Christian Living

Knowing Why Won't Make You Feel Better

Knowing Why Won't Make You Feel Better

“How can a good God who loves me allow me to feel do depressed and despairing? Why would He allow me to experience such terrible pain and suffering? Have you ever heard someone ask a question like this? Have you ever asked a question like this yourself? I’d venture that most of us have at least thought something like this even if we never put words to it. When we face difficulty and pain, our first inclination is typically “Why God?” Why do bad things happen to good people? Simply put, there are no “good people.” But we can take it a little further than this. This question has often come on the lips of Christians who know God and understand the gospel. They know that they aren’t a good person but a sinner saved by God’s grace. So, let’s take the question a bit further, “Why does God allow suffering and difficultyfor His children?” That might be an even harder question.

Every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday

Every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday

This month we are approaching Easter Sunday which we often call Resurrection Sunday, for it is a remembrance of that first Easter Sunday on which Jesus Christ our Lord rose from the grave. While it is good and right for us to celebrate Easter each year, perhaps we also need reminding that every Sunday is a resurrection Sunday. Indeed, each Sunday that we gather is a continued celebration of the Risen King and of our expectation of His return to rule and to reign forevermore.

When Virtues become Vices

When Virtues become Vices

What an odd thing it is that virtues can become vices when misused or misapplied. Of course, this is the story of the history of the world. What God has designed for good, man perverts to evil. Recently, Andy Nesalli has published some great articles on how various virtues can be exercised sinfully if we are not careful to tie them to truth and wisdom. I recommend these articles heartily to you and also to trace down the great compendium of resources that he cites or recommends within each article. Happy reading!

Oh Soul, Be Not Downcast

Oh Soul, Be Not Downcast

The Puritans have often given us great writings to help us as we walk the pilgrim way of the Christian life. I recently came across a brief passage that encouraged me greatly. Justin Taylor’s blog over at The Gospel Coalition cited the following section from English Puritan William Bridge’s A Lifting Up for the Downcast (Banner of Truth, 61-63). May it lift up your soul today!