A friend recently shared with me that, in the midst of increasing pressure by the Chinese government on the Christian church in China, a group of pastors wrote a public statement affirming both their commitment to Christian faith in the midst of suffering and an international call to uphold religious freedom. This is noteworthy for …
April 16 Update on Pastor Andrew Brunson
As a graduate of Wheaton College (IL), I received this email just moments ago related to Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is also an alumnus of the college. While this is a call to prayer for the Wheaton College campus and extended community, I encourage you to join in the spirit of this intercessory prayer wherever …
Perpetua and Felicitas
This past weekend in my message, "The Final Move" from Luke 21:5-36, I shared the story of two early Christian martyrs, Perpetua and Felicitas. These women gave their lives for their faith in the city of Carthage at the turn of the 3rd century. You can read the entire account of their lives here, but …
Occupied with Suffering (discussion questions)
Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message, "Occupied with Suffering," which is part of our series "Exiles" on the book of 1 Peter. This study walks through 1 Peter 4:12-19. Have you ever personally experienced or heard about someone else suffering for their faith? What happened? “Exiles” continues as we look at 1 Peter 4:12-19. …
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Occupied with Suffering
What is a Christ-centered perspective on our suffering? That question was the focus of my message, "Occupied with Suffering," this past weekend at Eastbrook Church as I continued our series, "Exiles: A Study of 1 Peter." Suffering is a theme of Peter's letter, but he brings it into sharp focus with 1 Peter 4:12-19 by exploring the significance and approach …
Matthew Erickson 