Sermon Title: Let's Believe That God Is Good Even When Life Is Not

Sermon Text: Acts 12:1-25

Preparation Question: Is there a time when you experienced blessings in the midst of or as a result of a difficult experience?

Three sobering yet exciting reminders about life with the Lord Jesus:

1. The Christian life is sometimes unfair and unceremonious. Accept that and except that… (v. 1-4)

2. No matter where you're at or how you’re strapped, prayer brings freedom. (v. 5-11)

3. Though life is often unfair, we can be sure of God’s fairness, justice, and goodness. (v. 12-25)

Response Questions
1. In Acts 12, why do you think God allowed James to be killed and Peter to be spared?
2. How can we stay hopeful/faithful when life pulls the rug out from underneath us?
3. How did this event seemingly impact John Mark's life? How does that aspect of the story impact you?
4. Have you ever found yourself surprised by how God used a difficult situation to bring about good?
5. Does how you respond to life's difficulties encourage others to trust Jesus more?