Everything Happens For a Reason? - First UMC of Cocoa Beach

First UMC of Cocoa Beach

Everything Happens For a Reason?

Half Truths: Message 1 of 5

August 27, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Deuteronomy 30:19–20, Romans 8:28

They are simple phrases that sound Christian―like something you might find in the Bible. They capture some element of truth but hide or distort others.

Everything happens for a reason.

God helps those who help themselves.

God won’t give you more than you can handle.

God said it, I believe it, that settles it.

Love the sinner, hate the sin.

In this message, we begin a new 5-week series, "Half Truths," where we will examine these common phrases within the context of scripture, starting with "Everything Happens For a Reason."

More from Half Truths

Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?

September 24, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Matthew 7:1–5, Romans 3:23, Luke 18:10–14, Proverbs 31:8

This Sunday, we finish the series, Half Truths, by examining the phrase, "Love the sinner, hate the sin." This phrase is so common that it's hard to imagine what could be wrong with it. Join us to see how this is a half-truth can lead us to violate the greatest commandment.

God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It?

September 17, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Deuteronomy 23:12–14, Ephesians 6:5–8, Exodus 21:20–21, Leviticus 19:19, 1 Corinthians 11:5–6

In this message, we continue the series, "Half Truths," by examining the phrase, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!" Why do people use this phrase? Does it help or hinder our relationship with God? Is there a better way to understand the Bible? What's the role of interpretation? Tune-in to find out!

God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Bear?

September 10, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Psalm 46:1–3, Romans 8:35–39, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Psalm 23:4

In this message, we continue the series, Half Truths, by focusing on the saying, "God will not give you more than you can handle." This common phrase has helped many people enduring hard times, so what's the issue? After exploring a few problems, we will see how rephrasing the saying allows us to hold on to its promise while making it more helpful and biblical.