If our Christian way of life is generally accepted
Posted : 25 Jun, 2012 02:19 AM
1 Peter 4:12�16
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 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 .
14 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 .
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed ; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Devotional:
We have much more reason to believe that something strange is happening when the church is at peace than when it is under fire.
If our Christian way of life is generally accepted by those around us, we have cause to examine our way of life. Our Master was "despised and rejected." And we claim to be his followers.
In this letter addressed to suffering Christians, Peter gives several reasons why we should expect to go through the fire. First, Christians need to be tested and proved. Everything worthwhile must be tested for endurance and genuineness. Therefore, the Christian faith, our most precious possession, must be put to the test.
Second, suffering is quite consistent with our profession. Through suffering we are admitted to fellowship with Christ, who also suffered during his earthly experience. So we should not be overly eager to avoid suffering for Jesus' sake; our trials and pain bring us into his blessed presence and give a deep joy. It's not fun, of course. But the Bible says that the glory of Christ is never more real than in our suffering.
Pray for Christians who live in prosperity, that God will nevertheless keep them close to the cross.
If our Christian way of life is generally accepted
Posted : 25 Jun, 2012 03:22 AM
Rejoice in trials; James 1:2
II Corinthians 12
10 Therfore, have I delectation in infirmities, in rebukes, in need, in persecutions, in anguish for Christ's sake. For when I am weak. then am I strong.
