by Mike Ratliff
Lately the core messages of my writing and teaching ministry have been not only validated by some events and some reader’s comments, but they have also taken on a deeper and multi-faceted shape. God has given me the message that the majority of His people in the West, The United States and Canada especially, are living their lives for their own glory and tragically within false doctrines. They do not have a biblical view of Man or of God. They live for self-gratification for the most part. They can be quite religious, but their hearts are far from God.
A close reading of the Apostle Paul’s epistles reveals that his concept of the Christian walk was quite different than what we think it should be. We hate suffering and blame God when bad things happen to us. However in the book of Colossians Paul made an incredible statement.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. (Colossians 1:24-26 ESV)
Pastor John Piper preached a sermon entitled “Live to Die” at a preacher’s conference hosted by John MacArthur. Here are the links to Part 1 and Part2 of that sermon. Prayerfully listen to this incredible exposition of this passage. Also, here is a link to an article I wrote on the same subject here
Odeo link to Part1: [odeo=http://www.odeo.com/audio/1307526/view ]
Odeo link to Part2: [odeo=http://www.odeo.com/audio/1307540/view]
Piercing truth! Thanks, Mike! I love that passage in Colossians. I think it give us a unique window into the heart of someone who in Tozier’s words “followed hard after God”. Finding your site has been a blessing to my life…but I’ve already told you that. But, I’m sure it won’t be the last time. Ever heard the phrase: Keep blowing the trumpet? It applies. Keep blowing the trumpet, brother. Keep blowing the trumpet!
Thanks Bill!
I confess, I wept through much of John’s sermon. I am sick to death of Country Club Christianity. We question God in even a little suffering. We question His goodness and His love for us when things don’t go the way we want. This passage serperates. It is piercing. It reveals all of our self-focus and selfishness when we see people in the world suffering in every way imaginable yet rejoicing because God’s will is being done and He is glorified in an through it. It is indeed costly grace that produces genuine Christians.
In Christ
Mike Ratliff
I listened to both of these sermons completely. It reminded me of The Desiring God National Conference last year. (I had the tremendous privilege of attending.) Suffering well is a missed teaching in the church today. We want ease….we want happiness. It takes a mature believer to know and understand God’s truth, which enable the roots to go deep and hold in the storms of life.
I appreciate you putting these links on your site Mike. Piper is one of, if not my favorite preacher of this time. His realness and passion for God so spurs me on to know God!!!
I have listened to Part 2 about 5 times now. I weep. I’m not ashamed about it either. Everytime I hear it I start questioning God about what He is showing me in this. What do I need to change to conform to this? My self-pity parties have to go. My anger over being cheated or put down or slandered or whatever has to go. My Cross-Centeredness must become a living reality. Never compromise, but always speak the truth in love. I must hold my tongue, both the physical and the keyboard one, when people tick me off with their silly comments.
I have changed the subtitle for this Blog. It was “Spiritual Food for those who desire to live for God’s glory alone.” Now it is “Spiritual Food for the Suffering Church.” I must pray that God will make my willingness to travel this hard narrow path a reality. I must be prepared to be looked at as if I have lost my mind by those who don’t understand that standing for the truth in the center of God’s will is infintitly more important than getting along with everyone no matter what.
Thanks brusedreed!
In Christ
Mike Ratliff
Mike states…” I must be prepared to be looked at as if I have lost my mind by those who don’t understand that standing for the truth in the center of God’s will is infintitly more important than getting along with everyone no matter what.”
Yep this is exactly where I am!!!
I love the new subtitle! I guess I am weird like that… :-0 !!
The Calvary Road is hard….yes…and I am so glad that God has placed me on it!
Absolutely, me too! I suppose, then, we are on Pilgramage.