A short nugget on hell and salvation...

A short but brilliant answer to a tough question from Ravi Zacharias, one of the Western World's leading apologists...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLGf-Wmky6g&feature=g-vrec

Pathways in the place of suffering

How can there be a good, loving and all-powerful God that allows severe, dehumanizing suffering to occur?

It seems to me that no system of thought has a response to 'The problem of suffering' that is both complete and satisfying.

Atheism's answer in a nutshell says, "Suffering happens because the world has no purpose."

Eastern religions who subscribe to Karma and reincarnation say, "Suffering happens because you deserve what is happening to you from a previous life."

Both of these answers could be said to be 'complete'... but are certainly  unsatisfying for those struggling with suffering. There is nowhere further to go with either of these worldviews for those who are actually in the place of dealing with profound trauma or pain  There is little basis on which to hope for redemption or restoration.

The Christian Gospel does not give us a complete answer, but it does give an answer for which there is hope for those in pain. It gives us what I believe to be the most secure foundation for hope, one which is based on the truth of the cross of Jesus. The cross of Jesus does not tell us what the answer is, but it does tell us what the answer isn't. 

The Cross tells us the answer isn't that 'God doesn't care'.

The Cross tells us the answer isn't that 'God is distant'.

The Cross tells us the answers isn't that 'God is doing nothing to redeem His world.'

There is SO much more to say, and with that in mind I want to recommend to you today the two best sermons I've heard on the Christian response to pain and suffering.

1. HOPE: WHEN LIFE HURTS MOST

The first is from the fantastic Louie Giglio (more on him in a future post). 'Hope when life hurts most' is a brilliant starting place for forming a response to suffering. The downside is you have to pay for it, but I promise you it's worth the money: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hope-When-Life-Hurts-Region/dp/B002EIJ8K4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335449065&sr=8-1

2. TRUTH, TEARS, ANGER AND GRACE  |  New York, 16th Sept 2001

More brilliance from Dr. Tim Keller in unprecedented circumstances. This is the sermon Tim gave to his Church in Manhattan just 5 days after the September 11th attacks in 2001. Before I listened to the sermon I tried to work out where I would even start on a sermon like this if in the same position... surely trying to speak any truth, any words, any doctrine, is going to come across as trite? 

Not so. This sermon was one that really expanded my vision of how big the gospel is, and the huge promises that Christians can claim in the momentary troubles of this world. It is intelligent and explanatory without lacking compassion and empathy. A tough call delivered exceptionally well, and there is so much here for anyone in any circumstance of suffering.

You can download the MP3 (for FREE) from the redeemer.com website (link below). This is the whole service of hope - the sermon reading starts around 29:06.

http://sermons.redeemer.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=17440&ParentCat=6

Some light humour for a Saturday night...

Can't remember where I found this or who posted it. But it made me chuckle...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jdWH9N-JXI&list=FLlko0iYbpqZEr9Nsj45popA&index=14&feature=plpp_video

Chan the man

Francis Chan is one of the more intriguing preachers I've come across, mostly due to the fact that he doesn't easily fit into the normal theological 'camps' of others... though he does confess 'I tend to take the reformed position on things.' The huge thing that comes from everything Francis Chan speaks and writes is: AUTHENTICITY. Let's be ruthlessly real in everything. So much so that when his profile got too high at the Church he founded he quit. He also happens to minister just down the road from Hollywood, and has a fantastic creative style along with sound, challenging and captivating Theology.

Here are some of the highlights from Chan's Ministry:

This short clip gives a great taster of his powerful communication combined with humour. Find it on YouTube and you'll get recommends for other great clips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA_uwWPE6lQ&list=FLlko0iYbpqZEr9Nsj45popA&index=71&feature=plpp_video

Also, his first book Crazy Love is worth reading; I've known Christians who barely read anything who've loved this book. It's not a heavy 'read' but the challenges are soul-deep. Here's the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crazy-Love-Overwhelmed-Relentless-God/dp/1434768511/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334827967&sr=8-1

A quick introduction...

Hi all,

In due course I hope to write about the engaging Matt Chandler, a preacher whom I've only just recently become familiar with. Part of the American 'Young, Restless, and Reformed' movement with whom I identify most closely with myself, Matt's preaching style is a combination of solid theology and delivery so animated that you can't help but listen. The gags and humour somehow don't detract from the weight of his message, despite being woven in almost seamlessly to the fabric of his speaking.

Anyway, for your weekly treat here's a full sermon I found of his recently on Youtube. This is one I've listened to more than once. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yqQuTT1S40