Why You Must Die to Live: Michael Horton and Harold Senkbeil
Feb 23, 2025
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Harold Senkbeil, Emeritus Executive Director for Spiritual Care at Doxology and a respected author on pastoral care, joins Michael Horton for a profound conversation about the Christian journey through death toward life. They delve into the transformative role of baptism, teaching that mortification leads to new life through faith. Personal stories illustrate how embracing weakness and suffering can reveal hope and strength. The dual nature of the cross becomes a focal point, showing how trials can lead to redemption and renewal.
Emphasizing weakness as a starting point for hope encourages individuals to confront their struggles while deepening their faith in Christ's resurrection.
Authentic pastoral care focuses on honestly addressing pain and suffering, fostering a connection to Christ and offering solace within the faith journey.
Deep dives
The Nature of Hope in Weakness
Weakness is framed as a starting point for genuine hope rather than a character flaw. The cross and resurrection of Christ are emphasized as mechanisms that not only explain suffering but also provide a pathway to overcoming it. This perspective counters prevalent societal narratives that often promote quick fixes and superficial solutions to pain. Through recognizing our vulnerabilities, individuals can find deeper hope that quiets guilt and bolsters faith amidst life’s most daunting trials.
The Role of Pastoral Care in Suffering
Authentic pastoral care involves speaking truthfully about pain and struggle rather than offering empty platitudes. The experience of treasuring one's grief becomes a means of connection to Christ, who intimately understands human suffering. Pastors can find comfort in sharing the reality of suffering, illustrating that it does not occur in isolation but is sanctified through Christ. This empathetic approach helps individuals see their hardships as part of their faith journey, providing both solace and strength.
Mortification and Vivification in the Christian Life
The concepts of mortification and vivification highlight the necessity of daily spiritual renewal through acknowledging and confronting sin. By engaging in self-denial and repentance, individuals can experience the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. This dual approach is essential for understanding not just physical death but also the spiritual battle faced in daily life. Ultimately, this journey leads to a richer understanding of eternal life, as believers learn to embrace both suffering and salvation.
Baptism, mortification, and the hope of resurrection—Harold Senkbeil joins Michael Horton for a heartfelt discussion on how the Christian life prepares us for death. RESOURCES MENTIONED: