, he seeks the Lord, stands firm in hope, and believes God’s promises.
Then he does something else remarkable: He resolves to worship God with joy! “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21)
Before victory comes, before the struggles are resolved, yes even when we are laboring in the middle of the difficulties and trials, we ought to praise God and have joy.
Anyone can have joy after a successful surgery, right? Anyone can feel great after the temptation is resisted. Anyone can have joy after the bill is paid anonymously. Anyone can have joy when their kids are following God wholeheartedly. But the difficulty is having it during the battles. Sometimes maintaining joy itself is the biggest battle. God calls us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
I didn't say it would be easy for us, but it can be done. So when you are praying for the impossible, sing forth praise to God. Break out in joyful song!
We receive feedback from our broadcasters and listeners on a regular basis. We hope that as you read these comments you might rejoice with us and thank God with us for what He is accomplishing through the preaching of His Word!
SermonAudio is proud to be a partner with FAME as we co-produce a weekly 'audio journal podcast' called Five Minutes of FAME taken from a first-person perspective. |
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But first, some other encouragements!This past week, the founder of SermonAudio had the privilege of visiting Rome and was deeply moved by the vivid reminders of the early Christians. The epistle of Romans was written to the Roman Christians found in this very city. The building in the background is the Pantheon, built by Marcus Agrippa 2000 years ago around the time this epistle was written. Paul himself may have been in this very area. The power of Ancient Rome is gone but the power of the Gospel in Romans is still going strong.
Encouraging broadcaster feedback..
Below is some of the feedback from broadcasters we've received just this past week. We encourage you to contact them and tell them that you saw them here!
| Philip Proctor, Sterling Presbyterian Church (OPC) www.sermonaudio.com/sterlingopc"The first thing I did when I came to Sterling OPC was to sign us up for SermonAudio. We really appreciate your ministry. It is a tremendous benefit for our church. We have had many people check us out first on SermonAudio before ever visiting our church. One couple from California was moving clear across the country to our area. But before they moved, they wanted to make sure there was a good church available. They went on SermonAudio and listened to a few messages even before they decided to move. Your service is very reasonably priced. I am so encouraged every month by the reports you send us. I send an email out to our congregation and let them see how God is using us to reach people all around the world, even in closed countries. We may never know the impact of this ministry till we stand before Christ in glory. It’s a privilege to partner with you. Thank you for how you have helped our church grow in this way." |
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| Shawn Anderson, Sycamore Reformed Presbyterian Church www.sermonaudio.com/sycamorerpc"We are very grateful for SermonAudio. We are a small church plant yet this allows us to make contact with listeners outside our ministry. Last year we had three families visit our church after they listened to a few sermons on the site. I use SermonAudio for my own personal edification as a pastor. We love your service. Thank you." |
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| David E. Thompson, Texas Corners Bible Church www.sermonaudio.com/tcbc"We hear from people all over the world who listen to our sermons on SermonAudio. I’ve had a pastor from Africa call me. It’s just amazing what the Lord has done through this site. There are actually only a few nations in the world where someone has not downloaded one of our sermons We have been humbled to have reached people in all fifty states. We have had people contact us and come to Christ through using SermonAudio. People write us and even send us money. I’ve received a note from a pastor in China who has appreciated this ministry. And SermonAudio has helped grow our church locally. People have gone on-line, listened to messages, visited our church and are joining our church. Thank you for all you do!" |
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| Rob Davis, The Bible Church of Cabot www.sermonaudio.com/cabotbible"SermonAudio? We love it! It has great functionality. The mobile apps are fantastic. The site is easy to navigate. Our people use it all the time. It interfaces well with our website , so when people want to listen to sermons they find on our site it drives them to SermonAudio. We have had people who move away due to family or job relocation and they are able to continue to listen to our sermons. The monthly fee is definitely worth it. Through the site people who listened to us have contacted us with questions about the Bible. SermonAudio has really been a front-door to our church! Hats off to you for the new sermon player as well. It’s only been out a few weeks, but church members have already commented how they enjoy it!" |
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| John Brackbill, The Bible Church www.sermonaudio.com/thebiblechurchny"Our experience with SermonAudio is all good. It allows us to get the messages up on the site very quickly so that people who missed the message due to serving elsewhere in our church or illness or whatever are able to listen to the sermon soon after the service is done. We see it also as an outreach tool which allows us to communicate with people outside of our church. I use the site in evangelism as I talk with people about the gospel. I can’t imagine not having SermonAudio as a ministry tool." |
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| James Egloff, The Body of Christ Serving South Jersey www.sermonaudio.com/bodyofchristnj"SermonAudio is a fantastic place for our sermon archives. Family and friends who can’t attend our church often listen in. When I am ministering to people who have struggling with certain issues or who need clarity on questions with which they are wrestling, I often send them to a particular sermon we have on your site. Your site is very robust in its content. We are so thankful for the reach SermonAudio enables us to have. It truly makes the world a smaller place!" |
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| Julian Riddle, Surfside Presbyterian Church www.sermonaudio.com/surfsidepca"We are delighted with the service you guys provide! Keep us the good work!" |
We would encourage you to read through more testimonials we've received over the years from both listeners and broadcasters alike.Join us, support us, and enjoy!