S5 Ep5: The Pain Was Apart of The Plan

**Podcast Notes: The Big Comeback - Sermon on Matthew 16:21-23**

**Title:** The Big Comeback

**Scripture Reference:** Matthew 16:21-23 (NIV)

**Key Themes:**
1. **The Pain as Part of the Plan:**
   - The sermon emphasizes that pain is not an accident but an appointment from God. It is a necessary part of the journey and growth.
   - C.S. Lewis is quoted, highlighting that God often uses pain as a megaphone to rouse a deaf world.

2. **The Process is Progressive:**
   - The process of going through pain is progressive and necessary for growth. It is not a sign of God's absence but His presence and purpose.
   - The sermon encourages embracing the process, understanding that it leads to greater things.

3. **The Purpose is Prophetic:**
   - The purpose behind the pain is prophetic, leading to a greater promise. Jesus' prediction of His death and resurrection is a testament to this.
   - The sermon reassures that God’s promises are fulfilled through the pain, leading to a comeback that is bigger than the letdown.

**Illustrations and Analogies:**
- **Flight Turbulence:** The pastor compares life's turbulence to a flight, where the pilot warns of upcoming bumps. Similarly, God prepares us for life's challenges.
- **Wedding Vows:** The importance of embracing both the good and bad times in life, as illustrated by a bride wanting to omit negative vows.
- **Potter and Clay:** The potter analogy is used to describe how God can reshape and restore us, even when we feel broken.

**Key Quotes:**
- "The pain was a part of the plan."
- "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain." - C.S. Lewis
- "You don't have to stay in the shape that you're in because the potter wants to put you back together."

**Call to Action:**
- **Embrace the Pain:** Understand that pain is part of God's plan for growth and development.
- **Trust the Process:** Recognize that the process is progressive and leads to a greater purpose.
- **Hold onto the Promise:** Remember that God’s promises are fulfilled through the pain, leading to a victorious comeback.

**Invitation:**
- The sermon concludes with an invitation to those seeking salvation or a church home, encouraging them to embrace the journey and find stability and victory in God.

**Closing:**
- The congregation is encouraged to give praise and prepare for announcements, reinforcing the message of hope and restoration.