“Responding to Calamity – Redemptively”

Sep.4, 2011 Lam.3:19-42 (1Pet 2:18-25; Lk 13:1-9; Ac 11:27-30)  Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

GOD’S PERFECTION, HUMAN SIN: RECIPE FOR THE ‘PERFECT STORM’?

Q: When was a time in your life when you felt shattered or devastated like the author of Lamentations?

GOD’S CORE ATTRIBUTES: THE EYE OF THE WHIRLWIND

1.    GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
    a.    Q: Is your picture of God big enough to accept all things from His hand?
2.    GOD’S JUSTICE
3.    GOD’S LOVE AND COMPASSION
4.    GOD’S FAITHFULNESS / RELIABILITY / TRUSTWORTHINESS

THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S PERFECTIONS DISPLAYED AT THE CROSS

APPLICATION IN THE AFTERMATH

1.    Seeing others’ homes destroyed by a tornado is NOT an opportunity to pronounce judgment.
2.    Calamity is an opportunity to REPENT and avoid worse disaster.
3.    Calamity also presents an OPPORTUNITY TO HELP AND BE GENEROUS.