Sunday Recap - Unfamiliar Stranger - Sunday 18th January 2026

January 18th, 2026
by Jared Howlett

Unfamiliar Stranger - Part 3

Message Overview:

God is the God of the Sufferer: The world at the time of Christ was a brutal place where suffering was seen as necessary and expected for the weak and powerless. Yahweh in the Hebrew scriptures is described to be very different from this. He is described as Compassionate in Exodus 34 and prioritises the wellbeing of the Orphan, the Widow and the Alien.

God meets us in our suffering: Jesus demonstrated this compassion by connecting directly with those who suffer. Healing the sick, releasing the demonized, spending time with the oppressed, the disliked and those living in shame.
He connected with the suffering people emotionally like at Lazarus’ tomb and even joined in the suffering of Humanity on the Cross.

Holy Spirit Works through suffering: When Christians suffer God ‘s glory is revealed. As Christians suffer the kingdom of God often advances by the Holy Spirit’s power.

We are invited to pray 2 things when we suffer, 1. God please save us from our suffering. 2. God please reveal your glory through this suffering.

Key Scriptures:

Exodus 34 4-6 NIV
6And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

John 11:35 NIV
"Jesus wept."

Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Romans 8:26-28 ESV
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, becauseg the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,h for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 4:12-13: 12 ESV
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

YouTube Link for Service:

Sunday Service

Group Reflection Questions:

What do you feel God saying to you?
What can you do about it?
What is an actionable plan you can put in place to help yourself respond to God?
Who can keep you accountable?