For taking your time to study remain blessed.
BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE
April Sunday 8th
TEXT: Matthew 10:21-25
KEY VERSE: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10.
It is easier to get saved than to remain saved, which explains why many are backslidden. One of the challenges you will face as a Christian is persecution. Persecution will bring harassment, oppression, maltreatment, discrimination, torture and in extreme cases, death. This is something many Christians are not prepared for because they see Christianity only from the positive angle of miracle, blessing and comfort. Perhaps the problem arises from preachers who give the impression that being a Christian is an all-rosy affair. Even Jesus did not have it easy in this world. His crucifixion was the climax of persecution by His enemies. Virtually all His disciples died a violent death. Persecution is the road path to the kingdom of God. The cross must come before the crown. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22.
Persecution comes in many forms. Evangelism can bring persecution from those who practice other religions. A believer may be hated for his holy and righteous lifestyle in the midst of perverse and wicked people. He may be denied promotion or other entitlements in the office for not belonging. Women who dress holy may be persecuted by their husbands, relatives or friends who taunt them as ugly-looking because they are not putting on make-ups and conforming with worldly standard of dressing. The husband may even threaten divorce.
What are we to do when faced with persecution? Jesus says in Matthew 10:22, And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Since persecution is inevitable in the life of a Christian, you must learn to endure it when it comes. This is the only way to preserve your salvation. The apostles persevered in the face of severe persecution and even rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ’s sake. Let’s be encouraged by Apostle Peter’s comforting words: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14.
Thought for the day: Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 1:8.
Song for the day: We are soldiers …. By the name of Jesus, we shall conquer
Bible reading for the day:
Ruth 1:4; Luke 11:29-54
#Horemow.
BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE
April Sunday 8th
TEXT: Matthew 10:21-25
KEY VERSE: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10.
It is easier to get saved than to remain saved, which explains why many are backslidden. One of the challenges you will face as a Christian is persecution. Persecution will bring harassment, oppression, maltreatment, discrimination, torture and in extreme cases, death. This is something many Christians are not prepared for because they see Christianity only from the positive angle of miracle, blessing and comfort. Perhaps the problem arises from preachers who give the impression that being a Christian is an all-rosy affair. Even Jesus did not have it easy in this world. His crucifixion was the climax of persecution by His enemies. Virtually all His disciples died a violent death. Persecution is the road path to the kingdom of God. The cross must come before the crown. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22.
Persecution comes in many forms. Evangelism can bring persecution from those who practice other religions. A believer may be hated for his holy and righteous lifestyle in the midst of perverse and wicked people. He may be denied promotion or other entitlements in the office for not belonging. Women who dress holy may be persecuted by their husbands, relatives or friends who taunt them as ugly-looking because they are not putting on make-ups and conforming with worldly standard of dressing. The husband may even threaten divorce.
What are we to do when faced with persecution? Jesus says in Matthew 10:22, And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Since persecution is inevitable in the life of a Christian, you must learn to endure it when it comes. This is the only way to preserve your salvation. The apostles persevered in the face of severe persecution and even rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ’s sake. Let’s be encouraged by Apostle Peter’s comforting words: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14.
Thought for the day: Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 1:8.
Song for the day: We are soldiers …. By the name of Jesus, we shall conquer
Bible reading for the day:
Ruth 1:4; Luke 11:29-54
#Horemow.
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