The Power of Suffering

 

I always found it hard to grasp passages like Colossians 1:24, where Paul says that he rejoices in his sufferings.  It feels as though we are going against our very nature to be happy about being uncomfortable.  It seems hard to imagine that any person could rejoice in sufferings.  How could anyone delight in being beaten, molested, fired, robbed or any other act that produces suffering?  What about deaths and divorces?  Why would anyone want to celebrate these things? Read more

A Lack of Knowledge

 

“It’s easy to do, acting like a Christian at church, punching that time clock and leaving the building to begin acting like the rest of the world again.  I know because in my own life I have gone to church and put on a show in the past, singing, “Oh how I love Jesus,’ Looking forward to go home to the promised land - Hell.”  These lines, taken from a sermon in the 70’s, are unarguably harsh.  However, that message was preached not only 40 years ago, but also over 2000 years ago by Jesus when he spoke to the church at Laodicea in Rev 3:15.  Jesus says to choose.  Either continue in evil works or try your absolute best to follow God, but stop being lukewarm. Read more

Cocooning

 

Today’s culture has influenced many people into living a “cocooned life.”  In other words, we act according to the situation at hand in a way socially acceptable in all areas of life.  The message that it’s ok to be a Christian as long as you keep it at church is being heard more and more.  The first time I noticed this cocooing was many years ago while working at a warehouse.  The owner of a chain of electonic appliance stores was talking, defending himself because someone asked him about the priorities in his life.  I don’t remember the question that triggered the response, but I will remember the answer for the rest of my life. Read more