There is a calamitous difference between a people who have been immersed in paganism for centuries and a post-Christian society. While the culture of the latter may carry a deep tradition influenced by Christian values, its posture of rebellion will give it a direction that is more explicitly and consciously anti-Christian.
Edmund ClowneyThe holiness of the church means that life, as well as truth, marks Christโs church; the behavior of Christians in the world must be remarkable enough to cause grudging admiration, astonished curiosity or threatening hostility.
Edmund ClowneyThe stairway to the ministry is not a grand staircase but a back stairwell that leads down to the servantsโ quarters.
Edmund ClowneyTrials should not surprise us, or cause us to doubt God's faithfulness. Rather, we should actually be glad for them. God sends trials to strengthen our trust in him so that our faith will not fail. Our trials keep us trusting; they burn away our self confidence and drive us to our Savior.
Edmund Clowney