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Reflections on Suffering

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Reflections on Suffering

I have a deep passion to spend my days moving toward Jesus. This powerful statement is dynamic, inviting folks from all walks of life on a journey. For those who are strangers to Jesus, it is an invitation to admit they are sinners, believe that Jesus is God’s provision to forgive their sins, and confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. For those who are already disciples of Jesus, it is an invitation to deny themselves and take up their crosses daily and follow Him (cp. Luke 9:23). In short, it is a vigorous declaration that Jesus has total authority over our lives and we are to draw near to Him. We model our lives after Him. He is the center of all we are and all we do.

Moving toward Jesus means we are also taking others with us. These go hand-in-hand, for the natural result of following after Jesus is that we are, as Jesus once said, “fishers of people” (Mark 1:17). To love Jesus is to be burdened for those who come across our pathways—no matter who they are or from where they come—and to live in such a way so as to convey the gospel of Jesus to them in both word and deed. It means we are determined to help the spiritually hungry experience and then proclaim the life-changing power of Jesus.

I’d love to be on this trek with you. One small way we can do this together is by enjoying the resources of this humble blog. If I can personally encourage you as we move toward Jesus and take others with us, let me know!

Pastor Matthew

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