The Goodness of God and the Suffering of the Faithful

How do we reconcile the love of God with the suffering of the Church? How do we reconcile the idea that "all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose" with the fact that most Christians throughout the world are afflicted and --what's worse-- forgotten?

Need some answers? Here's an attempt...

The only way a deaf and blind world can hear and see the gospel message is by seeing it in our lives. The only way the life of Christ can reach the nations is by us following his incarnation, submitting to God's will, and presenting ourselves in all of our vulnerability.

Read more here.

Honoring the Wife

I just ran across the following thoughts from Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church. Biblically thoughtful and challengingly practical...

Now, my tone is for the men. We speak to men differently than women. Were this a women’s conference, I would not call you all idiots and imbeciles and fools, that you’re a joke, okay? But you men, this is where it needs to go. You’ve been glad-handed and buddied up and positive thinking and you’re a winner and Jesus loves you and you can do better. And I’m telling you, you’re a joke. And the real men in the room know it and they see it. And maybe there’s one woman that you fooled and she doesn’t see it because like Eve, she’s deceived.

[To continue reading, click here.]

The Ascension of Our Lord

This day, 40 days removed from Easter Sunday, the Church celebrates the Ascension of our gloriously risen King who now sits at the Father's right hand to make intercession for His saints. This day in the story of Christian liturgy, redeemed humanity has been presented victoriously in heaven.

Charles Wesley's words, penned in 1742, were never more fitting...

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.