The call to come and die

Craig Williams reminds Christians that "the witness of the apostles, of disciples, of the church is accomplished thorugh our agony, conflict, suffering, and ultimately our death, and then our rising to Christ":

The Bible is not a handbook for successful living. In fact it is the story of a people called to suffer and agonize and be conflicted and ultimately die. What is unique about this story, above all other worldly options, both religious and secular, is that it doesn't try to escape suffering, but suffering is uniquely tied to being the people of God. Eventually, all suffering will be overcome in the Kingdom of God, but in the meantime it is the way of salvation.

Amen, and amen. Are you ever tempted to teach or preach an easy, step-by-step "plan of salvation"? I like reading Craig's blog because he reminds readers that the journey of salvation is more than an individual business transaction for acquiring a ticket to heaven. The step-by-step path of salvation is one for the whole church to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow in the steps of Jesus.