Suffering (woman, churches, preach, believe)

[hickoryfan]

Most people hate suffering. Suffering hurts and is painful. Put your hand on a hot stove, and you will pull it back. Get a bad report from the doctor, and we have a pity party.

In the church, a lot of minister's view their success by the following: how many new members they have, by the increase in tithes and offerings, and how successful the building program is coming along.

However, we do not hear many people talking about their sufferings! Do you all think that maybe somebody out there should remember that Jesus was the suffering servant? Through his suffering, we all have received the gift of eternal life. Lastly, I believe Jesus was honored through his suffering.

What are your thoughts? Do you believe that God will honor some when they have lost members in their churches, lost the respect of men by not conforming to the world's standards?

Should we not celebrate with the minister that is struggling? Why do ministers that have large, successful, and flourishing congregrations earn the respect of others?

[augiedogie]

Excellent post. The New Testament clearly teaches that true Christians will suffer, and that goes first and foremost for Christian leaders, like pastors. Satan and the world hate God and those who are his. There's plenty of texts to support this, in case you're interested.

The following is from the Sermon on the Mount, but Jesus also warns those who reject suffering, "bearing their cross" cannot be part of his kingdom.
Mt 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Mt 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Popular Preachers with big growing churches are not necesarily actually making true disciples. But lots of pastors will seek to build a growing popular church because this appeals to their ego and their pocket books.

[Trimac20]

Suffering is part of life, whether you're Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist. Yes, a Christian's struggles are often against the World. One who follows Christ to a tee will no doubt experience suffering at the hands of the World, but not usually to the same extent as the early Christians did, where they often risked their lives to preach the Good News.

[lucknow]

I find it a strange thing to contemplate but the theology of the world called humanismthinks, teaches and acts like suffering can be avioded in this world. What an illusion that iswhen suffering is a part of every human life.

Whwn we were married by a pastor who we love very much he preached a sermon on what we would do and who woud we trust when the time of suffering came to us.

My mother who was a worldly and unreligous woman was offended by this message. She said to me, "How could he assume that you and your new wife will have a time of suffering"?

Well, many years have gone by and we have faced much suffering and times of trouble. What we can do and what we have done is put our trust in God alone. His promises are sure and His Grace is sweet. Praise be to Him that can bring us through all of our trials until our earthly days are over.