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The Call to Joy and Pain Book Review

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The Call to Joy and Pain- Ajith Fernando

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The Call to Joy and Pain- Ajith Fernando

Theme

Fernando focuses on the theme of joy and pain, rejoicing and suffering experienced by

Christians as they carry out the work of God. His book explores to illustrate how these

contradicting terms are inter-related and how they draw Christians closer to God making them

more effective in serving Him. Using Paul’s words about the trials and temptations of Christ in

Colossians 1:24-29, Fernando illustrates how they could translate into blessings. He

demonstrates that the call to suffer is an invitation to rejoicing. Moreover, the Bible states that

happiness is triggered by the sadness we experience. Hence he encourages Christians to embrace

the work of God, and offer their services fully to Christ despite the trials they are going through

in life. He states that it is very wrong for any Christian in any situation to lack the happiness that

comes from God. He states that the two contradicting elements are very crucial in building a

Christian life.

Knowledge acquired

The book is divided into four: pain and joy are part of life, they draw us nearer to God,

and are important to the church and its servants. The author further considers three areas that are

important for any Christian to enjoy and rejoice even when stressed and worried. They include

lamentations, believing that these trials will be good and finally surrendering.

This motivates the

Christian to push through the most stressful and painful periods of their lives.

The early Christians of the first Jerusalem Church would gather together to break and

share bread with sincere and happy hearts. Even Paul wrote letters from prison to these

Fernando, Ajith. The Call to Joy and Pain: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry.

Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2007. Pg 10

Ibid., 43

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1 The Call to Joy and Pain- Ajith Fernando Student’s Name Course Tutor Date 2 The Call to Joy and Pain- Ajith Fernando Theme Fernando focuses on the theme of joy and pain, rejoicing and suffering experienced by Christians as they carry out the work of God. His book explores to illustrate how these contradicting terms are inter-related and how they draw Christians closer to God making them more effective in serving Him. Using Paul’s words about the trials and temptations of Christ in Colossians 1:24-29, Fernando illustrates how they could translate into blessings. He demonstrates that the call to suffer is an invitation to rejoicing. Moreover, the Bible states that happiness is triggered by the sadness we experience. Hence he encourages Christians to embrace the work of God, and offer their services fully to Christ despite the trials they are going through in life. He states that it is very wrong for any Christian in any situation to lack the happiness that comes from God. He states that the two contradicting elements are very crucial in building a Christian life.1 Knowledge acquired The book is divided into four: pain and joy are part of life, they draw us nearer to God, and are important to the church and its servants. The author further considers three areas that are important for any Christian to enjoy and rejoice even when stressed and worried. They include lamentations, believing that these trials will be good and finally surrendering.2 This motivates the Christi ...
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