pastor || writer || speaker
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?" (Hebrews 12:7) With these striking words, the writer of Hebrews radically reframes the suffering believers endure. The writer is not making light of suffering but inviting believers to see suffering in a different light. What …
Continue reading "Run with Discipline: insights on spiritual growth and suffering from Hebrews 12"
Today, is the celebration of All Saints' Day. What is All Saints' Day and why should we celebrate it? Since the 4th century, Christians have celebrated the lives of saints and martyrs. However, it was not until AD 609 that Pope Boniface IV dedicated one day of remembrance for all martyrs. Since that time, and …
Continue reading "All Saints’ Day: A Celebration and Encouragement"
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29) Lord, awesome God, who reveals with great power who You are and Your ways, I come to You in awe and humility …
Continue reading "Encountering the Overwhelming Presence of God"
For several years I have served as a seminar speaker for the No Regrets Men's Conference. This year's conference was primarily online, but I still had the privilege of speaking within the discipleship track on "Growing in Christ During Trying Times." I spoke from Hebrews 12:1-13, giving attention to six aspects of growing with Christ …
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? (Hebrews 12:7) Be encouraged: God disciplines His children because He loves them. Do not lose heart amidst your suffering. Instead, endure it sustained by the truth that God is lovingly at work even here. We …
Continue reading "Finding Encouragement within Suffering: a reflection on Hebrews 12"
Matthew Erickson 