LIVINGSTONE FELLOWSHIP

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STEADFAST IN SUFFERING

Strong Faith for Hard Times
What makes a strong person able to withstand hard times? How can one remain steadfast in spite of suffering? How was it possible that Lenora could evidence peace in the midst of pain? Eleven years fighting the curse of cancer, yet, Lenora was an example of rejoicing in spite of suffering. Victorious faith. Overcoming faith. Steadfast faith.

An Example of Excellence
Lenora was an example of excellence in hospitality, service, creativity and industry. Lenora was an example of joyful sacrificial service, energetic sports, wholehearted worship and enthusiastic encouragement of others. She strove to live life to the full. To fill her time with productivity, service and creativity.

Firm, Faithful and Fruitful
Lenora was a loyal friend. A faithful family member, especially to her parents. She felt deeply and was hurt by cancer, by cowards and by compromise. Despite being deeply hurt by friends and family who deserted us in times of difficulty, Lenora was fiercely loyal and was offended by disloyalty. Lenora was a faithful friend and grieved by betrayal and backstabbing from people we had poured heart and soul into helping. This passage in Romans 5 gives us some insights as to how it was that Lenora was able to remain firm, faithful and fruitful, in spite of fearful suffering, pain and failing health.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Faith in Action
We are not saved by good works. But once saved, we should do good works. Salvation is by the grace of God alone, received by faith alone. However, we are saved to serve. We are blessed in order to be a blessing. To whom much is given, much is required. To whom much more is given, much more is required. Those who have been forgiven much, love much.

The Fruit of Faith
Good works are a fruit of faith. Not the root. The grace of Almighty God is the root of faith and the fruit of faith is seen in: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in action.

Learn to do Good
We read in Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”

Glorify God by Good Works
In the Sermon on the Mount our Lord Jesus taught us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Be Fruitful in Every Good Work
“That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10

Be Rich in Good Works
“Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18

All Nations in God’s Purpose
After our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He revealed God’s eternal purpose to His disciples.
“And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself... He said to them, ‘this is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’ Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations’” Luke 24:27,44-47. Most of us have closed minds and we need Jesus to open our eyes to see Him in all the books of the Old Testament, in the Law of Moses, in the writings of the Prophets and in the Psalms. Jesus broadened the vision of His disciples to see all nations in God’s purpose.

The Protoevangelium: Genesis 3:15
Salvation is initiated by and achieved by God – “I will...”
Salvation will destroy satan – “He will crush your head.””
Salvation will come through a Mediator who is related to mankind – “The Seed.”
Salvation will involve the suffering of the Redeemer – “The enemy will bruise His heel.”

Whatever Happened to Sin?
The rampant looting sprees and malicious damage to property that saw 200 shopping malls and warehouses looted with R50 Billion losses and over 370 deaths in KwaZulu/Natal and Gauteng in South Africa has led many to ask: whatever happened to respect for life and property?

God Hates Sin
The Bible makes clear that God hates sin. “These six things the Lord hates. Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
The Great Evangelical Awakening was sparked by Jonathan Edwards’ sermon: “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” For the most of church history. preachers have thundered from the pulpits against the seven deadly sins of lust, gluttony, greed, laziness, anger, envy and pride. Today, few people would be able to even identify the seven deadly sins.