Pastor Jason's sermon at Gospel Light Christian Church on June 28, 2026, focused on First Peter 4:12-19, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for fiery trials. He drew parallels to the miraculous emergency landing of the Hudson River plane, highlighting the need for Christians to anticipate suffering and persecution. Key points included not being surprised by trials, rejoicing in sufferings for Christ, and being resolute in faith. Pastor Jason encouraged the congregation to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good, and to view sufferings as a path to victory and a test of genuine faith.

Introduction to the Sermon and Context

• Pastor Jason begins the sermon by referencing the movie "Sully" and the real-life story of Chesley Sullenberger's emergency landing on the Hudson River.
• Pastor Jason draws a parallel between Sullenberger's preparation for the emergency landing and the need for Christians to be prepared for fiery trials.
• The sermon focuses on First Peter 4:12-19, highlighting the importance of being prepared for suffering and the imperatives given by Peter.

Understanding the Imperatives in First Peter

• Pastor Jason explains the four to five imperatives in the passage: "Do not be surprised," "Rejoice," "Do not be ashamed," "Let him glorify God," and "Entrust."
• He emphasizes the importance of not being surprised by fiery trials and explains that Christians should expect persecution because they are different from the world.
• Pastor Jason discusses the purpose of trials, which is to test and reveal genuine faith, and to allow others to see real faith and hope.
• He uses the analogy of gold being tested in a furnace to illustrate how trials reveal the genuine faith of Christians.

Rejoicing in Sufferings and the Hope of Glory

• Pastor Jason encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings, as they share in Christ's sufferings and can look forward to His glory.
• He compares the joy of pregnant women anticipating the birth of their child to the joy Christians can have in the hope of future glory.
• Pastor Jason explains that suffering for the name of Christ is evidence of the Spirit of God in believers and should be met with joy and gladness.
• He warns against suffering for wrong reasons and emphasizes that true joy comes from knowing that suffering is part of the path to victory and glory.

The Vision and Mission of Gospel Light

• Pastor Jason introduces the vision and mission of Gospel Light Christian Church, which is to lead generations into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• He explains that the church aims to be like the church in the days of Pentecost, centered on the Savior, filled with the Spirit, and rooted in scripture.
• Pastor Jason highlights the characteristics of the early church, such as being faithful in supplication, genuine in sacrifice, effective in soul winning, and joyful in suffering.
• He encourages the congregation to strive to be like the early church, centered on Jesus and filled with the Spirit.

Being Resolute and Relying on God

• Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of being resolute and not quitting on God, even when facing sufferings.
• He introduces the example of Polycarp, who remained resolute in his faith despite threats of death, as an example of unwavering faith.
• Pastor Jason shares a personal story of a church leader who faced ostracism for standing firm in his faith, illustrating the importance of not being ashamed of Christ.
• He explains that the time for judgment to begin at the household of God refers to a period of trial and suffering to prove the genuineness of faith.

The Greater Suffering of the Unbelievers

• Pastor Jason discusses the greater suffering that unbelievers will face when they are judged by God.
• He explains that the righteous have to go through much suffering to be saved, and the ungodly will suffer even more.
• Pastor Jason encourages believers to stay faithful and persevere, knowing that they are not losing out by suffering now.
• He emphasizes that suffering is a necessary path to victory and that Christians should trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Pastor Jason summarizes the four imperatives: be ready, be rejoicing, be resolute, and be relying.
• He encourages the congregation to live out holiness in hostility by being submissive and suffering well.
• Pastor Jason calls on non-believers to turn from their sin and believe in Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus went to the cross for their salvation.
• He concludes the sermon with a prayer, asking for God's blessing and guidance for the congregation to live out their faith faithfully.