Obstacles

When God Says No: The Unanswered Prayers of Jesus

by chrisaltrock
September 9, 2010

When God Says No

An uncle recently wrote to me. His young niece had been killed in a car accident. She was a devout young woman raised by godly parents. In fact, hours before her death, the niece and her mother had prayed together for traveling mercies. Then she was gone. The uncle wrote to me, “We pray for our children and their safety. And then something like this happens. Why?” The uncle was respectful. He was sensitive. But clearly this was a difficult issue. Why did God say “No” to prayers for safety, especially for this God-loving niece?

Irreligious: Forsaking Religion and Finding Jesus’ God (Mk. 12:18-27)

by chrisaltrock
August 1, 2010

Chris Altrock – August 1, 2010

Over the past few days I’ve practiced what I call the “ministry of presence” among the LaVelle family. When a young person like Liz dies, there few words worth speaking. The very best we can do is just be present with each other. And as I’ve tried to be present I’ve overheard numerous people saying the same thing over and over. As they’ve thought of the hurt and pain that comes in the midst of the death of a young person like Liz, they’ve said, “I just don’t know how people make it through times like these without God and without the church.” They’ve been testifying that times of tragedy reveal that there is nothing comparable to following Jesus, there is something indispensible about following Jesus. You can’t make it through those times without that “thing” that only comes through following Jesus.

Help When You’re Hurting

by chrisaltrock
July 30, 2010

Articles on pain, suffering, hope and heaven:

Read More »Help When You’re Hurting

Can’t Get No Satisfaction? Focus Your Faith on Your Purpose Rather Than Your Pain (Phil. 1:12-30) – June 21, 2009

by chrisaltrock
June 23, 2009

Last week I read the blog of a friend Lynn Anderson, a friend of mine. Lynn has preached in Churches of Christ for decades. He is the author of several books. Now in the final chapters of his ministry he serves as a mentor and consultant to ministers, elders, churches and other organizations. Lynn has preached at Highland and has served as a consultant for our staff and elders. I have never sat and talked with Lynn when he didn’t go out of his way to pray with me or encourage me spiritually. He is in my Christian-Hall-of-Fame. In my short Christian life Lynn Anderson has been a fixture. His preaching and writing are among my earliest Christian memories. And there’s a part of me that has always assumed that Lynn will always be around. But last week he announced on his blog that he needs spinal surgery and that there are very significant complicating factors.