More Than That

This is the third post in a series. For the first post in the series, click here.

So we know that Paul was called to suffer. His suffering has certainly ended, as he is now present with the Lord. Paul’s suffering is no longer the question. The question is: are you called to do the same (to “suffer much” for the sake of God’s name)?

In short, the answer is “yes.”

You may be thinking, “Jesus hasn’t knocked me off my horse with a bright light and a loud voice. This must have been a special word to Paul, not to the church at large.” Let’s examine how Paul approaches the issue. Continue reading →

This is the second post in a series. For the first post in the series, click here.

As I have previously written, my authority for writing on the subject of suffering is only as strong as my adherence to the Bible. Because the phrase “more than that” originates with Paul, let us begin with suffering as it relates to him.

The Calling

Most Christians are familiar with the dramatic conversion of Paul, originally named Saul, on the Damascus Road. After standing by approving the execution of Stephen, Luke writes that Saul is not just persecuting the church but “ravaging” it. (Acts 8:1, 3) “[S]till breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord,” Saul heads for Damascus with orders to arrest “any belonging to the Way.” (Acts 9:1, 2)

On the road, Saul is blinded by a bright light and hears the voice of Jesus himself:

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

- Acts 9:4b-6

Saul enters Damascus blinded and begins praying. God commands a disciple named Ananias to go to Saul and to pray for him, that he might regain his sight. Ananias objects, having heard of the evils Saul had perpetrated against the church and knowing that Saul carried letters authorizing his arrest. (Acts 9:13-14) God responds:

Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

- Acts 9:15

And then God tells Ananias something baffling: Continue reading →

(from left) Hernan Palma, Charles Landrum, and Juan "Chiquito" Monzon

My name is Charles Landrum and I reside in Atlanta, Georgia. You may be wondering why I have decided to start blogging. Rather than try to convince you with words, let me offer a little story.

The Background

Around 2006, I discovered the powerful preaching of John Piper through the “How to Fight for Joy: When I Don’t Desire God” conference messages (audio available here). For those long familiar with his preaching, I may seem a little late to the party, especially for those who read Desiring God when it was first published twenty years before.

In any case, I was thankful to have discovered this clear teaching which pointed me back to other lovers of God’s Word, including C.S. Lewis, Jonathan Edwards, and of course, Paul of Tarsus. For two years, I read and listened to as much of Piper’s works as I could.

Piper’s favorite topic is what he calls “ultimate things,” with the “ultimate thing” being the glory of God. Piper asserts that God is completely God-centered and expects us to be God-centered as well. Everything God does is to get us to see and savor His glory. In short, Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Continue reading →