Suva, Immanuel Community Church
On the morning of April 12th, the Fiji retreat resumed with Lecture 3, bringing the morning session to a meaningful and reflective close. The message centered on Romans 8 and the theme of “the present sufferings,” encapsulated by a single word: groan.
Before delving into the main content, Pastor Faith Yang, OA Oceania General Secretary, emphasized once again that the Bible offers a complete and coherent teaching on eschatology. She urged attendees to interpret the world through the lens of Scripture, rather than interpreting Scripture through the lens of earthly events-a mistake frequently made in contemporary eschatological interpretations, especially regarding the book of Revelation. Pastor Faith reminded participants that the Bible affirms heaven as the true reality, with earthly events merely reflecting what is already established in the heavenly realm. God is light, and in Him there is no shifting shadow; therefore, the truth of Scripture transcends time. Those who live grounded in this truth will not be shaken by the transient nature of worldly circumstances. As Jesus, after explaining the signs of the end times, directed the disciples’ attention to world mission and personal faithfulness, so should believers remain focused on living according to the Word.
Romans 8:18 speaks of the glory that will be revealed in us-not as passive spectators, but as active participants in the unfolding of that glory, as those who are in Christ and follow Him.
This perspective was laid out in three main points:
- The Kingdom of God is a realm where believers reign with Christ.
- The Kingdom does not descend supernaturally; it is established through the participation of God’s children.
- The Kingdom is something to be inherited, not merely entered.
These truths reveal the identity of believers as heirs and co-owners of God’s Kingdom. Christians who grasp this mindset operate on a different level of faith and purpose. They are not merely concerned with securing a “ticket to heaven” but live transformed lives, fully aware that their spiritual universe has been renewed.
With this framework in mind, the lecture proceeded into the heart of Romans 8, where Pastor Faith spoke on the reality of suffering preceding glory-summed up in the word groan. The chapter reveals three distinct groans:
1. The Groan of the Saints – Romans 7:14-24; 8:23
Before the Holy Spirit renews the heart, people live in sin without awareness of the conflict within. They do not perceive God’s love or feel the weight of sin. However, when the Spirit begins the work of salvation, believers enter the tension of the “already but not yet.” They start to sense God’s heart, form new desires, and feel pain over their sin. This inner struggle marks the beginning of healing and spiritual restoration. Pastor Faith urged participants not to escape this pain with worldly distractions, but to embrace it and come before God to receive His grace more deeply.
2. The Groan of Creation – Romans 8:18-22
In God’s original order, humanity was to follow God, and all of creation was to follow humanity. Though created last, humans were given the most honored role, made with both body and soul. Creation sacrifices itself to serve humanity, enabling growth and maturity so that people may rightly manage and care for the earth. This harmony reflects the joy of heaven and earth united.
However, after the fall, humanity continued receiving creation’s sacrifices but no longer lived in obedience to God. As a result, creation lost its purpose, becoming subject to corruption and exploitation. That is why creation groans. Yet when humanity’s relationship with God is restored, creation, too, will rediscover its meaning. Like a woman in labor awaiting the birth of her child, creation waits in eager expectation for the revealing of the children of God.
3. The Groan of the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:26
The greatest comfort for believers lies in knowing that God has not abandoned them in suffering. Instead, He steps into their pain and groans with them. The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate evidence of God’s participation in human suffering. Similarly, the Holy Spirit enters the depths of believers’ struggles and intercedes through wordless groans, expressing divine empathy and love. God knows the groans of the saints and of creation-and He shares in them.
Pastor Faith concluded the message with a prayerful hope: that believers would never forget, especially in their moments of suffering, that God is suffering with them. With this assurance, may they find true comfort, and with perseverance and hope, labor to build the Kingdom of God, longing for the day when it will be fully revealed.
Event Date: Sat, April 12, 2025