sermon illustration
Christian Leader from Asia Critiques Our View of Suffering
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Ajith Fernando, a Christian leader from Sri Lanka who ministers to the urban poor, writes:
The church in each culture has its own special challenges—theological blind spots that hinder Christians from growing to full maturity in Christ …. I think one of the most serious theological blind spots in the western church is a defective understanding of suffering. There seems to be a lot of reflection on how to avoid suffering and on what to do when we hurt. We have a lot of teaching about escape from suffering and therapy for suffering, but there is inadequate teaching about the theology of suffering ….
The "good life," comfort, convenience, and a painless life have become necessities that people view as basic rights. If they do not have these, they think something has gone wrong …. One of the results of this attitude is a severe restriction of spiritual growth, for God intends us to grow through trials.
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Paul Olmstead
I think he is absolutely correct. Hebrews 12.1f
Kim Olstad
Truly! Our sisters and brothers around the world who live with pain we can hardly imagine have much to teach us. If we, as Christians, got a "pass" on suffering. What a mess that would be... God is so much bigger than me.
Tom Feliciano
God allows pain and suffering in our lives for a purpose. What happened to Job was Gods idea. "Jesus was made perfect (brought into Maturity) by the things he suffered. I believe in our lives, it is how the flesh dies. American culture tells us that the worst possible thing is to suffer. Why does America have such a problem with drugs and booze? Because they dull the Pain, Americans just about worship feeling good, and seem to be willing to do just about anything to feel good. The feeling good all the time will not happen until we get to Heaven.
Godwin Isah
The challenges of living in the third world make it extremely easy to see escape from suffering as an end to pursue. Thanks for reminding us of its divine intent.The challenges of living in the third world make it extremely easy to see escape from suffering as an end to pursue. Thanks for reminding us of its divine intent.
Dennis A. Fisher
We all have suffering but I would rather have pain for the very noble and worthwile casue of Christ than the pain this world gives that is worthless. It is very important to know the difference in what to pain to adpot or what pain to avoid. For example suffering for others or for a cause that may not really rekate to the heart of the gosphel. Or course many time we have no choice in suffering than acceptance- "not my will but yours father" is the key. Also, be prepared for it like Christ who "for the joy set before him endured the cross". We can have this joy/comfort when we understand Christ's perspective before facing His cross. Knowing that as a Christian our pain/suffering are accomplishing God's will so let it be done and live and perhaps even die with it.
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