WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Naturally, we all long for a peaceful, prosperous, happy future with no stress. We feel this is what every American Christian deserves, because our ancestors handed this down to us in our wonderful free country. But that is not what Jesus promised. He said that we would have much tribulation in this world and many opportunities to suffer for him.
In Acts 14:22 Paul and Barnabas exhorted the disciples to continue in the faith, reminding them "that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
The early Christians knew that sacrifice, suffering, and even death were the normal cost of discipleship. This is what fueled the evangelistic efforts of the first century church. They did not expect all the blessings of heaven in this world. It is the persecuted who are really blessed.
In many countries where the church is growing marvelously, believers are being persecuted and are dying for the Lord. At times, pastors are put in prison in Laos. But it is worse in many other countries today. In Vietnam, India, China, South America and Africa, hundreds of believers are beaten and killed because they love Jesus and will not stop sharing the Good News.
Most Christians in America (including myself sometimes) are spoiled and selfish, unwilling to sacrifice our comforts or to stir up the controversy that might result if we boldly told others that Jesus is the only way to know God. We think we are witnessing by being kind to others and being a good neighbor.
But is Jesus exalted as the only Savior by our good works? Do people see the Light of the world in our easy, comfortable lives?
The Romanian church leader Josef Ton coined the phrase: "Christ’s cross was for propitiation. Our cross is for propagation." To be called to follow Christ is to receive a call to suffer. Those who stand firm in the face of opposition will shine the brightest for Jesus.
Paul said in Philippians 1:29, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." The Gospel is spread best by people who are suffering persecution. We must not seek persecution, but if we are bold witnesses for Jesus we will experience it someday.
In the near future such suffering for Christ may be forced upon us, as our culture becomes more and more pagan and anti-Christian. How will we react when persecution of Christians becomes widespread in America?
It won’t be easy. I won’t like it any more than you will. But the unsaved will be drawn to people who know what they believe and are willing to stand up for Jesus, to pay any price that others might know Jesus is the only way to heaven.
We don’t know what the new year holds, but we can pray that God will help us be faithful to Him, whatever the cost.
Naturally, we all long for a peaceful, prosperous, happy future with no stress. We feel this is what every American Christian deserves, because our ancestors handed this down to us in our wonderful free country. But that is not what Jesus promised. He said that we would have much tribulation in this world and many opportunities to suffer for him.
In Acts 14:22 Paul and Barnabas exhorted the disciples to continue in the faith, reminding them "that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
The early Christians knew that sacrifice, suffering, and even death were the normal cost of discipleship. This is what fueled the evangelistic efforts of the first century church. They did not expect all the blessings of heaven in this world. It is the persecuted who are really blessed.
In many countries where the church is growing marvelously, believers are being persecuted and are dying for the Lord. At times, pastors are put in prison in Laos. But it is worse in many other countries today. In Vietnam, India, China, South America and Africa, hundreds of believers are beaten and killed because they love Jesus and will not stop sharing the Good News.
Most Christians in America (including myself sometimes) are spoiled and selfish, unwilling to sacrifice our comforts or to stir up the controversy that might result if we boldly told others that Jesus is the only way to know God. We think we are witnessing by being kind to others and being a good neighbor.
But is Jesus exalted as the only Savior by our good works? Do people see the Light of the world in our easy, comfortable lives?
The Romanian church leader Josef Ton coined the phrase: "Christ’s cross was for propitiation. Our cross is for propagation." To be called to follow Christ is to receive a call to suffer. Those who stand firm in the face of opposition will shine the brightest for Jesus.
Paul said in Philippians 1:29, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." The Gospel is spread best by people who are suffering persecution. We must not seek persecution, but if we are bold witnesses for Jesus we will experience it someday.
In the near future such suffering for Christ may be forced upon us, as our culture becomes more and more pagan and anti-Christian. How will we react when persecution of Christians becomes widespread in America?
It won’t be easy. I won’t like it any more than you will. But the unsaved will be drawn to people who know what they believe and are willing to stand up for Jesus, to pay any price that others might know Jesus is the only way to heaven.
We don’t know what the new year holds, but we can pray that God will help us be faithful to Him, whatever the cost.
posted by Rosemary @ 7:04 AM
