On Christian Joy §1

The recent discussion of Christian suffering has led me to think about the apostolic call to “rejoice in suffering,” which, on the face of it, seems practically impossible if not morally irresponsible. That, in turn, led me to think that perhaps just as suffering gets redefined by Christ so that one can speak of specifically [...]

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Suffering as the Depth of the Charismatic Life

In the previous post, Mark spoke so clearly and convincingly about the need to choose suffering, to enter into it with our eyes wide open. I want to add that not only must we choose it, following the example of Christ, but also that the Holy Spirit who is at work among us is leading [...]

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Choice not Consequence: Christian Living as Active Suffering (Guest Post by Mark Pickens)

What is the nature of Christian suffering?  How is it that we are to suffer?   For what purposes and under what circumstances should we suffer?  To be honest, these are questions I have never sincerely asked myself until just recently.  Sure, I’ve heard it said that Christians must endure suffering.  I’ve read it in [...]

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Being People of the Spirit: Suffering With Christ

We’ve been talking for some time now at the church about being people of the Spirit. And we’ve said in a number of ways on a number of occasions that being people of the Spirit means necessarily being people of suffering. Over the next few days I want to highlight that truth, and make as clear as [...]

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“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”?: Why True Worship Doesn’t Make Us Irresponsible

The other day in university chapel we sang a chorus I’m assuming is familiar to all of you:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
As I was singing it struck me: looking at Jesus does not make the [...]

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