Monday, March 21, 2011

The one with God's immutability

Pastor Kent gave another passionate sermon today on the immutability of God, part of the Knowing God series (you can listen or join the Podcast here). In it, Kent discusses 8 key characteristics of God's unchangeable, perfect nature.

Earlier this week, my heart broke for the Jasper family after hearing about their son, Cooper. Their story has been the inspiration for another film from the same folks that have brought us Facing the Giants & Fireproof. For those of you who don't know of the Jasper family's story, please, take a look at their story in this in-depth video interview (go ahead and "sign up" - it doesn't have to be a "real" email address - there's a link to watch the video immediately after).

I cannot imagine the pain that they have endured and pray that I never have the ability to sympathize with it. But even through their struggle's, J.J.'s words of encouragement give surreal understanding to faith. There are many struggles and terrible things encompassing our globe the last few weeks (Libya, Egypt's corruption (with a recent positive voting result!), Japan's earthquake, remaining Afghanistan & Iraq conflicts....). God's Creation alone is a brief window to His magnificence and genius - and a perfect example of how little we humans can possibly understand amidst it's complexity. Our primitive minds will never be able to understand but a glimpse of His sovereignty, nor how and why all things happen. The Jasper family's story is another horrific example of struggle that escapes our human understanding, but, thankfully, they've been willing to share their story for us to benefit from.

In my reflection this week on the Jasper family, one thing stuck out and resonated with me today as I was hearing Pastor Kent's sermon.

"There are no words to describe how we hurt...
But God's sovereignty and His character do not change. He is still a good God. We knew that intellectually, and now we know it experientially." - J.J. Jasper

Flame on!
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. - 2 Timothy 1: 6-9 (NIV 2011)

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