Sermon Title: Growing through Crisis.

The Lord his church to understand, just as God told Jeremiah, concerning the pending invasion of Babylon, that Israel was to go through the ordeal -but he God had a plan…

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jerimiah 29.11

God preserved Israel in Babylon and he will help us not just to go through but grow through this crisis. “We shall overcome”

Text: Romans 5.1-5

1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, [a]we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2. through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; 4. and perseverance, [c] strength of character; and character, hope. 5. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Three things that you should know about tribulations

1. Tribulation produces perseverance [Romans 5.3]
2. Perseverance produces character [Romans 5.4a]
3. Character/Experience produces hope.[Romans 5.4b]

Test will reveal three spiritual truths ;

a. Your spiritual poverty -

b. Your spiritual plateau-

c. You spiritual progress-

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

I can refuse -I can choose.