How can God take a rebellious man and turn him into a son of God? n The heart of man left alone will follow the flesh! (Rom 3:10-18, 23)

How can God take a rebellious man and turn How can God take a rebellious man and turn him into a son of God?him into a son of God?

The heart of man left alone will follow the The heart of man left alone will follow the flesh! flesh! (Rom 3:10-18, 23)(Rom 3:10-18, 23)


Romans 3:10-18 (NKJV) Romans 3:10-18 (NKJV) - As it is - As it is written: written: “There is none righteous, no, not “There is none righteous, no, not one; one; 11 11 There is none who understands; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. There is none who seeks after God. 12 12 They They have all turned aside; They have together have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one….”does good, no, not one….”


Romans 3:23 (NKJV) Romans 3:23 (NKJV) - for all have sinned - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,and fall short of the glory of God,


Even when men praised Jesus He knew Even when men praised Jesus He knew what was in man! what was in man! (Jn 2:23-24)(Jn 2:23-24)


John 2:23-24 (NKJV) John 2:23-24 (NKJV) - Now when He - Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, did not commit Himself to them, because because He knew all He knew all menmen,,


It takes a mighty power to change this It takes a mighty power to change this stubborn heart. stubborn heart. (Jer 13:23-24)(Jer 13:23-24)


Jeremiah 13:23-24 (NKJV) Jeremiah 13:23-24 (NKJV) - Can the - Can the Ethiopian change his skinEthiopian change his skin or the or the leopard its leopard its spotsspots? ? ThenThen may may you also do good who are you also do good who are accustomed to do evilaccustomed to do evil. 24 “Therefore I will . 24 “Therefore I will scatter them like stubble That passes away scatter them like stubble That passes away by the wind of the wilderness.by the wind of the wilderness.


What kind of power was used to change What kind of power was used to change your heart?your heart?


The conversion of Paul illustrates how God The conversion of Paul illustrates how God uses suffering to bring men to Him.uses suffering to bring men to Him.


The conversion of Paul illustrates how God The conversion of Paul illustrates how God uses suffering to bring men to Him.uses suffering to bring men to Him.

When Paul was struck blind and then When Paul was struck blind and then allowed to think about matters in a allowed to think about matters in a helpless state God described Paul’s helpless state God described Paul’s previous attitude as kicking “against the previous attitude as kicking “against the goads.” goads.” (Acts 9:3-5)(Acts 9:3-5)


Acts 9:3-5 (NKJV)Acts 9:3-5 (NKJV) - As he journeyed he - As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. persecuting. It It isis hard for you to kick against hard for you to kick against the goadsthe goads.”.”


kentron ¤ AV - sting 3, prick 2; 5 ¤ 1) a kentron ¤ AV - sting 3, prick 2; 5 ¤ 1) a sting, as that of bees, scorpions, locusts…sting, as that of bees, scorpions, locusts…2) an iron goad, for urging on oxen, 2) an iron goad, for urging on oxen, horses and other beasts of burden 2a) hence horses and other beasts of burden 2a) hence the proverb, "to kick against the goad", the proverb, "to kick against the goad", i.e. to offer vain and perilous or ruinous i.e. to offer vain and perilous or ruinous resistance.resistance.


One of the greatest blessings man might One of the greatest blessings man might find is a “goad” from God.find is a “goad” from God.

What kind of furnace does God use?What kind of furnace does God use?

The nation of Israel was reminded of the The nation of Israel was reminded of the fact that God used a furnace. fact that God used a furnace. (Deut 4:20; 1 Kings 8:51; Jer 11:4)(Deut 4:20; 1 Kings 8:51; Jer 11:4)


Deuteronomy 4:20 (NKJV) Deuteronomy 4:20 (NKJV) - But the Lord - But the Lord has taken you and has taken you and brought you out of the brought you out of the iron furnaceiron furnace, , out of Egyptout of Egypt, to be His people, , to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day.an inheritance, as you are this day.


1 Kings 8:51 (NKJV) 1 Kings 8:51 (NKJV) - (for they - (for they areare Your Your people and Your inheritance, whom You people and Your inheritance, whom You brought out of Egypt, brought out of Egypt, out of the iron out of the iron furnacefurnace), ),


Jeremiah 11:4 (NKJV) Jeremiah 11:4 (NKJV) - which I - which I commanded your fathers in the day I commanded your fathers in the day I brought them out of the land of Egypt, brought them out of the land of Egypt, from from the iron furnacethe iron furnace, saying, ‘, saying, ‘Obey My voiceObey My voice, , and do according to all that I command you; and do according to all that I command you; so shall you be My peopleso shall you be My people, and , and I will be I will be your Godyour God,’,’


kuwr ¤ from an unused root meaning kuwr ¤ from an unused root meaning properly, to dig through; ¤ AV –furnace 9; properly, to dig through; ¤ AV –furnace 9; 9 1) furnace, forge, smelting furnace or pot 9 1) furnace, forge, smelting furnace or pot v 2) (Qal) to bore, pierce, dig, hew.v 2) (Qal) to bore, pierce, dig, hew.


Here it is a smelting furnace that denotes a Here it is a smelting furnace that denotes a purifying refining process. This is not a purifying refining process. This is not a furnace used to cook or heat a home.furnace used to cook or heat a home.(Prov 17:3; 27:21)(Prov 17:3; 27:21)


Proverbs 17:3 (NKJV)Proverbs 17:3 (NKJV) - The refining pot - The refining pot isis for silver and the furnace for gold, But for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts.the Lord tests the hearts.


Proverbs 27:21 (NKJV)Proverbs 27:21 (NKJV) - The refining pot - The refining pot isis for silver and for silver and the furnace for goldthe furnace for gold, And a , And a man man is valuedis valued by what others say of him. by what others say of him.


God often had to get His furnace out when God often had to get His furnace out when dealing with the nation of Israel. dealing with the nation of Israel. (Isa (Isa 48:10)48:10)


Isaiah 48:10 (NKJV)Isaiah 48:10 (NKJV) - Behold, I have - Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; refined you, but not as silver; I have tested I have tested you in the furnace of afflictionyou in the furnace of affliction..


The destruction of Jerusalem and the The destruction of Jerusalem and the ensuing captivity would bring a different ensuing captivity would bring a different people in time! people in time! (Ezek 22:18, 20, 22)(Ezek 22:18, 20, 22)


Ezekiel 22:18 (NKJV) Ezekiel 22:18 (NKJV) - “Son of man, the - “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; house of Israel has become dross to Me; they they areare all bronze, tin, iron, and lead all bronze, tin, iron, and lead, , in in the midst of a furnacethe midst of a furnace; ; they have become they have become dross from silverdross from silver. .


Ezekiel 22:20 (NKJV) Ezekiel 22:20 (NKJV) - - As menAs men gather gather silver, bronze, iron, lead, and tin into the silver, bronze, iron, lead, and tin into the midst of a furnace, to blow fire on it, to midst of a furnace, to blow fire on it, to melt melt it;it; so I will gather so I will gather youyou in My anger and in My anger and in My fury, and in My fury, and I will leave I will leave you thereyou there and and melt youmelt you. .


Ezekiel 22:22 (NKJV) Ezekiel 22:22 (NKJV) - As silver is - As silver is melted in the midst of a furnace, so shall melted in the midst of a furnace, so shall you be melted in its midst; you be melted in its midst; then you shall then you shall know that I, the Lord, have poured out My know that I, the Lord, have poured out My fury on youfury on you..


This furnace was one of testing where the This furnace was one of testing where the true character can be shown and true faith true character can be shown and true faith can be built!can be built!


This furnace was one of testing where the This furnace was one of testing where the true character can be shown and true faith true character can be shown and true faith can be built!can be built!

Was the captivity a bad event for Daniel Was the captivity a bad event for Daniel and his friends? NO!and his friends? NO!


Jesus was put through the furnace and His Jesus was put through the furnace and His true character clearly shown to us.true character clearly shown to us.(Rev 1:15)(Rev 1:15)


Revelation 1:15 (NKJV) Revelation 1:15 (NKJV) - His feet - His feet werewere like fine brass, like fine brass, as if refined in a furnaceas if refined in a furnace, , and His voice as the sound of many waters;and His voice as the sound of many waters;

How did God build a nation?How did God build a nation?

Consider the beginnings of God’s people in Consider the beginnings of God’s people in Egypt. Egypt. (Gen 46:31-34)(Gen 46:31-34)


Genesis 46:31-34 (NKJV)Genesis 46:31-34 (NKJV) - Then Joseph said - Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, who who werewere in the land of Canaan, have come to in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32And the men me. 32And the men areare shepherds, for their shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’ that they have.’


33 So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you 33 So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we our youth even till now, both we andand also also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; of Goshen; for every shepherd for every shepherd isis an an abomination to the Egyptiansabomination to the Egyptians.”.”


God wanted a separation and a purity of his God wanted a separation and a purity of his people.people.



For many years the people did have favor For many years the people did have favor with Pharaoh and they lived in ease.with Pharaoh and they lived in ease.



For many years the people did have favor For many years the people did have favor with Pharaoh and they lived in ease.with Pharaoh and they lived in ease.

When a king arose that did not know Joseph When a king arose that did not know Joseph then the comfort ended. then the comfort ended. (Ex 1:8, 12-14)(Ex 1:8, 12-14)


Exodus 1:8 (NKJV)Exodus 1:8 (NKJV) - Now there arose a - Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. Joseph.


Exodus 1:12-14 (NKJV) Exodus 1:12-14 (NKJV) - But the more they - But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. 13 So the Egyptians made the of Israel. 13 So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. 14 And children of Israel serve with rigor. 14 And they they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—inmade their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. the field. All their service in which they made All their service in which they made them serve them serve waswas with rigor with rigor..


Many in the church are afraid of this Many in the church are afraid of this separation and the suffering that goes with separation and the suffering that goes with it! it! (Gal 6:12)(Gal 6:12)


Galatians 6:12 (NKJV)Galatians 6:12 (NKJV) - As many as - As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these these wouldwould compel you to be circumcised, compel you to be circumcised, only that only that they may not suffer persecution they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christfor the cross of Christ..


How do you stand when applying for a job? How do you stand when applying for a job? Choosing your friends?Choosing your friends?


The furnace helped the people to see that The furnace helped the people to see that their only hope was in God! their only hope was in God! (Ex 2:23-24)(Ex 2:23-24)


Exodus 2:23-24 (NKJV)Exodus 2:23-24 (NKJV) - Now it happened - Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then died. Then the children of Israel groaned the children of Israel groaned because of the bondagebecause of the bondage, and they cried out; , and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. 24 So bondage. 24 So God heard their groaning, and God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with God remembered His covenant with AbrahamAbraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob., with Isaac, and with Jacob.


During this time a generation of male During this time a generation of male babies were slaughtered. babies were slaughtered. (Ex 1:13-16)(Ex 1:13-16)


Exodus 1:13-16 (NKJV)Exodus 1:13-16 (NKJV) - So the - So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. 14 And they made their lives with rigor. 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made field. All their service in which they made them serve them serve waswas with rigor. with rigor.


15 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the 15 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one one waswas Shiphrah and the name of the other Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; 16 and he said, “When you do the Puah; 16 and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see and see themthem on the birthstools, on the birthstools, if it if it isis a a son, then you shall kill himson, then you shall kill him; but if it ; but if it isis a a daughter, then she shall live.”daughter, then she shall live.”


Finally the desire for Egypt had been boiled Finally the desire for Egypt had been boiled out of them in “the iron furnace!”out of them in “the iron furnace!”


Now and only now are they ready for Now and only now are they ready for deliverance.deliverance.

How does God bring a man to Him?How does God bring a man to Him?

Like Paul, a man must be first brought Like Paul, a man must be first brought down to his knees. down to his knees. (Acts 16:25-29)(Acts 16:25-29)


Acts 16:25-29 (NKJV)Acts 16:25-29 (NKJV) - But at midnight - But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. chains were loosed.


27And the keeper of the prison, awaking 27And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 29 yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.down trembling before Paul and Silas.


Everyone must be brought to the point Everyone must be brought to the point where they are not only sick of the world where they are not only sick of the world but also of themselves. but also of themselves.

There comes a time of honesty where you There comes a time of honesty where you see the vain empty life you live and want see the vain empty life you live and want the peace that can only come from God. the peace that can only come from God. (Jn 14:27; 16:31-33)(Jn 14:27; 16:31-33)


Everyone must be brought to the point Everyone must be brought to the point where they are not only sick of the world where they are not only sick of the world but also of themselves. but also of themselves.

There comes a time of honesty where you There comes a time of honesty where you see the vain empty life you live and want see the vain empty life you live and want the peace that can only come from God. the peace that can only come from God. (Jn 14:27; 16:31-33)(Jn 14:27; 16:31-33)


John 14:27 (NKJV)John 14:27 (NKJV) - Peace I leave with - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


John 16:31-33 (NKJV) John 16:31-33 (NKJV) - Jesus answered them, - Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”good cheer, I have overcome the world.”


Sadly most men will not learn from their Sadly most men will not learn from their adversity but will close and harden their adversity but will close and harden their hearts. hearts. (Rev 9:5-6, 20-21)(Rev 9:5-6, 20-21)


Revelation 9:5-6 (NKJV)Revelation 9:5-6 (NKJV) -And they were -And they were not given not given authorityauthority to kill them, but to kill them, but to to torment them torment them forfor five months five months. Their . Their torment torment waswas like the torment of a scorpion like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a manwhen it strikes a man. 6 In those days men . 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; will seek death and will not find it; they will they will desire to die, and death will flee from themdesire to die, and death will flee from them..


Revelation 9:20-21 (NKJV)Revelation 9:20-21 (NKJV) - But the rest of - But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, plagues, did not repent of the works of their did not repent of the works of their handshands, that they should not worship demons, , that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.immorality or their thefts.


Whatever event that causes you to see the Whatever event that causes you to see the truth about who you are and what you truth about who you are and what you need is worth it. need is worth it.


Whatever event that causes you to see the Whatever event that causes you to see the truth about who you are and what you truth about who you are and what you need is worth it. need is worth it.

Satan will try to quickly redirect an opening Satan will try to quickly redirect an opening heart to bitterness so the blindness he has heart to bitterness so the blindness he has imposed will remain. imposed will remain. (2 Cor 4:4)(2 Cor 4:4)


2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV) - whose - whose minds minds the god of this age has blindedthe god of this age has blinded, who do not , who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.should shine on them.


Does God need to wake you up? In Does God need to wake you up? In evangelism look for broken hearts to teach!evangelism look for broken hearts to teach!

How does God continue to mold the heart of How does God continue to mold the heart of

His servant?His servant?

How many of you need the gift of patience? How many of you need the gift of patience? (Jas 1:2-3)(Jas 1:2-3)



James 1:2-3 (NKJV)James 1:2-3 (NKJV) - My brethren, count - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.produces patience.



One of the best teachers we have is One of the best teachers we have is adversity.adversity.



I have had occasions to talk with my sons I have had occasions to talk with my sons about bitter losses in sports. How can about bitter losses in sports. How can these events be the very thing needed to these events be the very thing needed to move forward?move forward?



I have had occasions to talk with my sons I have had occasions to talk with my sons about bitter losses in sports. How can about bitter losses in sports. How can these events be the very thing needed to these events be the very thing needed to move forward?move forward?

Look at the great men of faith and look how Look at the great men of faith and look how God allowed them to be tested by fire.God allowed them to be tested by fire.



I have had occasions to talk with my sons about I have had occasions to talk with my sons about bitter losses in sports. How can these bitter losses in sports. How can these events be the very thing needed to move events be the very thing needed to move forward?forward?

Look at the great men of faith and look how God Look at the great men of faith and look how God allowed them to be tested by fire.allowed them to be tested by fire.

Consider Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. What Consider Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. What kind of men were they at first and what kind of men were they at first and what did they become? did they become? (1 Pt 1:6-9)(1 Pt 1:6-9)



1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV)1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV) - In this you greatly - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, beingbeing much more precious than gold that much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, revelation of Jesus Christ,



8 whom having not seen you love. Though 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see now you do not see Him,Him, yet believing, you yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of salvation of youryour souls. souls.



““Faith draws the poison from every grief, Faith draws the poison from every grief, takes the sting from every loss, and takes the sting from every loss, and quenches the fire of every pain; and only quenches the fire of every pain; and only faith can do it.”faith can do it.”



““Faith for my deliverance is not faith in Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace.” learned in a fiery furnace.”



““Faith grows only in the dark. You've got to Faith grows only in the dark. You've got to trust him when you can't trace him. That's trust him when you can't trace him. That's faith”faith”



Can bad things happen to good people? Ask Can bad things happen to good people? Ask Job. Job. (Job 1:8-12)(Job 1:8-12)



Job 1:8-12 (NKJV)Job 1:8-12 (NKJV) - Then the Lord said - Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that Job, that there isthere is none like him on the earth, none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” 9 So Satan answered God and shuns evil?” 9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? nothing?



10 Have You not made a hedge around him, 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11But now, stretch increased in the land. 11But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” he will surely curse You to Your face!”



12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has that he has isis in your power; only do not lay in your power; only do not lay a hand on his a hand on his person.person.” So Satan went out ” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.from the presence of the Lord.



What did Job learn in the end? What did Job learn in the end? (Job 42:5-6)(Job 42:5-6)



Job 42:5-6 (NKJV)Job 42:5-6 (NKJV) - “I have heard of You - “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, by the hearing of the ear, But now my But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor myself, myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”And repent in dust and ashes.”



This is a process where we come to “abhor” This is a process where we come to “abhor” ourselves and marvel in better knowing our ourselves and marvel in better knowing our awesome God.awesome God.



““O may God put me into one furnace after O may God put me into one furnace after another, that my soul may be transparent; another, that my soul may be transparent; that I may see God as he is.”that I may see God as he is.”



The furnace is used to prepare us for a The furnace is used to prepare us for a greater usefulness. greater usefulness. (2 Cor 1:3-5)(2 Cor 1:3-5)



2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NKJV) - Blessed - Blessed bebe the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. comforted by God.



5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.Christ.



The most difficult experiences I had to go The most difficult experiences I had to go through as a Christian have proven to through as a Christian have proven to provide me with tools that I often use to provide me with tools that I often use to help others today. help others today. (Heb 5:7-9)(Heb 5:7-9)



Hebrews 5:7-9 (NKJV)Hebrews 5:7-9 (NKJV) - who, in the days - who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yetyet He learned obedience by the things which He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. He suffered.



9 And having been perfected, He became 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,obey Him,



One of the essentials in reaching others with One of the essentials in reaching others with the gospel is a heart that understands the the gospel is a heart that understands the pain of being captured by Satan and who pain of being captured by Satan and who genuinely wants to rescue others from his genuinely wants to rescue others from his reach. reach. (2 Tim 2:24-26)(2 Tim 2:24-26)



2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV)2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV) - And a servant - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and they may know the truth, 26 and thatthat they may they may come to their senses come to their senses andand escapeescape the snare of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to the devil, having been taken captive by him to dodo his will. his will.



One of the best things that could happen to One of the best things that could happen to those on the roles of churches is an those on the roles of churches is an adversity that will expose and tenderize our adversity that will expose and tenderize our hearts. hearts.



One of the best things that could happen to One of the best things that could happen to those on the roles of churches is an those on the roles of churches is an adversity that will expose and tenderize our adversity that will expose and tenderize our hearts. hearts.

Why did Jesus speak to Peter of a later Why did Jesus speak to Peter of a later “conversion” to Him“conversion” to Him. (Lk 22:31-32). (Lk 22:31-32)



Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV) - And the Lord - And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift asked for you, that he may sift youyou as as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to have returned to Me,Me, strengthen your strengthen your brethren.”brethren.”



““Every wise workman takes his tools away Every wise workman takes his tools away from the work from time to time that they from the work from time to time that they may be ground and sharpened; so does the may be ground and sharpened; so does the only-wise Jehovah take his ministers only-wise Jehovah take his ministers oftentimes away into darkness and oftentimes away into darkness and loneliness and trouble, that he may sharpen loneliness and trouble, that he may sharpen and prepare them for harder work in his and prepare them for harder work in his service.”service.”



God’s work with us in the furnace is for our God’s work with us in the furnace is for our good.good.



For the hard changes in our lives we need For the hard changes in our lives we need God’s help! God’s help! (Mal 3:3)(Mal 3:3)



NKJ Malachi 3:3NKJ Malachi 3:3 - He will sit as a refiner - He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.offering in righteousness.



““Times of general calamity and confusion Times of general calamity and confusion have ever been productive of the greatest have ever been productive of the greatest minds. The purest ore is produced from the minds. The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm.” storm.”



Remember in the days of hardship our God Remember in the days of hardship our God has a plan for good. has a plan for good. (Deut 8:14-17)(Deut 8:14-17)



Deuteronomy 8:14-17 (NKJV)Deuteronomy 8:14-17 (NKJV) - when your - when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which werein which were fiery serpents and scorpions fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; rock;



16 who fed you in the wilderness with 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, manna, which your fathers did not know, that that He might humble youHe might humble you and and that He that He might test youmight test you, , to do you good in the end—to do you good in the end—1717 then you say in your heart, ‘My power then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’this wealth.’

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How can God take a rebellious man and turn him into a son of God? n The heart of man left alone will follow the flesh! (Rom 3:10-18, 23)