"Blending biblical faithfulness, gripping stories, and pastoral compassion, this book shows us how God uses pain for our good and his glory and reminds us that if we embrace our suffering we will discover a contagious joy that makes Jesus beautiful in the eyes of a watching world. Written as a series of thirty short meditations, here is a book to be savored," Ray Pritchard, president, Keep Believing Ministries. Appropriate for Pastors and those in ministry or missions. 192 pages, softcover from Good News/Crossway.
The title says it all -The Call to Joy & Pain is a call to take up at the same time two gifts from the Lord, joy and pain. The author Ajith Fernando is eminently qualified to present this study. He is the national director of Youth for Christ in war-torn, disaster ridden Sri Lanka. Also, he ministers to the urban poor of his country. Opening with Colossians 1:24-29, "I rejoice in my sufferings...", Fernando explains that today’s church is interested in a therapy of suffering but he has found that what we need is a theology of suffering - we must learn to joyfully face the cross.
The Call to Joy & Pain message has four parts: Suffering and Joy are Basic to Christianity; Suffering Brings Us Nearer to Christ; Our Suffering Helps the Church; and, Servants of the Church. This is not a message for the faint of heart comfort lover. This is the "meat" of the Word, as the Apostle Paul would put it, and needs a reader willing to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. “…we must not miss the demonstration of unflinching belief in the sovereignty of God that looks at every trial in a positive light.” (pg. 50).
With many illustrations from the author’s own life, and from other Christians past and present, this is a clear, incisive presentation, with a strong reliance on Scripture. The Call to Joy & Pain is interesting and easy to read, providing much food for meditation, devotion, and worship. It has definitely helped my personal Christian growth. I believe readers will find it useful for both personal reading and for group use.
Review by Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Susan Hess (Erie, PA), November 18, 2008
An excellent reminder that we are not intended to buy into this world's philosophy of pain-free materialism. Everyone who really wants to see life the way God wants his children to should read this book.
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