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  ALL THE AFFLICTIONS, TROUBLES, AND TRIALS
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding the rod, which
reports God's message about the nature of sin, the world, and our place
in it.

Topics: "Affliction", "God's Discipline"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:67, Micah 6:9, Hebrews 12:6, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in
our afflictions, urging believers to heed the rod of discipline that God
appoints. He explains that the rod serves as a reminder of the gravity
of sin, the fleeting nature of worldly comforts, and the glory of heaven
and the preciousness of Christ. Brooks encourages the congregation to
believe the report that the rod makes, which reveals the true nature of
sin and the vanity of earthly pursuits. Ultimately, he calls for a
deeper understanding of God's purposes in our trials and a greater
appreciation for the eternal truths of faith.

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CONTENT
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"Heed the rod and the One who appointed it." Micah 6:9

It is God who appoints the rod, and ordains it to do what

service He pleases. It is God who has an active hand, in

all the afflictions which come upon His people.

"Heed the rod," that is, "believe the report the rod makes."

The rod reports, that of all evils sin is the greatest evil; and

that of all bitters, sin is the greatest bitter. Oh believe the

report of the rod! The rod reports, that God is angry, that

God is displeased. Oh believe its report! The rod reports the

creature to be mere vanity and vexation of spirit. Oh

believe its report! The rod reports our nearest and dearest

comforts, contentments, and enjoyments to be mixed,

mutable, and momentary. Oh believe its report!

The rod reports . . .

sin to be vile, and

the world to be vain, and

heaven to be glorious, and

Christ to be most precious!

Oh believe its report!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/all-the-afflictions-troubles-and-trials/
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