Gospel Today

Caleb Suko
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly

What does the Gospel of Jesus Christ look like in our lives today and how can we effectively share it with others?

  1. 2d ago

    How the Reformation Changed Evangelism

    How did the Reformation change the way we share the Gospel? Over 500 years ago, the Reformers brought God's Word back to the center of evangelism and missions. They emphasized the importance of preaching the Gospel clearly, calling people to genuine repentance and faith, and trusting in the sufficiency of Christ's work rather than relying on human efforts or emotional tactics. But these lessons aren't just for the history books. They still matter for how we share the Gospel today. In this episode, Caleb Suko looks at what the Reformation rediscovered about biblical evangelism and why these truths should continue to shape the mission of the church.

    How the Reformation Changed Evangelism

  2. Oct 29

    The Heart of Discipleship: Six Lessons from Paul

    This is a sermon I preached at Emmaus church in Minnesota last Sunday, reflecting on the Paul's 6 characteristics of discipleship.

    The Heart of Discipleship: Six Lessons from Paul

  3. Oct 20

    How do Christians Face Risk?

    When Caleb Suko learned that his friend, Pastor Ivan Salfetnikov, had been killed while evacuating people from eastern Ukraine, the news brought grief and difficult questions. Just a month earlier, they had spoken at a retreat for Bible study group leaders about Ivan’s plans to start a new church in Bila Tserkva, where he and his family had relocated to minister to internally displaced people. Ivan (In the grey Cabela's shirt) at a retreat with Caleb, 1 month before Ivan had planned one final evacuation trip to rescue people trapped dangerously close to the fighting. Tragically, a Russian FPV drone struck the windshield of his civilian van, killing him. The vehicle was carrying humanitarian aid and clearly marked “Samaritan’s Purse.” Ivan's car after the attack Ivan left behind his wife, Tanya, their two teenage sons, his parents, and the people he faithfully served. His death reminded Caleb, who has lived and ministered in Ukraine through years of war, of an important question: How should Christians think about risk? Ivan and his father Yevhen  A Bearer of Light in a Land of DarknessIvan was a pastor, a Bible study group leader, and a servant of Christ who continued sharing the gospel with people experiencing the devastation of war and displacement. At Ivan’s funeral, Caleb struggled to find words for those who were grieving. He described the darkness Russian aggression has brought to Ukraine, destroying homes and taking loved ones. Yet he also spoke of the light Ivan had carried into that darkness. "Ivan was a carrier of light. He had the light of the Gospel and he carried it to the darkest areas, I’m convinced that many people saw the light of the gospel through Ivan." - Caleb SukoThrough his ministry and his use of The Story of Hope to share the gospel, Ivan pointed people toward the hope found in Jesus Christ. Yevhen, Ivan's father, sharing at the funeral One of the most moving moments of the funeral came when Ivan’s father, Yevhen, addressed those gathered to mourn his son. He spoke about the peace he had through Jesus and how Ivan had followed God’s calling to serve Christ. Then he declared,  "I do not regret anything."Later, after the burial, Caleb shared a meal with Ivan’s parents. Yevhen prayed and thanked the Lord for taking his son. How could a father respond this way after such a devastating loss? Caleb explained that this was not merely a theological idea but a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, made possible by the hope believers have in Jesus Christ. Christian hope does not mean grief disappears. Ivan’s family faces a painful loss, and their sorrow is real. Yet the gospel offers a hope that suffering cannot take away: the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ. As Paul writes in Philippians 1:21,  “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”Living for Something Greater Than Our Own SafetyFor many people, avoiding danger is a natural priority. We want security for ourselves and our families. There is nothing wrong with seeking safety, and Scripture does not call Christians to pursue danger recklessly. But the Christian life cannot be reduced to avoiding risk. Caleb explained, “There are some dangerous and risky areas that we actually need to be in,” For Caleb and his family, returning to Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 was not a decision they made lightly. They prayed, sought counsel, and consulted their sending church. They understood the dangers but believed God had called them to remain and continue serving. The question is not simply whether a situation is dangerous, but whether we are faithfully following God’s direction and pursuing what brings Him glory. In Isaiah 42:8–9, God declares, I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.He alone is the Lord and He knows what is to come. His sovereignty reminds us that, although we cannot control the future, we can trust Him with what we cannot understand. When our primary concern is protecting everything we have, we can become hesitant to obey God whenever obedience might cost us something. But when we value Christ above our temporary circumstances, we are better prepared to follow Him faithfully. Faith Requires Courage, Not RecklessnessRisk, from our perspective, involves the possibility of loss. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. Yet we cannot eliminate every risk from our lives, and the goal of the Christian life is not to create a life without danger. It is to live faithfully for God's glory. This does not mean every Christian is called to serve in a war zone. For some, obedience may involve physical danger. For others, it may mean sharing the gospel despite the possibility of rejection, giving generously, or choosing faithfulness when it comes at a personal cost. Caleb emphasized that Christians should not enter dangerous situations to appear heroic or remain in them out of stubbornness. Following God requires prayer, wise counsel, and discernment. Faith calls us to use wisdom, taking necessary precautions while relying on God rather than being ruled by fear or self-reliance. Ivan’s life challenges believers to consider what they are living for and what they are willing to surrender in obedience to Christ. Carrying the Light ForwardWe do not need to seek danger for its own sake. We do need to ask whether the desire for comfort and security has made us reluctant to follow God's leading. For some, the next step may be serving in a difficult mission field. For others, it may be reaching out to a neighbor, sharing their faith, or investing in discipleship. Whatever our circumstances, we are called to live for something greater than our own comfort. Caleb leaves believers with a question worth considering:  “How are you giving God glory? In which way? Where are you taking that step of faith and risking something so that you can serve God wholeheartedly?” Ivan Salfetnikov As we remember Ivan, we can pray for his wife, Tanya, their two sons, and his parents, Yevhen and Lena. We can also pray that the light of the gospel he carried will continue to shine through others who take up the work of sharing Christ’s hope. Following Christ may cost us comfort, approval, security, or even our lives. But our hope rests in the One who conquered death. Because of Him, we can live with courage, serve with purpose, and trust God with the outcome.

    How do Christians Face Risk?

  4. Oct 5

    The Reality of Serving Near Frontlines

    In this podcast, Caleb interviews Oleksandr Salfetnikov, a pastor serving close to the eastern front in Ukraine. Aleksander shares of his experiences during wartime and how his ministry has continued despite the difficulties of the war. For language purposes the video has been translated to English.

    The Reality of Serving Near Frontlines

  5. Sep 3

    Lessons from the Nazi Church

    Likely, you would not tell anyone that you love Hitler or that you think he did a lot of good for the Church. However, that’s exactly how many Christians felt in the 1930’s in Nazi Germany. They were unashamed of their support for Hitler and vocal in their support of him. Looking back on how things turned out, this seems hard to imagine, yet millions of Christians were deceived and gladly followed the Führer down the path of one of the most murderous regimes in recent history.  millions of Christians were deceived Understanding how the church in Germany was led astray by the political ambitions of Hitler and the Nazi Party serves as a helpful warning and corrective for our churches today. One of the most profound books in helping Christians obtain a proper perspective between politics and their faith is Erwin Lutzer’s book, “Hitler’s Cross, How the Cross Was Used To promote the Nazi Agenda” In this podcast, I want to highlight a few powerful quotes from the book and think through Lutzer’s analysis of the Church in Nazi Germany and what that means for us today.  First, we must admit that we are often blind to the way our own political realities impact our faith and our gospel mission. That is why it is helpful to study history and see how the church responded, whether good or bad to different situations. History quickly shows us whether or not these responses were in line with God’s Word. Furthermore, since we are not in that immediate context and not wooed by any particular candidate or political party of that time and place, it can be easier for us to spot the, sometimes subtle, breaking from Biblical truth in order to align with a political movement. Here we must be careful, our tendency is to judge quickly and harshly, and yet fail to bring the application forward to our present time. In this Luzter helps us to see how we may be following some of the same misguided steps as the church in Nazi Germany nearly 100 years ago.  Erwin Lutzer sets the scene with the following statement: From my study I have concluded that the church in Germany appeared to be too preoccupied with the problems of the nation to see what was happening before its eyes. The religion of blood and soil had replaced the religion of humility and prayer. Though burdened with unemployment and the physical hardship of its dejected people, the church, for the most part, still refused to repent and turn wholly to God. Hitler’s Cross, Kindle Location: 1,123The church overlooked the fact that the fight against Nazism was essentially not political but spiritual. The church mistook the temporal benefits of the swastika for the spiritual benefits of the cross of Christ. Wanting to believe that Hitler was the answer, it forgot what the really important questions were. Hitler’s Cross, Kindle Location: 1,586 The church mistook the temporal benefits of the swastika for the spiritual benefits of the cross of Christ Why is this important? Throughout history, there has often been the temptation to confuse the promise of temporary “salvation” with political success, personal prosperity, and governmental greatness. This confusion has led the church down the road of military conquest instead of preaching the gospel. Don’t get me wrong, often these political movements are couched in Christian language and even promote some Biblical morals. What starts as a way to “bring back the Bible or conservative values into a nation, ends with a government that violently stamps out individual liberties in the name of God. Worse, it results in a church who trades the greatness of eternal salvation for the relative greatness of their temporal government. The Church loses interest in sharing the gospel and, honestly, would be ineffective even if they tried. All because their affections are not placed on their eternal hope in Christ but rather on their temporal desire for a king, president, or other ruler.  This is at its root a gospel issue. How can the church remain faithful in times of political turmoil? How can she keep the gospel message at the front and filter out predominant political pressures to align with a certain group? The answer to that question is in fact, quite simple.  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19-21The treasure principle is central here. If you and I are quietly treasuring the temporal things of this life over the eternal treasures of the gospel we will be very likely to walk down the road of political Christianity. The problem is that often the treasures of the heart are quietly protected by the comforts of this life. As long as there’s money in the bank and food on the table, as long as we can get in and out of our Sunday morning service without too much discomfort, as long as life is more or less going along smoothly, then we can often get away with treasuring something or someone other than Christ and few will notice.  However, bring in some financial problems, add political turmoil, sprinkle over that the promises of renewed greatness, stability, and a return the good old days, and you will quickly find that people’s treasures will expose themselves and cause divisions even in the church. This was exactly the case in Nazi Germany in the 1930s Peter explains that perishable (temporal) things can not purchase our salvation. This truth is vital in protecting us from the temporal temptations offered by passionate politicians today. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. - 1 Peter 1:18-19The Church was deceivedUltimately, the vast majority of churches and Christians in Nazi Germany were decieved by the poltical rhetoric of Hitler and willing, even gladly supported him. How did this deception of temporal salvation look in Nazi Germany? Christians in Nazi Germany were decieved by the poltical rhetoric of Hitler and willing, even gladly supported him. Lutzer gives us the following insights: A strong Germany, they thought, meant a strong church. Hitler’s Cross, Kindle Location: 1,592Christians stood for the greatness of Germany, for its military might and prominence. They longed for a return to the good old days when a monarch ruled, order was restored, and victories were plentiful. Hitler’s Cross, Kindle Location: 1,619All that was expected of good Christians was to help Germany become great. Hitler’s Cross, Kindle Location: 1,634Every true Christian is for Hitler. I know for it was from the Christians I got most of my information, and right or wrong they endorse Adolf Hitler. Hitler’s Cross, Kindle Location: 1,646 (A quote taken from Oswald J. Smith, 1936)Even when Hitler’s agenda finally became clear, they were not willing to suffer for a gospel that they had long since abandoned. They were more interested in the miracles of a revived Germany than in the miracles on the pages of the New Testament. Hitler’s Cross, Kindle Location: 1,648It’s easy to think that you and I would have quickly recognized Nazi Germany in the 1930s as an evil government. However, we must remember that many, if not most Christians, saw Hitler as a leader who would promote Christianity, strengthen the church and bring in the 3rd Reich, (Think Kingdom of God) They saw Hitler as a fulfillment to the Lord’s prayer, “Your Kingdom come...” Hitler played well to the Christians in Germany, after all, Germany was 95% Christian at the time. Below are a few quotes from various speeches. My feeling as a Christian points me to my Lord and Saviour as a fighter. (Adlolf Hitler, Munich speech of April 12, 1922)The National Government will regard it as its first and foremost duty to revive in the nation the spirit of unity and co-operation. It will preserve and defend those basic principles on which our nation has been built. It regards Christianity as the foundation of our national morality, and the family as the basis of national life.... (Adlolf Hitler, Berlin: Proclamation To The German Nation -- February 1, 1933) ‍I do not merely talk of Christianity, no, I also profess that I will never ally myself with the parties which destroy Christianity. (Adlolf Hitler, Stuttgart -- Speech of February 15, 1933)In the same way, the Government ..., which regards Christianity as the unshakable foundation of the morals and moral code of the nation. (Adlolf Hitler, Berlin, Reichstag -- Speech of March 23, 1933)Hitler wooed the church, and the church happily followed believing that a mere man could ensure their success and bring in God’s Kingdom.  A Choice Had To Be MadeWhen Christians began to see that Hitler was not following the Bible or Christ’s command to love your neighbor they were faced with a choice, identify the sin and break paths with the accepted political rhetoric, or remain silent and go along with it so as not to bring any harm to the good standing they had already obtained by following the party line. they were faced with a choice, identify the sin and break paths with the accepted political rhetoric, or remain silent and go along with is Whether in Nazi Germany or America today, believers cannot choose to remain silent under the guise of preaching the gospel. Sharing the gospel is, of course, our primary responsibility since it is only the cross of Christ that can transform the human heart. But once we have received the gift of salvation through Christ, we must live out the implications of the Cross in every a...

    Lessons from the Nazi Church

  6. Sep 3

    Ukraine Through the Eyes of a First-Time Visitor

    God Is Building His Church in the Midst of WarFor many people, Ukraine is known primarily through the images and stories that come out of the war: destroyed buildings, missile strikes, soldiers at the front, and families who have lost loved ones. But spending time in Ukraine reveals something that is harder to see from a distance. People are still living their lives, churches are still gathering, communities are being served, and Christians are continuing to share the hope of the Gospel. Recently, Gospel Today had the opportunity to sit down with Graham Marshall, who was visiting Ukraine for the first time. Graham and his wife, Sharon, have been connected to ministry in Ukraine for more than 30 years, dating back to their involvement with Ukrainian churches and ministry leaders in the 90s. After eight days in the country, Graham shared some of the things that surprised him and how the visit changed his perspective on life and ministry during wartime. Seeing Ukraine for the First TimeGraham knew before coming that Ukraine was at war, and some of his family members wondered whether it was the right time to visit. For Graham and Sharon, however, there was a confidence that if God was leading them to come, there was a purpose in being there. One of the things that surprised him was how little military presence he saw in everyday life. He expected to see more soldiers and more obvious signs of the war. Of course, there were reminders of the destruction, particularly during their trip to Mykolaiv, where they saw places that had been damaged by missiles. He also noticed that there were relatively few men on the streets, as many are serving at the front. But what stood out even more was that ordinary life continues. Life Continues During WarGraham was struck by the fact that people were still paying attention to things that might seem unimportant during wartime. In parks and public spaces, flowers were being planted. People were reading books and spending time together. At a prayer meeting, he met a woman who had spent time composing poetry. These things may seem small, but they revealed something significant about the Ukrainian people. There is still a desire to build, create, and prepare for a future beyond the war. People are not simply focused on surviving the present, they are looking forward to the day when the fighting will end and Ukraine can once again be a place of peace and beauty. After more than four years of war, Ukrainians have also had to learn how to continue with everyday life. The constant urgency and fear that marked the beginning of the full-scale invasion cannot be maintained forever. People still have to work, read, spend time with others, and carry on with daily responsibilities. That does not mean the war has become less painful or that people have forgotten what has happened. Instead, it demonstrates the resilience of a people who continue to value life and look toward the future. Remembering Those Who Have Been LostAt the same time, the reality of war is impossible to separate from everyday life. Graham described sensing a quietness among many Ukrainians, comparing it to the atmosphere of a memorial service. During a walk through the city, he came across a memorial with dozens of Ukrainian flags representing people who had been killed. Behind each flag was a person with a family and a story: fathers, husbands, grandfathers, and sons. For Ukrainians, the war is not something happening somewhere far away. It has affected families, churches, and communities personally. The loss is visible throughout the country, even as people continue with their daily lives. The Church Is Serving Its CommunityOn the other hand, a big encouragement for the Marshalls was what they saw in Ukrainian churches. During his visit, he had the opportunity to visit several churches and meet with pastors in the Mykolaiv region, as well as churches in Odesa. His impression was that the churches were healthy. In several places, churches were expanding their facilities, and unbelievers were coming through their doors looking for hope and answers. For pastors and ministry leaders, the circumstances have created opportunities to preach the Gospel and serve people who are searching for something they cannot find elsewhere. Rather than simply waiting for the war to end, these churches are actively reaching their communities and looking for ways to bring glory to God in the middle of difficult circumstances. One example was a humanitarian aid distribution that Graham attended. Around 300 people came to receive bread from the church. However what made the ministry particularly meaningful was that this was not a temporary response. The church had been providing this assistance for four years. That kind of sustained service demonstrates the role the church can play during a crisis. The church is meeting practical needs while building relationships with people in the community and creating opportunities to point them toward Christ. God Is Building His ChurchThe growth of some Ukrainian churches is particularly striking when considering everything the war has taken from the country. Graham and Caleb discussed how many pastors and ministry leaders have left Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Yet, even with those losses, churches remain. Some churches continue to grow, and some are even being planted. From a human perspective, it can be tempting to explain church growth through systems, programs, finances, or leadership. Those things can certainly be useful, but the situation in Ukraine provides a reminder that the work of building the Church ultimately belongs to God. We often see circumstances from a very limited perspective. We see pastors leaving, families being separated, and people suffering. We naturally focus on what has been lost. But God sees what we cannot see, and He is able to work through circumstances in ways that we may not immediately understand. As Graham reflected, God can use difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes and build His Church. God Working Through SufferingThis also changes the way we think about suffering. Caleb noted how easy it is to say that God is working “despite the war.” But he has come to think about it differently: God is working through the war. That does not make the suffering good, nor does it minimize the pain Ukrainians have experienced. But it reminds us that suffering does not place God outside of His purposes. He remains sovereign, even when we cannot understand what He is doing. Ukraine's experience also reminds us that suffering itself is not unique to one country. The circumstances may be different, but every person will eventually experience some form of pain, loss, or tragedy. The scale of Ukraine's suffering may be different, but the human need for hope is the same. The question is where we turn when suffering comes.

    Ukraine Through the Eyes of a First-Time Visitor

  7. Jul 22

    The Biggest Mistake in Modern Evangelism

    Should We Give a Little Gospel to Thousands—or the Whole Gospel to a Few?Contemporary evangelical movements have often focused on giving a little gospel to as many people as possible. The goal is to reduce the message down to a few memorable phrases that can be shared quickly with large numbers of people. But is that the pattern we find in Scripture? This question is addressed thoughtfully in Chapter 2 of Will Metzger's Tell the Truth, titled The Gospel Reduced. As I recently revisited this chapter, I was reminded how relevant its message is for the church today. Metzger challenges us to consider whether biblical evangelism is about communicating the least amount of truth to the greatest number of people, or faithfully teaching the whole gospel so that people truly understand the message they are responding to. Does 1 Corinthians 15 Define Evangelism?Those who favor a highly condensed gospel presentation often point to Paul's summary in 1 Corinthians 15. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.—1 Corinthians 15:3–4 This is undoubtedly a beautiful summary of the gospel. Paul himself says these truths are "of first importance." The question, however, is whether this passage is intended to show us how to evangelize or whether it simply summarizes the gospel Paul had already preached. The surrounding context suggests the latter. Just two verses earlier Paul writes: Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.—1 Corinthians 15:1–2 Paul is reminding the Corinthians of the gospel they had already received through his ministry. These verses come after his lengthy ministry in Corinth and after fourteen chapters of instruction in the letter itself. They are not presented as a formula for evangelism but as a concise reminder of a message that had already been carefully taught. How Did Paul Share the Gospel?When we look at Paul's ministry in Corinth, we find a very different picture from a brief, simplified presentation. Luke records: Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.—Acts 18:4–5 Paul remained in Corinth for eighteen months, reasoning from the Scriptures, persuading his hearers, and teaching them. His ministry was not built around reducing the gospel to its smallest possible form but around patiently explaining God's truth. That is why Metzger writes: For Paul the only right method of evangelism was the teaching method. Therefore scriptural evangelism has extensive not minimal instruction as its goal.That simple statement deserves careful reflection. The goal of biblical evangelism is not minimal instruction, but extensive instruction. More Than a Few PhrasesThere is certainly a place for summarizing biblical truth. Paul himself summarized the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15. But summaries are not substitutes for teaching. When someone has little or no understanding of the Bible, can we reasonably expect them to understand the gospel well enough to place their faith in Christ after hearing only a handful of phrases? Scripture seems to point us toward a deeper approach. Someone might immediately think of the thief on the cross. Certainly, God can save a person who has only a simple understanding of the gospel. Yet we do not know that man's background or everything he had heard before his crucifixion. It is dangerous to build our normal practice on an exceptional situation. The overwhelming pattern throughout the New Testament is patient, biblical instruction that leads people to genuine understanding and saving faith. The Danger of Reducing the GospelMetzger argues that oversimplifying the gospel often reveals a deeper problem. What caused this oversimplifying of the gospel message? He suggests that a “me- centered” approach to the gospel has caused this dumbing down of the gospel. Me-centered evangelism also shortens the message. It so focuses on relationships and its attractiveness that it reduces God. Is so Fears further doctrinal division among trueChristians that it allows the most imprecise gospel message to become commoncurrency.One of the helpful features of Chapter 2 is Metzger's comparison between a me-centered gospel and a God-centered gospel. In a me-centered approach, the point of contact is often, "God loves you." In a God-centered approach, the starting point is creation. God made us, owns us, and has authority over every aspect of our lives. Likewise, rather than presenting God's love in isolation, Scripture presents both His love and His justice together. The gospel becomes distorted whenever one aspect of God's character is emphasized at the expense of another. Three Questions to Evaluate Our Gospel MessageNear the end of the chapter, Metzger offers three questions that help evaluate whether our gospel presentation is both biblical and balanced. The first question is: Were the truths of the gospel elaborated clearly so that a meaningful response was possible?A genuine response requires genuine understanding. The second question asks: Did appropriate Scripture probe the conscience or only reinforce sinful desires?This is an important distinction. Sometimes gospel presentations appeal primarily to what people want—a happier life, greater fulfillment, or personal peace—without confronting the reality of sin, repentance, and our accountability before God. Finally, Metzger asks: Was the impression given that they can decide for Christ by their own abilities whenever convenient?The gospel calls for an immediate response because it is God's truth, not because it offers personal benefits on our timetable. Keeping God at the CenterThere is nothing wrong with communicating clearly or speaking concisely. But clarity should never come at the expense of biblical depth. The pattern we see throughout the New Testament is one of teaching, reasoning, explaining, and persuading. The apostles were not simply trying to produce decisions; they were proclaiming God's truth so that people could understand the gospel and respond in repentance and faith. As we think about our own evangelism, it is worth asking whether our goal is merely to communicate the least amount of information possible or to faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God. May our desire always be that God, not man, remains at the center of our gospel message.

    The Biggest Mistake in Modern Evangelism

  8. Jul 16

    How to Keep Your Heart Soft in Hard Times

    Just a couple hundred meters from our church office, a missile struck an apartment building. It happened around 7:00 in the morning. Thankfully, I was still at home drinking my coffee when I heard the explosion. A few hours later, as I drove to church, I was met with a large traffic jam because the missile had hit the very road I travel every day.When I arrived at the office, I walked down the street toward the scene. I could see the top of the apartment building where the missile had struck. Three people had been killed. The top of the building that was hit Living in Ukraine, these things affect us.We've now lived through more than four years of war. Missile strikes, drones, air raid sirens, and destruction have become part of everyday life. As I reflected on that morning, one thought kept weighing on my mind: the danger of a hardened heart. The Danger of a Hardened HeartOne of the effects of living in a war-torn country is that prolonged exposure to war, death, pain, and violence slowly hardens the heart. I've experienced this myself. The reality is that you cannot live through years of destruction and become emotionally overwhelmed every time another missile strikes. We develop ways to cope. But as Christians, we must be careful that those coping mechanisms do not become callousness. That's exactly what the enemy wants. The same thing happens spiritually. When sin surrounds us every day, we gradually become accustomed to it. What once grieved us no longer does. Suffering can have the same effect. I still remember the first morning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The explosions. The fear. The uncertainty. But then came the second day, the third day, the first month—and eventually the years. The temptation is to become numb. In fact, after this most recent missile strike, I found myself almost more frustrated by the traffic jam than by the explosion itself. I'm not saying that's a good thing. I'm saying that's the temptation. So how do we guard our hearts? Jesus Didn't Shy Away from Pain and SorrowThe answer begins by looking at Jesus. Isaiah describes the coming Messiah this way: He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. - Isaiah 53:3One of the great encouragements of the gospel is that Jesus never kept His distance from a broken world. He didn't avoid suffering. He walked straight into it. When we look at a world filled with war, sickness, injustice, and death, we realize we cannot fix it all. But Jesus entered into humanity's suffering and understands it better than anyone. Jesus Never Dismissed the Pain of OthersOne of the clearest examples is found in John 11. When Jesus came to the tomb of Lazarus, He found Mary, Martha, and the others weeping. When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. - John 11:33Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet He didn't rush past their sorrow. He entered into it. He never dismissed their grief simply because He knew how the story would end. Jesus Had Deep Compassion for PeopleThroughout the Gospels, compassion is one of the defining marks of Jesus' ministry. He never treated people's pain as an interruption or inconvenience. He entered into their sorrow and walked alongside them. That's a great comfort for every believer. Whatever grief we carry, Jesus understands. He has experienced suffering Himself, and our Savior is never distant from the pain of His people. Jesus Was Indignant at InjusticeJesus' response to suffering was not only compassion. When a man with leprosy came begging to be healed, Mark writes: Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man... - Mark 1:41Jesus was angered by the effects of sin and the suffering it had brought into the world.bLiving through this war, I've felt that myself. Watching innocent Ukrainians suffer naturally stirs anger toward the evil that caused it. There is a place for righteous indignation—but we must be careful what we do with it. Jesus Did Not Stay Dwelling in GriefOne of the things I love about the Gospels is that Jesus never remained in sorrow. He entered fully into the suffering of others, yet He didn't allow Himself to marinate in grief. Again and again, we see Him entrusting Himself to His Father. Jesus understood that grief had its proper place, but it was never meant to become His dwelling place. That's an example we desperately need to follow. Jesus Made Time to Be with the FatherThroughout the Gospels we repeatedly find Jesus withdrawing to lonely places to pray. Again and again, He stepped away from the crowds to spend time with His Father. When we live in the middle of continual trauma, we need those same rhythms. Personally, I've found the book of Psalms to be one of the greatest helps. More than any trauma manual, the Psalms give voice to our grief while continually directing our hearts back to God. Jesus Carried Joy in the Midst of SufferingJesus was a man of sorrows, but He was also a man of joy. On the night before the cross, He prayed: I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. - John 17:13Think about that. Jesus spoke of joy as He walked toward the cross. That is one of the beautiful tensions of the Christian life. We experience grief, pain, and loss, yet at the same time we possess a joy that suffering cannot take away because it is rooted in Christ. Following Jesus in a World of SufferingOne of the unique realities of ministry in Ukraine is that suffering can produce two very different responses. God often uses pain to soften hearts and draw people to Himself. But prolonged suffering can also harden hearts. As followers of Christ, our calling is not to offer shallow answers. It is to follow the example of Jesus—to enter into the pain of others with compassion, to grieve over injustice, to remain close to the Father, and to hold fast to the joy that only He can give. May God guard our hearts from becoming hardened. And may He help us reflect the heart of Christ in a world that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.

    How to Keep Your Heart Soft in Hard Times
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What does the Gospel of Jesus Christ look like in our lives today and how can we effectively share it with others?

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  • Creator
    Caleb Suko
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Gospel Today
  • Show Website
    Gospel Today