Suffering exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not suffering, because God is ultimate, not our pain. When this present evil age is over, and the resurrected in Christ inherit the restored creation, their suffering will end. But worship abides forever. John Piper, in his book, Let the Nations be Glad, says the same thing …
Category Archives: Suffering
It is profoundly Christ-like to be non-significant
Edward Leach wrote, “THE AGGRESSIVE WORK”, in the June 1869, Sword and Trowel. Speaking of pastors who worked in the small English villages, he wrote this: The difficulties are disheartening. The disappointments are heart-breaking. By so much the more then are the courage, faith, patience, and perseverance praiseworthy.
Suffering: a blessed estate
For the Christian, the greatest moments of pain bring the resurrection of Jesus into sharp relief. In suffering, his resurrection and our own become more impressive, more important and more precious than the momentary circumstances. The glory that is to be revealed in our bodies does not compare to the pain felt in our bodies …
A Theologian of Suffering Names Things Properly
If we name something improperly, and then talk about it, we will cause confusion and harm to ourselves and those who name it rightly. In theology, this is relevant in discussions about justification. If we name justification what others name sanctification, then arguments, sorrow and charges follow. How we name our doctrines and how we …
The Cross as an Instrument of Joy
A Christian does not simply have Christ as savior — as if we can reduce his life to this: Jesus gave his life and therefore we don’t have to go to hell. His life includes that, but it is more than that. We participate in more than the winning benefits of Christ, starting with the …
What do dying people ask for?
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:5), and then he explained to them the union of self denial with the Kingdom of God. In that explanation, he said some strange, wonderful and necessary things about prayer and how he would grant what we ask: Whatever you ask in my name, this I will …
Suffering with Joy
Suffering with Joy Originally published in the Louisburg Herald July, 15, 2009 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer …
“Cancer does not define me”, Rachel Barkley, dying of cancer
Rachel died on July 2, 2009. I originally posted the following on May 29, 2009: A Christian’s identity is wrapped up in Jesus, not the final moments of death or the circumstances attending seasons of happiness. This is not my sentiment only, but I am speaking back the testimony of a young woman dying of …