“Freedom From Hurt and Loss”

Pastor Ben Johnson – March 2, 2024

THE SOURCE OF OUR PAIN IS SIN.

1. Some people are hurting because bad things happened to them. It’s NOT their FAULT!

We call them VICTIMS.

John 11:35 (NLT) – Jesus wept.

Psalm 34:18 (NLT) – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

2. Some people are hurting because they made BAD CHOICES.

We call them CHOOSERS.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) – For the kind of sorrow God wants
us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

1 Peter 5:7 – Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

3. Some people are hurting because BAD THINGS are happening in a sinful world. 

We call them WOUNDED.

John 16:20 (NIV) – Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NLT) – And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.

4. Jesus responds to all of us with GENTLENESS and COMPASSION.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) – All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

He LOVES us as we are, but He REFUSES to LEAVE us as we were.