Bonded by Belief

The blog is the eighth part of the sermon series titled "Suffering and Grace," delivered on April 28, 2024, focusing on the Book of Job, specifically analyzing Job chapter 2, verses 1-10. It is a continuation of previous parts of the series. Without further due, let us uncover the key points covered in this sermon.  The sermon begins by noting that Job had already passed the first test (from Job chapter 1), where he did not accuse God of wrongdoing despite immense loss. He proved Satan's claim false by showing he did not worship God just for the "side-effects of prosperity". Job understood that a person's life isn't measured by their possessions. Pastor Sam quotes Luke 12:15, which reads, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." Job knew the reality of being simply a person before God, starting with nothing and leaving with nothing but what he had become. The sermon then emp...

This post is continuations of the sermon series Suffering and Grace that pastor Sam gave in Grace Gospel Church. The sermon opens with the second scene in the Book of Job (Job 1:13-22), focusing on the catastrophes Job endures and his remarkable initial response. Scene 2: Earth (Job 1:13–22) – The Catastrophes The second scene transports the reader from the heavenly court to Earth. It takes place on another specific "day", following the heavenly council where God permitted Satan to "touch all that he had" with the exception of Job himself [implicitly referencing to previous sermon]. The sermon note that Job is completely unaware of the heavenly dialogue and the reasons behind his impending suffering; he has "unknowingly, become involved in a demonstration in heaven of how God rules his world". The scene unfolds rapidly with a series of terrifying events that befall Job. The sermon emphasize that this day begins normally, with Job's children gathere...

This post is continuations of the sermon series Suffering and Grace that pastor Sam gave in Grace Gospel Church, detailing the heavenly court scene in Job 1:6-12 and the subsequent theological discussion on suffering and God's governance. The sermon delve into the crucial opening scene of the Book of Job, occurring "Behind the scenes in the heavenly court". This scene is presented as the "inciting moment that leads to Job’s suffering". The Heavenly Court Scene (Job 1:6–12) The action begins on a specific "day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD". These "sons of God" are described as "superhuman beings" or "angels". They are part of a "council" or "host of the universe" over which God reigns. Their purpose in presenting themselves is like "a 'reporting' session in which the 'sons of God' give an accounting for their delegated roles and designated respons...

This post is continuations of the sermon series Suffering and Grace that pastor Sam gave in Grace Gospel Church. Pastor Sam starts by explores the surprising contrast set up in the Book of Job between the initial idyllic portrayal of Job's life on earth and the "conflict in heaven". He begins by highlighting Job's extraordinary initial state, which we've discussed previously, where he is depicted as both righteous ("blameless and upright") and immensely prosperous. This seem to align with a picture where "the righteous lead" and are blessed by God. Job is presented as having integrity and being a spiritual leader for his family. However, this seemingly "ideal setting of earth" is merely the backdrop for the central drama initiated by events occurring "Behind the scenes in the heavenly court". The Heavenly Court Scene (Job 1:6–12) The sermon emphasizes that the "action begins" with a specific "day" when ...