Book Author Explores the Growth of Christian Faith Through Suffering

April 8, 2009 - PRLog -- The world’s economic downtrend continues to distress lives and create global uncertainty.  Markets are soft, many lose their jobs, factories close down, and people are losing hope.

In the middle of this economic gloom, self-published book author Troy D. Ehlke enlightens Christians that the picture is not something dreadful but an opportunity to grow deeper in faith.

“This level of faith development requires a new understanding of suffering, one where this world is seen as a testing ground, not the end… While we experience distress in this lifetime, it is not without reward,” Ehlke said.

His book ‘Crossroads of Agony’ emphasizes Jesus Christ’s call to suffering as demonstrated on Calvary.

“Suffering yields life – life that is everlasting,” the book author stressed.

He reveals that in America, highlighting suffering and personal sacrifice does not win churchgoers who prefer Christ portrayed as kind and always providing believers with prosperity.

“It makes Christianity one-dimensional and shallow. When hardship becomes an unwelcome visitor in our lives, the gospel of rewards doesn’t hold up or provide the slightest degree of comfort.” Ehlke explained.

“True discipleship must contend with all sides of the faith, not just the ones that make us smile or feel warm and fuzzy inside.”

Ehlke underscores that contemporary Christians are adrift without studying the foundations of the church as a dependable point of reference.  An investigation of the early church through study of scripture, historical events and emerging literature puts more substance to his published book.

The author hopes that readers will use the questions at the end of each chapter for discussion in small groups particularly during this time when everything looks dim and the future, bleak.

Troy Ehlke is associate pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He earned his master’s degrees in the fields of theology and divinity at Harvard Divinity School, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (Berkeley, California), and Princeton Theological Seminary.

‘Crossroads of Agony’ is published by Xlibris.


About Xlibris
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Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication