Life is filled with joys. It is also filled with tragedies. No one is immune. As I wrote the introduction to this week’s sermon, it was two days after the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and others in a helicopter crash. We are, of course, drawn to the death of a celebrity. Recently actor, Kirk Douglas, died at 103. On the death of Kobe Bryant (January 26th) thousands of loved ones across the globe suffered the same kind of tragedy.

Let me give you an example. On November 22, 1963 what happened?  If you stated that was the date of President John F. Kennedy’s death you would be 100% correct. But did you also know two other very significant men died that day? Aldous Huxley, who wrote the futuristic novel Brave New World, was one of them. Another one was C.S.Lewis. Ever heard of him?

Tragedy, suffering and trials are all part of life. They are inevitable. I mean, it’s not like anyone sits there and says, “Bring them on Lord! I’m ready!” but they are a fact of life. For someone to say the follower of Christ is not to suffer or should speak them out of existence has something stamped across his forehead: FALSE TEACHER. 

I’m continuing my year-long TRUTH theme with a sermon called Suffering Happens. Not only is it inevitable, it is something we need to realize tests our faithfulness. I tire of those hucksters who say, “Christians should not suffer. If they do their faith is not strong enough.” Hogwash. Hogwash. And more hogwash. Please pray for me and for us this Sunday. It will be much appreciated.