No Escaping Affliction Part 1

The point: Do not be deceived by false teachings that promise an escape from pain and distress by manipulating Scripture.

This analogy illustrates the natural, instinctive human desire to escape physical pain, which is then extended to the pain of the soul, explaining why people seek to escape afflictive circumstances.

And our principle affirms that there is no escaping, no escaping the varied pressures of afflictive circumstances. Now, why have I stated that in the principle? Well, for the simple reason that no one in his right mind enjoys pain and distress. And God has so made us that we all have a built-in escape mechanism from pain and distress.

10:24 - 10:49 Read in full sermon

The point: Understand that the Bible does not teach that a lack of immediate, conscious hatred or social ostracization means you are not a Christian; persecution varies in kind, degree, and intensity.

Martin shares a humorous anecdote about how quickly people jumped to conclusions about Mr. Lee's potential move to Orlando, emphasizing the need for careful listening and qualification in communication, especially when discussing nuanced theological points.

And after Wednesday night, I'm all the more convinced one cannot be plain enough and qualified enough in asserting and affirming and denying. In spite of all the clear things I tried to say Wednesday night in prayer meeting about the fact that just an initial overture, just a wink, has come from the church in Orlando, just the dropping of a handkerchief, some people have already got dear Mr. Lee married and happily...

26:43 - 27:09 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: The second specific category, 'the discomfort of divine chastisement,' is expounded using Hebrews 12:5-11 and Revelation 3:19, highlighting that God chastens every son He loves…

Martin playfully corrects Larry for saying a scripture 'escaped' him, highlighting the human tendency to blame external factors rather than admit forgetfulness, illustrating a point about self-deception.

All right. And where's that found, Larry? It escaped you. No, you mean I forgot.

37:41 - 38:03 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not have a narrow and constricted view of divine chastisement; it comes in many forms beyond severe physical illness.

This example illustrates a common, but narrow, view of divine chastisement, showing that many people only recognize it in extreme physical suffering, whereas it comes in many forms.

And if we do not know that discomfort of divine chastisement over any given period of time, then we have reason to question whether or not indeed we are the people of God. Now I've found from a pastoral standpoint, many times people have a very narrow and constricted view as to what form divine chastisement will take. And they feel unless they've been in a hospital room in an intensive care unit with 45 tubes stuck in their nose, their ears, and their stomach, and been pronounced half dead, they've never been chastened of the Lord. Well, that's a very limited perspective on what divine chastis...

41:20 - 42:00 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not have a narrow and constricted view of divine chastisement; it comes in many forms beyond severe physical illness.

Martin critiques a book by the Fabrizios, 'Fun or Frenzy,' for suggesting that children should welcome spankings, arguing that true chastening is grievous, not joyous, and that such a view is 'sick' and 'unbiblical'.

and no matter what, the form is, this is the bottom line, it never is pleasant when you're under the chastening hand of God. So any of you who've read the little book by the Fabrizios on children, fun or frenzy, there are a few good principles in there, but one of the things in it that is way off the wall is the whole idea that you can so apply the rod that your children will welcome it and love it. There's something sick about that. Any kid that welcomes a spanking, either the spanking is not what it ought to be, or there's something, or there's something that's not what it ought to be, or th...

42:00 - 42:41 Read in full sermon

The point: Parents, join verbal reproof and corporal chastening together in holy love and wisdom, taking full cognizance of the variables of your children.

This analogy compares how different children respond to discipline (some break with a look, others are like 'Leviathan') to how God deals with His children, showing His perfect knowledge and sensitive understanding love in chastisement.

would utterly break one child doesn't even dent another one. And the Lord knows that. And the way he deals with us is according to his perfect knowledge of us and his sensitive understanding love. And you who are parents, you know this. One of your children, just a look and even the

45:19 - 45:35 Read in full sermon

The point: Parents, let your anger come under the control of righteous principles, but do not negate the anger itself, as it is part of bearing the image of God.

This example illustrates Jesus's holy anger, showing that He was not always gentle and tactful, but could express righteous indignation, thereby teaching parents that anger itself is not sinful when warranted and properly channeled.

there is a flame of fire as he stands amidst the churches. And certain things make him angry. When Jesus went through the temple with that scourge of cord, he didn't have a smile on his face. Hey, you fellas, I think it's time to pray, don't you? Nice day. Well,

49:04 - 49:17 Read in full sermon