Don't Wait Until the Battle is Over, Shout Now

This New Year's sermon explores the paradoxical nature of Christian faith—how believers can experience genuine joy even while enduring trials and tribulations. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:3-9, Pastor Bernard emphasizes that true hope is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, not in New Year's resolutions or earthly circumstances. The message challenges believers to understand that trials are temporary ("a little while") but serve a divine purpose in refining faith like gold tested by fire. Just as Jesus taught upside-down kingdom principles (the last shall be first, lose your life to find it), Christians are called to rejoice in present trials while maintaining hope in future salvation. The sermon emphasizes that God's goodness remains constant regardless of circumstances, and that our faith is being strengthened through difficulties to reflect God's own image. The central call is to "shout now" rather than waiting until battles are over, recognizing that Jesus is the ultimate source of hope who provides inexpressible joy even in suffering.