Faith in the Shadow of Death
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THE ATMOSPHERE of FAITH In order for the just or righteous to live by faith the atmosphere in which we live must be conducive to faith development. I have learned during my illness with pulmonary fibrosis that faith requires a certain type of climate or condition to exist before one can truly develop faith. According to Webster, the term “atmosphere” may be defined as some kind of surrounding influence (Webster Merriam. Print.). Thus, this surrounding influence may also cause a change in a particular situation or circumstance. That is, the climate and atmosphere must be in such a state that it is possible or likely for faith to develop. The term “climate” refers to the conditions that exist in a particular area or environment (Webster Merriam. Print.). The atmosphere can affect the quality, attitude, and mood of the place or situation in which we live because our atmosphere is based on our climate (Webster Merriam. Print.). I have found that God will often create an atmosphere for faith to be developed from one level to the next. In creating this atmosphere for faith development I have noticed three things will most likely occur. First, one’s climate will change from normal to abnormal thereby causing a change in the atmosphere. A good example of this is when Jesus one day told his disciples to get in a boat and go to the other side and that he would meet them on the other side. Of course, on their way to the other side a storm came and the water became agitated or disturbed and the wind got out of control and was contrary to their direction (Matthew 14:22-31 ESV). This is an example of how the climate will change from normal to abnormal when God is creating an atmosphere for faith development. God is not a normal God and usually what He does is not within the boundaries of being normal. Faith is not a part of the normal process. In fact, He says in His Word that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55: 8 ESV). If God was normal that would be putting God in a box and God is not capable of being put in a box. When one is faced with faith development God will create a condition that will deviate from any particular rule or principle within the guidelines of being normal. Again, there is nothing normal about faith and that is why many have problems maintaining and developing their faith to a greater degree.
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About the Book
Faith in the Shadow of Death is a book about my divine experience as I lived through the painful diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. The book consists of ten chapters describing some of the hardships that I encountered, along with the unscheduled changes in my life, many that turned me and my wife’s lives upside down. The book discusses some of the losses I experienced and how those losses affected my life, along with the divine lessons I learned as I lived with this crippling lung disease. The book gives the reader a fresh look and understanding at the meaning of faith and how God develops faith in the believer during times of extraordinary adversity. It discusses the relationship between faith and affliction, Satan’s tactics to destroy faith during times of affliction, and how God sets the atmosphere for faith to be developed in the believer. The book closes with how I decided to no longer take prescribed medication for my lung disease for several months, instead completely trusting God for my healing and allowing God to comfort me as I endure the affliction of only 43 percent of my lungs functioning on a daily basis.
About the Author
Bishop Robert L. Young Sr. was called to the ministry in 1989 while serving under the leadership of Bishop E. L. McBride of whom he sees as a spiritual father. Bishop Young served faithfully as youth pastor at Gospel Temple Christ Holy Sanctified Church until God called him out to establish Trinity Temple Community Church in April 1993. Bishop Young have been married to Patricia A. Young for 45 years and have four children: LaRhonda, LaSheena, Robert Jr., and Joe. Bishop Young holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Radio/TV Film, a Master of Divinity from Texas Christian University, Brite Divinity School, and a Master of Education degree in Counseling from South Dakota State University. Furthermore, he has completed all of his credits towards his PhD in Educational Psychology with the exception of his comprehensive exam and his dissertation. After being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in May 2011 Bishop Young decided to withdraw from the PhD program and focus more on his ministry. Bishop Young has over 18 years experience serving at the collegiate level in the capacity of counselor, assistant professor of psychology, and administrator. He also served as AVID Director and Coordinator of Postsecondary Education for Crowley ISD. Bishop Young was consecrated to the office of Bishop November 2000 by Bishop E. L. McBride of Gospel Temple Ministries. He has established three churches during his tenure as Bishop and has appointed pastors to oversee and pastor those churches. In addition, he has ordained several ministers as bishops and has assisted a number of ministers establish churches and other ministries over the past several years. Finally, Bishop Young recently established New Jerusalem Theological Institute. An institute designed to train ministers, deacons, and laity for the work of the ministry. Bishop Young relentlessly developed the curriculum for every certificate and degree program of New Jerusalem Theological Institute during the period of his illness with pulmonary fibrosis. He not only developed the curriculum but he also teaches online and classroom courses while receiving oxygen therapy. His determination and level of endurance is amazing for a man that has been given a death sentence by doctors. His faith in God is evidence that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. To contact Bishop Robert L. Young Sr. you may do so via email at yrobert1950@yahoo.com or visit the church website at www.njtwchurch.org