Looking back on the five decades I have been in Christian ministry, most of it as a pastor of congregations, I have noticed that faithful Christians, those who trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and who value the revealed Word of God, the Bible, tend to live well.

            There are exceptions, of course, —disease and death coming upon the most faithful—which even tempt us to question the goodness of God.

I have had my share of deeply troubling life events. Then I have regrets over the consequences of my own sinful behavior. Still today, when I allow myself to dwell on the pain and suffering I have caused others, I will become saddened, even depressed.  Then the natural aging process; indeed, my body is wearing out, I have lost some mental acuity, and many things I thought nothing of accomplishing, now are beyond my ability.

            Certainly, LIFE happens to us all. Misfortunes are not the result of any kind of punishment from God, but this side of heaven, things happen. This is made clear from the accounts of what happened to Jesus, Paul, and all the rest of those who appear in Scripture. Down through the history of the Church, with its persecutions, we see Christians suffering.

            It is in the sufferings, whether light or serious, that the hope a Christian has in this life and the next that makes the difference. We all experience what it is to live in a “fallen world” as we journey on to being forever in the presence of God in heaven. This “pilgrim’s progress” is indeed progress.

I am now 76 years old and by the time this ‘Little Book’ is published, I might be 77. Despite the above, especially due to my pastoring hundreds over the decades, I can say, and without exaggeration, that biblical Christianity is healthy.

            As you read through my reasons for saying so, you may come across a topic I missed, which might possibly result in a new chapter for a new edition.

Email me at: kentphilpott@comcast.net.