When trouble seems to find us…

Summary

This script reflects on the life of Finley Peter Dunn, a humorist from the late 1800s who coined the term 'southpaw' and is often considered the godfather of modern sports commentary. The narrative shifts to Paul, a key figure in the New Testament, exploring his mission in Ephesus, where he faced opposition and turmoil. Drawing parallels between the trouble Paul faced and the challenges believers face today, the message emphasizes how adversity for Christ brings peace and clarity, encouraging others to embrace the 'trouble' of following a higher calling.

Takeaways

• 😀 Finley Peter Dunn was a humorist and writer known for his work with the Chicago White Stockings and modern sports commentary.
• 😀 Dunn coined the term 'southpaw,' referring to left-handed pitchers, based on the orientation of the Chicago White Stockings stadium.
• 😀 The phrase 'comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable' is often attributed to Dunn but was not exactly what he said.
• 😀 Dunn’s original quote about the role of the newspaper reflects his critique of its power, not a theological message.
• 😀 The phrase about 'comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable' is often mistakenly attributed to Jesus but relates to Dunn’s writing on the media.
• 😀 The idea of trouble and discomfort in life is central to the Christian faith and is seen as a pathway to peace and clarity.
• 😀 The apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, experienced significant trouble in his ministry but found peace and clarity through it.
• 😀 Paul’s mission in Ephesus faced resistance from local merchants and craftsmen who profited from worshiping Artemis, leading to a riot.
• 😀 Paul’s famous quote about nothing separating us from the love of Christ emphasizes the strength and peace found in faith despite external challenges.
• 😀 The paradox of faith is that the more troubled we are for the right reasons—such as spreading the message of Christ—the more peace we find in it.
• 😀 The ultimate message is that embracing trouble for the right cause leads to clarity, deeper faith, and peace, as exemplified by Paul’s life and writings.

Q & A

Who was Finley Peter Dunn and what was his contribution to modern sports commentary?

Finley Peter Dunn was a humorist and writer from the late 1800s and early 1900s, often regarded as the 'godfather' of modern sports commentary. He coined the term 'southpaw' to describe left-handed pitchers, which was inspired by the way pitchers in Chicago White Stockings' stadium faced west while throwing.

What is the true origin of the phrase 'comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable'?

The phrase 'comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable' is often misattributed to Jesus or Finley Peter Dunn. In fact, Dunn wrote it in character as an Irish immigrant, and the original context referred to how the newspaper influenced society, not directly to Christ’s teachings.

Why is the quote 'comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable' often misattributed to Jesus?

The phrase is often misattributed to Jesus because it reflects a sentiment that aligns with his teachings of challenging the status quo and comforting those in need. However, the quote actually originates from Finley Peter Dunn's satirical writing, not directly from the Bible.

What challenges did Paul face while preaching in Ephesus?

Paul faced significant opposition while preaching in Ephesus, especially from craftsmen and merchants who profited from the worship of Artemis. A riot was stirred by the silversmiths, and Paul’s message threatened their way of life, eventually leading him to leave the city.

How did Paul respond to hardships and persecution in his ministry?

Paul responded to hardships and persecution with resilience and faith. He acknowledged the trials of life but emphasized that these struggles could not separate him from the love of God. In Romans 8, Paul writes about being more than conquerors through Christ, despite facing danger and death.

What does the phrase 'more than conquerors' mean in the context of Paul’s writing in Romans?

'More than conquerors' means that, despite the troubles and challenges Paul faced, his faith in Christ gave him victory over them. The phrase implies that true triumph comes not through avoiding suffering, but by finding peace and purpose through enduring it.

What was the significance of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus?

The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built around 550 BC. It was a major religious and commercial center where people from various walks of life came to worship Artemis and conduct business. Its significance made it a focal point of tension when Paul preached about the way of Jesus.

How does the idea of embracing trouble relate to spiritual growth in the script?

The script explores the idea that embracing trouble and discomfort, especially in the context of following Christ’s calling, leads to spiritual growth. Through life’s challenges, individuals can find clarity in their purpose and experience a paradoxical peace that comes from enduring and overcoming hardship for a higher purpose.

What role does trouble play in finding peace, according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, trouble is essential for finding peace because it forces individuals to confront their weaknesses and embrace a higher calling. The more troubled one is for Christ’s mission, the more peace and clarity can be found in that struggle, paradoxically.

What invitation does the speaker offer to the audience at the end of the script?

The speaker invites the audience to be 'deeply troubled' with him—challenged by the world’s indifference to its divine calling and the struggles that arise from pursuing righteousness. By embracing these troubles, the speaker believes individuals will find peace and clarity in their purpose.