Being Persecuted

Being Persecuted

2 Corinth 4:6-10 (Contemporary English Version)

6The Scriptures say, "God commanded light to shine in the dark." Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.

7We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.

8We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up.

9In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.

10We face death every day because of Jesus.

All who are true worshipers in Christ Jesus must remember that all those who follow Christ will be persecuted for Gods’ sake. If you remember in the word of God that Jesus carried His own cross. When will we carry our own cross, follow Christ and not look to man, not look to fame to validate us or look to the world for recognition. Our lives are in Christ Jesus! Jesus death in God for the world, resurrection and His living were to claim us to be freed from sin, bondage. How did Jesus do this by dying? By dying for the world, and rose again with all power. Our first step is by accepting we are sinners and must repent of our sins and live for Christ by following His commandments and teachings written in the word of God. 

Yet those-who-are-called-out-of-bondage are still tied, hooked on the high of sin that it is apparent (readily seen; expose to sight) and became married to false teachings and drunkenness with demonic angels. For if you don’t follow Christ you are following the devil. We must examine the word of God and ask Him what these passages meant as to get God intent with full understanding.

In fact we forget that there are only two ways to live. We either serve Jesus or Satan. There are no in-betweens just these two options.

We are being led astray in some cases by doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1) which has adversely (acting or serving to oppose; being or acting in) opposition to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our ears have itched and our hearts fain (happily, glad and willingly) in disbelief that Gods’ word is true. Instead of using our faith we use tangible objects of desire and see no proof in our present life that God exists or can help. This is why we give up and become meat for the slaughter to die a death of uncertainty for our beliefs that went awry (askew, amiss, with a turn or twist to one side). All because we couldn’t make a sound decision as to what we believe in. 

Our eyes will not be open to the word of God unless you believe in Jesus. Then I ask are you following the teachings of Christ and have given up the worldly lifestyle? If not then we need to evaluate our living. Are we living according to the scriptures in Christ or are we just living life anyhow?

Before I go any further if you have not given your life in exchange to have life in Christ by repenting and doing the will of Christ you then will not see many results. Quickly you will try God and quickly you will turn to other false gods who are deaf, dumb, mute, and those who physically can’t move or those who move and have no understanding.

We are like Thomas who believed not Jesus (one of the apostles who followed Christ) until he inspected Jesus wounds that He resurrected from the grave. We call Thomas doubting Thomas and we doubt as well (John 20:27-28) frequently to ask God if He hears us.

We are supposed to be the light of the world and not become like the world. Once we are saved and repented for our sins we are supposed to change. Come on Christians who follow Christ let us be examples to the world live right to help others gain victory in their lives from sin.

2 Timothy 3:12-13 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived (English Standard Version).

If you are not persecuted for Christ and the Glory of God as a Christian then I would ask are you living a Godly life.

Be not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus who is a witness to all who loves Him by keeping Gods’ commandments like Jesus did. There is only one God and His name is Jehovah and One son Jesus and One Holy Spirit. 

One more thing if we don’t examine every aspect of our lives in Christ we can easily allow the devil to become part of our lives without even knowing it. From tradition, music, our up-bringing, our learnt philosophies and so on… we can let those evil things in our lives and without our permission could be fighting a battle we know not where it came from. 

Everything is not good and all things bad are not bad. When you search the scriptures and ask for understanding from the Most High God He will in-turn answer give interpretation and clarity that you seek?

God Bless You People of God!

Pray and seek the Lord and remember Christ was persecuted and so shall we be who desire Him.

Prayer: Lord I desire to live for you today and repent for my sins. I ask that you come into my life today and make me brand new. The old life is passed away and behold all things are new. I want to live for you for the rest of my days in Christ Jesus Amen!

Minister Merv