Category: What do you think?

Standing strong when life gets hard

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DON HEBERT

Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, IRS Images, 2025

People throughout history have faced difficult choices between their beliefs and their safety. During the Reformation, three Anglican ministers were told to accept Catholic Church teachings or face death. Two of them, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, refused to deny their Protestant faith. As they were tied to stakes and burned alive, Latimer spoke encouraging words to his friend. He said they would light a candle in England that would never go out. These men died with confidence because they trusted God completely.

The third minister, Thomas Cranmer, made a different choice at first. Fear overwhelmed him, and he wrote a letter saying he no longer believed Protestant teachings. He gave in to pressure from Catholic authorities, even though he still held his original beliefs privately. His fear of what people would do to him became stronger than his fear of God. This would change before his death, and he too was executed.

These men’s lives show us two paths. One shows the kind of faith we should aim for, where we trust God no matter what happens. The other reminds us how easy it is to take the easy way out when things get difficult.

The book of James was written to Jewish believers who were scattered across the Roman Empire during a hard time. They faced many challenges and needed encouragement to stay faithful. James wrote to teach them how to handle trials with confidence and how to live out genuine faith in their daily lives.

Some people today say they are not religious, only spiritual. They want to emphasize a personal connection with God rather than just following rules. While the desire for a real relationship with God is what we seek, religion itself is not a bad word. True religion combines belief with action. It means your faith shows up in how you live. James teaches us what pure religion looks like throughout his letter.

The main message of the first chapter is about having joy that does not waver. True faith means staying steady and joyful even when life is hard.

James starts by introducing himself as a servant of God and Jesus Christ. Even though he was the half-brother of Jesus, he does not boast about this connection. Instead, he shows that he is under God’s authority just like everyone else. This is important because it shows that joy comes from being secure in God, not from having a special position or status.

Horatio G. Spafford wrote “It Is Well with My Soul” after experiencing profound personal tragedy. In 1873, his four daughters drowned when their ship, the Ville du Havre, sank in the Atlantic Ocean while his wife survived. As Spafford later crossed the same waters to meet her, he penned the hymn’s moving words, expressing steadfast faith and peace in God despite his overwhelming loss.

James tells his readers to count it as complete joy when they face different kinds of trials. It should be as the hymn says; it should be well with my soul. This seems like a strange instruction. How can difficult times bring joy? The answer is that trials test our faith, and when our faith is tested, it produces steadfastness. Being steadfast means staying firm in what you believe and not being moved by outside pressure or voices telling you to change.

When we stand firm on God’s word, we can share an important message with the world. We tell people that destruction is coming for those who reject God, but salvation is available through Jesus Christ. Even though all people are sinners, God sent Jesus to save us. Jesus looked toward the cross with determination and did not hold back. He endured suffering for the joy that was ahead of him. Now he sits at God’s right hand. Because Jesus endured, we can endure too.

As we go through trials, our faith makes us more complete . I’m speaking of our faith given as a gift from God. This does not happen overnight. We are not finished products yet. Everyone has areas where they need to grow. Each trial God allows brings us closer to being the people he wants us to be.

Growth can be painful. Trials hurt, even when we understand that God is using them for our good. That is why James gives us instructions for the times when we feel weak. If we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it. God gives generously to everyone who asks, and he does not scold us for needing help. He is a kind father who loves giving good gifts to his children.

We must ask without doubting. People who doubt are like waves tossed around by the wind. They have no firm foundation. They are double-minded and unstable in everything they do. When good times come, they seem to have faith. When hard times arrive, their faith disappears. This is not real faith at all.

Another reason we can have joyful steadfastness is because we can look forward to rewards from God. Yes, we should not focus solely on rewards, we should do the right thing because it is right. We do want our hearts to change and not just our behavior. But it is also true that rewards are actually good and biblical. God designed us to want rewards, and James teaches us about this.

Those who remain steadfast under trials will receive the crown of life. God promises this to those who love him. The crown of life means eternal life with God. It means a life full of joy and celebration, free from sin, sickness, and death. This is a life beyond anything we can experience now, better than our best days on earth.

When we face suffering, we can think about this promise. God is for us, not against us. He wants us to experience life in his presence, free from pain and addiction, free from disease and death. Even in our darkest moments, we can remember that our trials are temporary but God’s reward lasts forever.

The story of Thomas Cranmer does not end with his denial. The confidence of Latimer and Ridley lit a fire that led to Cranmer’s change of heart. He realized he had feared people more than God. He publicly declared he was wrong to deny his faith. As he began preaching the gospel clearly again, he was burned at the stake one year later in the same place his friends had died. When the flames were lit, he held his hand out first, saying it should be punished first because it had signed the letter denying his faith. This shows how someone can become steadfast even after failing.

I don’t think any of us will not be burned at the stake for our faith. But each of us will face trials. The book of James gives us comfort to rejoice, to seek God’s rewards, and to resolve to be godly and act now. This is the heart of true faith: joyful steadfastness in trials.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

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RICHARD CORDER

The final words of the Apostle Peter in his second letter remind believers of two vital truths: the need for spiritual growth and the call to remain faithful. In 2 Peter 3:18, he urges followers of Christ to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” This instruction comes as both a warning and an encouragement for all who walk with God.

Peter’s audience faced hardship and confusion. False teachers had spread distorted ideas, leading some away from the truth. Peter’s desire was to protect these believers from losing their stability in faith. He reminded them that the best defence against error is growth. I’m speaking of growth in God’s grace and in understanding who Christ truly is. This growth begins with a firm commitment to God’s Word. Reading, studying, and reflecting on Scripture help believers know God’s character and promises.

The Bible reveals how He is present with us, answers prayer, strengthens us in trials, and keeps us faithful through difficulties. Forgetting these promises can make believers vulnerable to doubt, so Peter calls them to remember what God has said and live by it.

Growth also comes through prayer. Many people find prayer difficult because they feel alone while doing it, but prayer is a real conversation with God. It draws us closer to Him and teaches us trust. Sometimes prayers are answered exactly as asked; other times, God allows challenges to continue so that we can grow in patience and faith. Either way, prayer shapes our hearts to depend on Him.

Worship and fellowship are other ways that God’s grace helps us grow. When believers gather to sing, study, and share life together, they encourage each other and are reminded of God’s faithfulness. The early church devoted itself to these same practices. The early believers practiced teaching each other, breaking bread, prayer, and fellowship. In these they found strength in unity. These same habits remain essential for the church today.

Peter also warns against being influenced by the world’s thinking. The Apostle Paul gave a similar message in Romans 12, where he told believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing their minds through God’s Word. Only Scripture has the power to cleanse our thoughts and guide us toward what is good and pleasing to God. As our minds are renewed, we begin to see life as God sees it and can better understand His will.

Growing in grace means becoming more aware of God’s kindness and influence in our lives. Grace is not only unearned favour, it is also God’s active work in turning us to Christ, strengthening our faith, and helping us live in a way that reflects His character. Through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship, God’s grace shapes us into people who show love, patience, humility, and faithfulness.

Alongside grace, Peter emphasizes growing in knowledge, knowing Christ personally. This knowledge comes through reading the Gospels, where His life and teachings are recorded, and through daily prayer, where we experience His care in our own circumstances. As believers see how God answers prayers and provides for needs, they come to trust His wisdom more deeply.

Peter ends his letter by directing all praise to Christ, saying, “To him be the glory both now and forever.” Spiritual growth is not only for our benefit; it brings honour to Jesus. When we live in a way that reflects His truth and kindness, we give glory to the One who saved us. The Christian life, then, is a journey of continual growth.

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

The Church as a Community of Rescuers

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ANDY ANDERSON

In 2018, the town of Paradise, California, was almost completely destroyed by fire. Over 150,000 acres burned, more than 18,000 buildings were lost, and 85 people died. The film The Lost Bus tells the true story of one man, a bus driver named Kevin, who risked his life to save others. When flames surrounded the area and parents couldn’t reach their children, Kevin drove into the fire to rescue twenty-two students and two teachers. The bus was damaged, the tires were melting, and the air was filled with smoke, but he refused to stop. For five hours, he fought through the fire until everyone was safe.

This story is a picture of what the church is meant to be. A community on a rescue mission. Like Kevin’s bus, the church is not meant for comfort or ease. It is not a cruise ship for passengers but a rescue bus heading into danger for the sake of others. Jesus is the one who drives that bus. He entered the fire of sin and death to save people who could not save themselves. His church continues that work by going after those still trapped in the flames of life’s struggles, whether in broken families, illness, or despair.

The Bible’s message, especially in Romans 12, teaches that being rescued by Christ also means becoming part of His rescue team. Believers are not saved to sit still. Once we are on the bus, we each have a part to play. The ride is free, but the calling carries responsibility. Every Christian has gifts and talents meant to serve others in the body of Christ.

The first lesson of Romans 12 is selflessness. A follower of Jesus cannot live for pride or attention. The Apostle Paul reminds believers not to think too highly of themselves but to see their lives through humility. All abilities and opportunities come from God. Without humility, unity cannot exist. The church only works when people think less about themselves and more about one another.

The next lesson is oneness. The church is called “the body of Christ,” with many members working together. Each person has a role, and no one can do everything alone. Just as the parts of a body have different functions but one purpose, the church must move together under Christ’s direction. Saying “I love Jesus but not His church” misses the truth that the church is His body. To reject it is to reject part of Him.

Selflessness leads to unity, and unity makes ministry possible. Romans 12 lists several kinds of gifts: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. Each believer receives a unique mix of these gifts to strengthen the church. Serving is not meant to be a burden but a blessing. People should use their gifts with gladness and eagerness. A servant who helps unwillingly or a leader who leads without energy harms the body’s health.

Some people say they can be Christians without belonging to a church. But that is like saying, “I’m a musician without a band,” or “I’m a soldier without an army.” A Christian without a church community loses the support, accountability, and purpose that God designed for believers to share. Every Christian belongs in the body, and when someone is missing, the whole church becomes weaker.

The early followers of Jesus understood this. Historians note that the church grew quickly because every believer served. When plagues struck, others fled, but Christians stayed and cared for the sick. Their faith was shown through their actions, and people noticed. Real service draws people toward God more than words alone.

The heart of this message is simple: we are saved to serve.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.

1 Peter 4:10

A Willing Heart that Builds for God

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BOB RICHMOND

The words of 1 Chronicles 29:14–18 remind believers that everything they own already belongs to God. King David spoke with deep humility, recognizing that all people are only caretakers of what God provides. When he and his people gave toward building the temple, David understood they were simply returning to God what was already His. True giving begins in the heart. It cannot come from pride or guilt, but from the joy of knowing that God owns all things.

David and Goliath; IRS Images, 2025

David’s life showed how faith grows through trust in God. When he was a young shepherd, he faced a lion and a bear, and later, the giant Goliath. In each challenge, David knew it was not his own strength but God working through him. This same trust guided him in his later years when he desired to build a temple for God. However, God told him that his son Solomon would be the one to complete that work. Though this news must have disappointed him, David accepted it with grace. Instead of being bitter, he poured his effort and wealth into preparing everything Solomon would need. His example moved the whole nation to give willingly and joyfully.

David prayed that the people’s hearts would stay focused on God, that their devotion would grow so strong it would fill their thoughts and dreams. He wanted them to understand that giving to God’s work is not a loss but a privilege. When believers see giving as returning what God already owns, they cannot be angry or defensive about it. Their joy grows when their hearts are right with God.

The message from David’s prayer also reminds Christians today that faith is seen not only in words but in actions. Giving and serving reveal what is in the heart. A soft heart is eager to give and serve; a hard heart resists and finds reasons to hold back. Jesus taught that “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” If people invest only in earthly things, they risk losing what they value. But when they invest in God’s work, they store up treasures that last forever.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

The story of David also connects to how Christians today should live and give. God blesses people not only for their own comfort but so they can bless others. Those who have been given much are called to use their blessings for God’s purposes. Even small acts of generosity matter when done with a sincere heart. What matters most is not the size of the gift but the willingness behind it.

The Apostle Paul spoke about churches in Macedonia who gave to help others even when they were poor and struggling. They found joy in giving because their hope was not in wealth but in God. Their generosity came from first giving themselves fully to the Lord. When a person gives their heart to God, giving anything else becomes natural.

David’s prayer ended with a request that God would keep the people’s hearts set on Him and that their devotion would continue for future generations. What they gave built more than a building; it built faith, unity, and hope. Their obedience became a testimony that lasted long after David’s lifetime.

Every believer faces the same choice: to hold tightly to what they have or to trust God with it. A willing heart says “yes” to God and helps build something that lasts beyond one lifetime, faith in families, unity in churches, and blessings for generations to come.

Consider Joshua’s words recorded in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Shouldn’t this same spirit of surrender and service continue to shape the lives of those who follow Jesus today?

Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

The Cross and the Hope of Sinners

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STEVE MORGAN

The message of the cross is not only about what Jesus endured, but about what His death means for every person who has sinned. This includes all of us. Through the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we learn that the cross is the center of our salvation and the place where our relationship with God is restored.

Paul wrote that before knowing Christ, people are “dead in their trespasses.” This does not refer to physical death, but to a spiritual separation from God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, they did not fall down dead, but their sin cut them off from fellowship with Him. From that moment, all humanity has shared in this broken condition. Sin severs our connection with the source of spiritual life. Without that connection, we are alive in body but dead in spirit.

Through Jesus, that separation is healed. When a person puts faith in Him, it is as if the broken cord between God and the human soul is reattached. Life flows again from God into the heart. This is what it means to be “made alive with Christ.” Salvation is more than forgiveness; it is spiritual renewal. The one who was dead inside is now alive to God.

Paul continues by explaining that through the cross, Christ has forgiven all trespasses. This word all is crucial. No sin is too small or too great to remain outside His forgiveness. The blood of Jesus cleanses completely, not conditionally, but entirely. Every failure, every regret, and every wrong choice is covered by His sacrifice.

When God forgives, He also removes the lasting stain of sin. The inner guilt that clings to us is washed away. As the old hymn says, “Sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.” This forgiveness brings peace to the soul because it releases us from trying to fix the past or earn our way back to God.

The Bible describes three stages of salvation that all come through the cross. First is justification, when God declares a believer righteous, freeing them from the penalty of sin. Second is sanctification, the ongoing process by which the Holy Spirit frees us from the power of sin in daily life. Finally, there is glorification, when God will one day free His people from the presence of sin forever. Each stage rests on the power of what Jesus did at Calvary.

The cross also removes every obstacle that once stood between God and humanity. Paul describes it as the cancellation of a certificate of debt. In ancient times, debtors kept lists of what they owed, constant reminders of their obligation. Our sins make up a record of debt to God. It is a debt so large that no one could ever pay it. Yet when Christ died, He took that entire record and nailed it to the cross. Every charge that stood against us was erased.

This means that for those who belong to Christ, there will be no record of sin to face at judgment. Jesus bore that record Himself. The condemnation that was ours fell on Him instead. Because of that, believers stand free and forgiven before God.

Paul also writes that through the cross, Jesus disarmed principalities and powers. This speaks of His victory over Satan and all forces of evil. When Jesus died, it looked like defeat, but it was the moment of triumph. Satan lost his power to accuse or control those who trust in Christ. Though he still tempts and troubles, his authority is broken. His time is limited, and his final end is already determined.

Because Jesus has overcome, His followers also overcome. The book of Revelation says that believers conquer “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The blood of Christ is the seal of our salvation, the protection against the enemy, and the assurance that we belong to God.

For those who have been saved, the suffering of this world is the worst they will ever experience. Heaven holds no pain, no sorrow, no death. It holds only the fullness of life in the presence of God. All of this is possible because of the cross.

The cross is not simply a symbol of suffering; it is the proof that God is for us. The blood of Jesus declares that every debt has been paid, every barrier removed, and every weapon of the enemy disarmed. Those who trust in Christ stand forgiven, restored, and secure forever.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who [a]are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18