If we are devoid of a theology of suffering, we are in danger of marginalizing our expectations of heaven… If we conclude that we are now to experience total healing, unfettered joy, unparalleled success, and freedom from pain, then why be concerned about heaven? How did Paul handle his sufferings and encourage the church to face theirs? Not by trying to produce heaven on earth but by recognizing that for the Christian the best is yet to be. He took the moment and put it in the larger context of God’s unfolding purpose, not only for time but also in eternity (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
— Alistair Begg (b. 1952), Prediger, Buchautor, Radiosprecher
Related Bible passage: 2CO.4.16-18
Topics: Eternity & Hope Beyond Death, Suffering & the Question of God, Hope & Confidence
Occasions: For Reflection
Alistair Begg
Der 1952 in Schottland geborene reformiert-evangelikale Pastor und Buchautor Alistair Begg leitet seit 1983 die Parkside Church in den USA und erreicht durch seinen Mediendienst „Truth For Life“ ein weltweites Radiopublikum. Er steht für fortlaufende, christuszentrierte Auslegungspredigt und geriet 2023/2024 in konservativ-evangelikalen Kreisen in die Kritik, weil er einer Großmutter den Besuch der Hochzeit ihres Transgender-Enkelkindes aus pastoralen Gründen anriet. Bibellesern bietet er eine Auslegungstradition, die theologische Tiefe nach reformiertem Verständnis mit lebensnaher seelsorgerlicher Anwendung verbindet.
All quotes by Alistair Begg (45)
I ask myself: what does hell mean? I maintain: it is the inability to love.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
God has put eternity into our hearts and filled it with longing.
John Piper
C.S. Lewis
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot
Martin Luther King Jr.
Whoever knows Easter cannot despair.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Helmut Thielicke
Charles Haddon Spurgeon