The great tragedy of trials is not going through them, but rather going through them and not learning anything from them.  God permits, and sometimes even sends, trials our way so that we can steward those trials for the benefit of others.  The apostle Paul alludes to this truth in 2 Corinthians 1:4.  He said,

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 

Notice three principles from this verse:

The Principle of Suffering

Paul used the word …

Bill Hull is one of today’s leading aficionados when it comes to discipleship.  His literary contributions to the subject has awakened and reignited a passion among many believers in this generation.  Some of his other works include The Disciple-Making Pastor, The Disciple-Making Church, The Complete Book of Discipleship, Choosing the Life: Exploring a Faith That Embraces Discipleship, and Jesus Christ Disciplemaker.  He has given much of his life to the development and training of authentic followers of Jesus Christ.

In his most recent book, Christlike: The Pursuit of Uncomplicated Obedience, Hull challenges the church to lay aside …