Why the Resurrection?

Another book that has dwelt in my bookcase for a long time before finally being read.  It got its chance this Easter.

This book is short and easily readable in one sitting (77 pages), but it took me several in this stage of my life.  I thought it would be a useful resource to give to interested non-Christians, seeing as the resurrection is a stumbling block to faith for some.  However, after reading it, it seems it's actually for Christians!  It does provide evidence for the resurrection and debunks some of the popular objections (Jesus wasn't really dead, the disciples stole the body etc.), but it seems to be more of a glossary, providing lists and tables of the key people, events and prophecies fulfilled by the resurrection.

Overall, I didn't think it really taught me anything I didn't already know, and I found the notes next to each person's name telling me to check the 'People of the Resurrection' page really annoying and distracting.

If you're a new Christian, it's probably helpful.
If you're an established Christian, it'd be better to read something more in-depth.
If you're looking for an evangelistic book, there would be more appropriate ones out there.

Just Be Held by Casting Crowns

I couldn't find more appropriate lyrics for how I feel right now:

Hold it all together, 

Everybody needs you strong,

But life hits you out of nowhere,

And barely leaves you hanging on.

And when you're tired of fighting,

Chained by your control,

There's freedom in surrender,

Lay it down and let it go.

So, when you're on your knees,

And answers seem so far away,

You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held.

Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place.

I'm on the throne, stop holding on, and just be held.

Just be held.

Just be held.

If your eyes are on the storm,

You'll wonder if I love you still,

But if your eyes are on the cross,

You'll know I always have, and always will.

And not a tear is wasted,

In time you'll understand,

I'm painting beauty with the ashes,

Your life is in My hands.

Lift your hands, lift your eyes,

In the storm is where you'll find Me,

And where you are, I'll hold your heart,

I'll hold your heart.

Come to Me, find your rest,

In the arms of the God who won't let go.

Lyrics from here

Quote of the Day

The resurrection is not the end. It is the beginning of all things being restored.

- Tim Keller

Bible Verse of the Day

Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him and afflicted.  But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray; each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:4-6
 

Three Days to Go

The campaign to go one better begins...

The Curse is Broken

After four consecutive years for which the 13th March was a crappy day for me, I'm pleased to report that the 13th March 2016 was good.

It wasn't amazing, but it certainly wasn't bad.

It was just ok.

Hooray!

What Happened to that Youthful Zeal?

When I was a university student, I often found myself a little overwhelmed by the youthful passion of some of my Christian peers. Maybe it was because I was a new Christian and still figuring out what it meant to live for Christ? Maybe it was a personality thing? There was certainly a vibe around the Christian Union that if your faith was sincere, the way to show it was to go into full-time ministry, whether it was studying at Bible college, doing a ministry traineeship, or missionary service overseas.  It seemed that I was the only one who didn't have these plans.

Fast forward 12 years since I graduated from uni......some of those people have become full-time paid  gospel workers, or at least did for some of that time. But many others have gone into secular employment, married and had children, and live fairly ordinary lives in suburbia. When we were in our late teens and early twenties, it seemed like we had so much energy. So many Christian young adults volunteered repeatedly on camps, mission trips, and for church activities. Why weren't people with kids doing as much 'stuff' as us? Why did they seem so tired? Where was their passion for Christ?

In the past 12 years I've watched some of those young adults experience health issues such as depression, arthritis, heart conditions, miscarriage, infertility, and various injuries. They've lost loved ones, dealt with loneliness, experienced financial hardship, conflict in relationships, and faced the everyday grind of parenting. I've experienced some of the same. We're older and tireder.

So, why do some Christian young adults end up going in different directions from what they had intended at uni? Does the fact that some didn't end up in full-time paid ministry mean Satan has had a victory? Have the weeds of life grown up and choked their fruitfulness?

The answer is that life happened. Life is painful. Life is hard. Our bodies face decay in this world. Once you leave the university environment it becomes painfully clear HOW MANY people need Christ.

But although outwardly we may be wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. I've seen that in my peers. The zeal is still there, but it's now coupled with wisdom, which comes from age and experience. The rose-coloured glasses have been removed. They witness in their families, their workplaces, in their children's schools.

They are still Christian and God is using them. I praise the Lord for that.