ORDINARY PILGRIMS

Screenshot of Luke 12:4-12 from esv.org On December 9th I preached a sermon called, "When Opposition Looms," from Luke 12:4-12. A few days later the story broke about the Chinese pastor, Wang Yi, who was arrested December 9th and has been charged with subverting the government. In addition to him, there have been over 100 members of his church who have been arrested. In anticipation of such an event, he wrote a piece that was to be published if he was detained longer than 48 hours. In reading it, it seems quite clear that he understands and fully embraces Jesus' words: "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell" (Luke 12:4-5, ESV). I know little about the man, except what the article states. It seems the church is part of the Reformed Presbyterian Churches. It is a remarkable read a...

In his book, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment , Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1644) offers this definition of Christian contentment (read it slowly): Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. The book is filled with much gold and at some point I'll write more about it. But, for now, I feel as though it is criminal to not pass along this definition... Does it not sound like a wonderful place to live? To summarize one friend: "It is a disposition that Christians have all tasted and can see the beauty of, but it is a place we struggle to stay." The book seeks to help believers remain in such a contented state. It is worthy of your time!