Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in The Christian Life
It's a real gift to the church when a seasoned theologian, with insights gained from years of personal experience and biblical study, handles a tough topic like suffering. Here you will find the wisdom of biblical perspective combined with the eternal hope of the gospel leading you to greater rest in your Savior, even in times of trouble. I am thankful for the new edition of this book. --Paul David Tripp: President, Paul Tripp Ministries, Minister to Center City, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pa.; Professor of pastoral life and care, Redeemer Seminary, Dallas , TexasAs an oncologist, I have the privilege of caring for people as they 'walk through the valley of the shadow of death.' In such times, people of faith find themselves faced with the most troubling questions of human existence, namely those raised by suffering and death. In 'Surprised by Suffering' R.C. Sproul concisely and sensitively affirms what I believe to be the three critical truths we need to grasp in order to preserve through suffering and death. First, the inevitable and vocational nature of death/suffering; second, God's sovereign redemptive purposes in suffering; and finally, the certainty of eternal life in perfect fellowship with Him and our fellow believers. I was delighted to learn of this book's republication, and my reading of the manuscript reaffirmed why we do not grieve as those who have no hope. --James W. Lynch Jr., MD: Professor of medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology; University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla.In Surprised by Suffering, John Calvin meets Florence Nightingale. This is a rare work, a melding of the theologian and the pastor-a book that looks straightforwardly at suffering and teaches, explains, confronts, and comforts. By a dozen, as you will be given this one away to someone who is hurting in the world around. --John P. Sartelle Sr.: Senior Minister, Tates Creek Presbyterian Church, Lexington, KY.