Through the grid of God’s sovereignty, Daniel provides not only a practical philosophy of suffering for the Christian but also a foundation for action. Paul could say to the church in Colossae, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of his body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” (Col. … [Read more...]
Sovereignty & Unjust Suffering: Studies in Daniel, Part 1/2
Divine Sovereignty & Christian Suffering In view of Christian experience and, indeed, that of Daniel, it must be asked as to how one responds to 'unjust suffering'. While 'unjust suffering' can manifest in many forms, the focus of this article is on persecution. Perhaps the best way to view ‘unjust suffering’ in the book of Daniel is through the words and teaching of … [Read more...]
Poured from Vessel to Vessel
... And he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel ... Jeremiah 48:11 The call to go on with God is a call to be poured from vessel to vessel. Our willingness to embrace change, to be poured from one vessel to another, is integral to spiritual development. Our transformation into the image of Christ comes through a history of inner abandonment to the high call of God —to … [Read more...]
Leader-Shift
The Saul-David Transition Part 5/8 But he removed Saul and made David their king ... Acts 13:22 Leader-shift There is a leader-shift occurring in the church. If David is the proto-typical man of God's government, Saul is the proto-typical man of human government. Just as Israel opted for Saul, rejecting Samuel the man of the Spirit, the church likewise rejected their men … [Read more...]
OUT OF THE BOAT! Jesus and the Contemporary Church
… they thought he was a ghost. Mark 6:49 Jesus, teaching on the mount they knew. Jesus, feeding the five-thousand, and even raising the dead, they knew! But what was this new and strange manifestation? The disciples had been directed by Jesus to get into a boat and cross the lake to Bethsaida. When evening came a storm had blown up and they were ‘straining’ on the oars as … [Read more...]
