Demon Hunters
ANF Retreat 2025 Sunday Service
1 John 3:8, Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 3, Galatians 3:13, 1 Peter 4:12–19
God’s love is best understood through His heart as a Father. From creation, everything God made was good, and humanity was created in His image. When God placed Adam in the garden and gave only one boundary, it was not to limit joy but to protect His children, similar to how a parent would not let a young child drive before they are mature. God’s command was an expression of care. He was shielding them from harm.
After Adam and Eve sinned and hid, God approached them with questions He already knew the answers to. These questions were invitations to confess and return. Twice He gave them the chance to repent, yet they blamed others instead of taking responsibility. Even so, God still showed mercy by clothing them with garments, covering their shame. Though He removed them from the garden, it was to prevent eternal separation and protect them until redemption would come. This illustrates that even in discipline, God’s heart is full of compassion, protection, and grace.
The sermon points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise. Christ took the cross and became a curse for us so we could return to God. Crucifixion was historically meant for humiliation, fear, and slow death, yet Jesus willingly endured it. He was abandoned, beaten, mocked, and exposed to every form of human suffering so that no one can claim Jesus doesn’t understand their pain.
Jesus’ greatest moment of battle occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane. There Jesus wrestled with fear, isolation, and the weight of His mission. He was overwhelmed to the point of sweating blood. But in that garden, He submitted to God’s will and received the strength to finish His mission. The garden where humanity fell (Eden) is contrasted with the garden where redemption began (Gethsemane). Adam hid while Jesus obeyed.
Caleb shared a long season of ministry hurt, disappointment, and depression. After betrayal and emotional exhaustion, he entered a deep valley. But through honesty before God and relating his pain to Christ’s suffering, God restored him. God revived his joy, brought unexpected new people into his ministry, including refugees who had been persecuted for their faith, and breathed new life into a ministry he thought was dead.
Suffering should not surprise Christians and trials shape us into Christ’s image. Just as muscles grow through tearing and rebuilding, our spiritual lives grow through hardship. The Father’s heart is not for us to quit but to rise again, keep fighting, and trust Him. Through suffering, our love and appreciation for Jesus deepen, and God turns even painful experiences into spiritual strength.
Discussion Questions:
Where do you see the Father’s heart in your past or present struggles? How might God be inviting you to draw near or trust Him again?
Are you facing a situation where you feel overwhelmed or alone? How does Jesus’ experience in Gethsemane reshape your understanding?
What suffering in your life might God be using to strengthen your faith?
Any personal takeaways from the sermon?
