Job 23-26

Calvary Chapel Fluvanna

Sermons Giving App

Job 23-26

July 3, 2024 • Pastor Steve Feden • Job 23—26

"A Helpful Perspective on Suffering" - Job 23-26

No one likes to suffer, but if we can see meaning and purpose in it, then it is a little easier to endure. You are well aware that we invite suffering and pain into our lives if and when we believe it is ultimately useful or even helpful.

We also know that talk is cheap. It is easier to say something than to do something. It is easy to talk about what "we would do", but how do you know? Would you really respond better than that person if you were in the same situation?

The only way to know is to actually be in that situation. It's called a test. Have you mastered the material? You say you have, but let's give you a test. Are you as strong as you say? Let's add some weight. Maybe, just maybe, you are actually stronger than you thought you were. And if not, then at least you know what you can be working on.

The weight of Job's suffering is heavy, and he has figured out how to endure. It's a mental thing. Your mind will give out and give up long before your body does.

In yet another high-water moment for Job, he reveals a very useful understanding of his situation. He has figured out a way to look at his life that is both useful and helpful when suffering doesn't make sense.

If you want to know more, then...

....VIEW.....AND......SEE!

Steve

Job 31-33

July 24, 2024 • Pastor Steve Feden

"In Conclusion..." - Job 31-33 Chapter 31 is the conclusion of the lengthy discussion in an attempt to make sense out Job's suffering. Like a ping pong match they have exchanged shots with the three friends accusing Job of a variety of offenses that have brought God's harsh judgement. And then Job would defend his innocence and blame God for treating him unjustly. Where is this all going? Hang in there....we are coming to the conclusion. In fact, Ch 31 ends Job's closing statement in which he pronounces curses on himself....IF....he has done the things that were deserving of those curses. Ch 32 introduces Elihu. Eli Who? No, Elihu....a young and somewhat wordy man who has sat silently waiting for his shot at Job. The others have failed to answer the issues but Elihu -- whose wordy speech takes us six chapters to read -- thinks he can provide the wisdom that Job and the friends have been lacking. Can he? Regardless, we will hear from God in Ch 38. ..View and See.... Steve

Job 27-30

July 17, 2024 • Pastor Steve Feden • Job 27—30

"Where is Wisdom?" - Job 27-30 Wisdom. Winston Churchill said "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." We have a lengthy section to tackle tonight. In the silence of Zophar, Job continues his speech [Ch 27]. And it seems that Ch 28 is an odd little chapter which many identify as more of an interlude. It serves to conclude the previous arguments and sets the stage for what is on the horizon. In a world full of technology, data, and entertainment, many suggest that there has been a real loss of wisdom! Would you agree? Wisdom is different than intelligence. Wisdom is more than what we know, it involves knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. But where does wisdom come from? We know where to get gold and water and petroleum. But where do we get wisdom? This is what Job deal with in Ch 28. Even though you can probably guess the answer, you might want to see the wisdom behind it! If so.... ....View and See. Steve

Job 1

March 6, 2024 • Pastor Steve Feden • Job 1

"Making Sense of Pain and Loss" - Job 1 Back, by popular demand.....and because I believe the Holy Spirit is guiding us here as well.....we will begin our study in the book of Job! This is such an important study, as it deal with the life of a good man who had a bad day. And then another bad day. In fact, his life goes from bad to worse in record time. Now Job is left to try to make sense out of his suffering. As if losing his fortune and family was not bad enough, his friends show up to rub salt in his wounds. When Job needed compassion, his friends became his accusers. And it makes sense.....because God can't be wrong in punishing Job, can He? In their faulty theology, all of these calamities must be Job's fault! But Job disagrees, insisting on his innocence and eventually demanding an audience with God to explain His seeming incompetence in running a just world. God eventually chimes in to set everyone, including Job, straight. But for most of the book we watch the dialogue as they all try to process Job's experience and suffering, in all the wrong ways. If you have ever asked the question, "Why me"? If you have suffered and are still trying to heal from the trauma. If you have ever felt like God was at best, absent, and at worst, causing your suffering.....YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE BOOK OF JOB, so... ...VIEW.....AND......SEE! Steve