“What’s that?” It is a situation where a person is held by the police or other law enforcement agents for his own safety. If a man is involved in an accident which killed another person the crowd may wish to lynch him, you know, wrap tyres around him and set him ablaze. So the police may keep him behind the counter for safety. “Thanks for the lesson in law but what has that got to do with me?” You are wondering why God is allowing this to happen to you, protesting your innocence; even saying “You can't do that. If you did, the innocent would be punished along with the guilty. That is impossible. The judge of all the earth has to act justly Gen 18:25(GNB).” “Yes that is scriptural. I want God to vindicate me.”
Have you considered Joseph? How Potipher’s wife became desperate for him. Even though Joseph did everything right, speaking to her and avoiding being alone with her. And it happened as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not listen to her to lie with her, or to be with her Gen 39:10(MKJV). “What has protective custody got to do with that?” Has it not occurred to you the safest place from her and other women was the prison yard? “You’re strange.” No; think about it: where else would the influence of this ancient Jezebel not have reached? You had shared with me some months back the nature of pressures you have been facing from the opposite sex in you place. “I agree that is true, but surely God can send His angels to protect His own and not suffer wrongful termination or punishment.”
Well consider Paul the apostle; remember how he almost got killed by the Jews in Jerusalem? The quarrel was becoming violent, and the officer was afraid that they would tear Paul to pieces. So the officer ordered his soldiers to drag Paul back to the barracks Act 23:10(GW). “
“What protection was Paul getting in Philippi when his back was ripped open with canes and he was thrown into the deepest dungeon in chains? From demons he already cast out?” Has it occurred to you the jailer and prisoners were in God’s agenda for salvation at that time? This may mean a new ministry focus also, at least for now. “How do you mean?” Remember Jesus got chased out after casting out a legion of demons? Well a dying girl was waiting just on the other side of the lake for help:
So they began to beg Jesus to leave their territory. When Jesus again had crossed to the other side in a boat …a synagogue leader named Jairus… begged him urgently, saying, "My little daughter is dying. Come and lay your hands on her so that she may get well…” Mk 5:17-23
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Is any suffering right? week 6, 2011
“He is quite religious.” Yes but walking on his knees for that distance to show devotion to God: that’s unnecessary suffering. That’s worse than being ascetic. “Aser what?” Enjoying deprivation; it pains me just thinking of it. Ah! “Why is it paining you; is he not suffering with Christ?” Instead, because you are participating in the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that you may be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed 1Pt 4:13(GNB).
Is that what you think? What he is doing is wrong.
“But did not the scripture say Christ suffered here on earth. Now you must be ready to suffer as he did, because suffering shows that you have stopped sinning 1Pt 4:1(CEV)?” Suffering with Christ is not a self imposed thing at all. "Don't handle this," "Don't taste that," "Don't touch the other"… they are only human rules and teachings. Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions Col 2:21-23(GNB). It has no value in making you holy. People who flog themselves, have people crucify them with nails for a period of time to be like Jesus are not pleasing God at all. Such practices are of the flesh not the Spirit of God. God your father is no sadist: He wouldn’t allow what isn’t meant for good. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine… and so your faith… must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed 1Pt 1:7(GNB).
“I thought when you talk of suffering we should be happy in deprivation.” Not at all: suffering with Christ is not about being poor or rich; or enduring sickness. Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God's approval. His wounds have healed you 1Pe 2:24(GW).
“I want you to tell me what real Christian suffering is about.”Suffering with Christ has to do with when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and say that you are evil, all because of the Son of Man Lk 6:22(GNB). Someone else or some people else do it to you. Not all will face being killed or wounded physically. In fact you are not the one to choose the type or timing of such suffering. Such suffering is for a limited time. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm 1Pe 5:10(CEV).
Is that what you think? What he is doing is wrong.
“But did not the scripture say Christ suffered here on earth. Now you must be ready to suffer as he did, because suffering shows that you have stopped sinning 1Pt 4:1(CEV)?” Suffering with Christ is not a self imposed thing at all. "Don't handle this," "Don't taste that," "Don't touch the other"… they are only human rules and teachings. Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions Col 2:21-23(GNB). It has no value in making you holy. People who flog themselves, have people crucify them with nails for a period of time to be like Jesus are not pleasing God at all. Such practices are of the flesh not the Spirit of God. God your father is no sadist: He wouldn’t allow what isn’t meant for good. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine… and so your faith… must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed 1Pt 1:7(GNB).
“I thought when you talk of suffering we should be happy in deprivation.” Not at all: suffering with Christ is not about being poor or rich; or enduring sickness. Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God's approval. His wounds have healed you 1Pe 2:24(GW).
“I want you to tell me what real Christian suffering is about.”Suffering with Christ has to do with when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and say that you are evil, all because of the Son of Man Lk 6:22(GNB). Someone else or some people else do it to you. Not all will face being killed or wounded physically. In fact you are not the one to choose the type or timing of such suffering. Such suffering is for a limited time. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm 1Pe 5:10(CEV).
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
The broiler christian
Week 5, 2011
My wife runs a poultry, has done so for over 10 years now, and one of her important moments is watching those chicks grow. You may wonder at the term but I’ll get to that later. Usually we rear broilers, pullets, or cockerels. In case you are not familiar with poultry terms the cockerels are males, their meat is tough, and their wattle big and red. They are not my favourite. Pullets are females. When they mature as from 16 weeks they stoop down for you when you want to grab them, and they lay eggs. They’ll do this daily for over a year. Poultry keeping isn’t what we are on about today. It is the last and most interesting set of chicks: the broiler.
Right from day old chick stage they are bigger than their counterparts. Yes: the broiler. They sure can eat, and once the lights are on through the night they’ll keep eating and eating. If the power goes off and they don’t see food loud cries arise. Their din will bring you round. The same happens if they run out of food or water. Ah but the food shows on them. They grow up very fast; right before your eyes almost. By 6 week they are table birds. Fast food restaurants snap them up about then. By 8 weeks they are big enough to sell to individuals, and if you reach 12 weeks, wow, impressive size; the type you take to church for thanksgiving. What has this got to do with us? Other seeds fell on thin, rocky ground and quickly started growing because the soil wasn't very deep Mat 13:5(CEV).
So what’s the lesson from them? They lack natural immunity to disease- these “agriculture birds”. A visit by local birds that may quietly carry disease can spell disaster. You don’t work simultaneously in 2 different farms for fear of disease. A strict vaccination schedule is necessary. So what? It happens with all agric birds, n’est pas? Broilers can’t stand stress, at all! The temperature has to be right all through, even beyond the brooding phase. If it’s cold they die, if the day gets very hot you lose some. Some farmers even install fans to keep them cool and put cold water for them to drink! Speaking of water: 12 hours without any and they could start dying. Don’t keep them without food for a day otherwise...ever heard the term die like a fowl? A friend bought 2 and closed them up in her boot. When she got home less than an hour later one had already suffocated; the other was “gasping”. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched and dried up, because they did not have enough roots Mat 13:6(CEV). Are you a broiler Christian? Falling off at the least stress? Can’t stand on your two feet? The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it right away. But they don't have deep roots, and they don't last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up. Mat 13:20-21(CEV).Broilers are unreliable for egg laying.
My wife runs a poultry, has done so for over 10 years now, and one of her important moments is watching those chicks grow. You may wonder at the term but I’ll get to that later. Usually we rear broilers, pullets, or cockerels. In case you are not familiar with poultry terms the cockerels are males, their meat is tough, and their wattle big and red. They are not my favourite. Pullets are females. When they mature as from 16 weeks they stoop down for you when you want to grab them, and they lay eggs. They’ll do this daily for over a year. Poultry keeping isn’t what we are on about today. It is the last and most interesting set of chicks: the broiler.
Right from day old chick stage they are bigger than their counterparts. Yes: the broiler. They sure can eat, and once the lights are on through the night they’ll keep eating and eating. If the power goes off and they don’t see food loud cries arise. Their din will bring you round. The same happens if they run out of food or water. Ah but the food shows on them. They grow up very fast; right before your eyes almost. By 6 week they are table birds. Fast food restaurants snap them up about then. By 8 weeks they are big enough to sell to individuals, and if you reach 12 weeks, wow, impressive size; the type you take to church for thanksgiving. What has this got to do with us? Other seeds fell on thin, rocky ground and quickly started growing because the soil wasn't very deep Mat 13:5(CEV).
So what’s the lesson from them? They lack natural immunity to disease- these “agriculture birds”. A visit by local birds that may quietly carry disease can spell disaster. You don’t work simultaneously in 2 different farms for fear of disease. A strict vaccination schedule is necessary. So what? It happens with all agric birds, n’est pas? Broilers can’t stand stress, at all! The temperature has to be right all through, even beyond the brooding phase. If it’s cold they die, if the day gets very hot you lose some. Some farmers even install fans to keep them cool and put cold water for them to drink! Speaking of water: 12 hours without any and they could start dying. Don’t keep them without food for a day otherwise...ever heard the term die like a fowl? A friend bought 2 and closed them up in her boot. When she got home less than an hour later one had already suffocated; the other was “gasping”. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched and dried up, because they did not have enough roots Mat 13:6(CEV). Are you a broiler Christian? Falling off at the least stress? Can’t stand on your two feet? The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it right away. But they don't have deep roots, and they don't last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up. Mat 13:20-21(CEV).Broilers are unreliable for egg laying.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
You've got to face it Week 4, 2011
“Well since I’m an heir of God by faith already you can keep the suffering bit. I’m alright.” Those who wish to avoid suffering for Christ now are robbing themselves of great benefits while on this earth also. You can’t be a mature believer if you don’t pass through the school of suffering for the faith. “You can’t be serious.” It is suffering that produces patience. God uses the word to produce faith in people; if you don’t hear the word no faith right? “Uh hmm.” In like manner God uses difficulties, afflictions and such like to make His people mature.
“Haba! Tell me more.” Seriously; the seed on stony ground grew up quickly but failed. Why? But when the sun came up, it burned the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough, the plants soon dried up Mat 13:6(GNB).
The same sun which caused them to dry up made those on good soil grow. “And what is the sun representing?” Troubles, persecutions and afflictions because of the word: but since he doesn't have any root in himself, he lasts for only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes along because of the word, he immediately falls away Mat 13:21(ISV).
“I hear you; so Jesus gave a new explanation for the parable of the sower, and you were there to hear what is not written in scripture.” Not written? Have you not read …when you are involved in various trials, … the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing Jas 1:2-4(ISV). You see those who can’t endure suffering now can’t mature unto fruit bearing.
“In that case I shall remain a baby; I don’t want to face difficulties sam, sam.” Do you know what happens when fruit is not borne? The plant withers up: the person fall away. “Hey that’s mixing parables. Withering up is in the parable of the vine and vine dresser, If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned Jn 15:6(KJV) not the sower.” You think so? It is the same thing really. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away Mat 13:6(KJV). You’ve got to face it.
“Haba! Tell me more.” Seriously; the seed on stony ground grew up quickly but failed. Why? But when the sun came up, it burned the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough, the plants soon dried up Mat 13:6(GNB).
The same sun which caused them to dry up made those on good soil grow. “And what is the sun representing?” Troubles, persecutions and afflictions because of the word: but since he doesn't have any root in himself, he lasts for only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes along because of the word, he immediately falls away Mat 13:21(ISV).
“I hear you; so Jesus gave a new explanation for the parable of the sower, and you were there to hear what is not written in scripture.” Not written? Have you not read …when you are involved in various trials, … the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing Jas 1:2-4(ISV). You see those who can’t endure suffering now can’t mature unto fruit bearing.
“In that case I shall remain a baby; I don’t want to face difficulties sam, sam.” Do you know what happens when fruit is not borne? The plant withers up: the person fall away. “Hey that’s mixing parables. Withering up is in the parable of the vine and vine dresser, If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned Jn 15:6(KJV) not the sower.” You think so? It is the same thing really. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away Mat 13:6(KJV). You’ve got to face it.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Joint heirs with Christ Week 3, 2011
“We are heirs of the Father, we are joint heirs with the son; we are children of the kingdom… why are you looking at me like that?” I just wondered if you really know what you are singing. “Surely you have nothing against this song. All of it is scriptural; look let me show you: So that you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, also an heir of God through Christ Gal 4:7(MKJV).” Save yourself the trouble I have been reading it myself. I just wonder if you really realize what you are claiming. “Of course I do! Everyone who has trusted Jesus to save him from sin has been born of God and automatically is a member of God’s house hold. We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ Jesus.”
I praise God you have finally accepted suffering with Jesus. “Suffering? Who said anything about suffering? I am claiming my birth rights in Christ.” Heir of God may tell you that being a joint heir with Christ is conditional. “Bro, take it easy o. you are on the verge of error.” Am I? Read that Rom 8:17(KJV) passage for me. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Please note the “If” there. If you do not suffer today with Him, you cannot be a joint heir. “I said you are at the verge of error. Gal 4:7 places no such condition and assures me I am an heir.” I never disputed you are God’s heir; in Christ Jesus we all are. That Galatian passage says nothing about being joint heirs. To be a joint heir you must suffer with Him. “Can this be true?” Where else does scripture call us joint heirs? Check.
“I see no other place with that phrase. You can’t teach this. Did you not say you don’t use solitary incidents to build doctrines?” Good chap! No other place uses that phrase but 2Ti 2:12(KJV) says If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. I want you to notice the “if” again. To reign with Him we must first suffer. Consider Then I saw the souls of those whose heads had been cut off because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God…They lived and ruled with Christ for 1,000 years Rev 20:4(GW). “No way! My head doesn’t have to be cut off first o.” Yes. But those that who suffer with him reign with Him! What of James and John? Can we open to…? “It’s okay. I’ve heard enough; the point is made.” So continue singing the song; and get ready to suffer with Him.
Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine 2Co 4:17(GW).
I praise God you have finally accepted suffering with Jesus. “Suffering? Who said anything about suffering? I am claiming my birth rights in Christ.” Heir of God may tell you that being a joint heir with Christ is conditional. “Bro, take it easy o. you are on the verge of error.” Am I? Read that Rom 8:17(KJV) passage for me. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Please note the “If” there. If you do not suffer today with Him, you cannot be a joint heir. “I said you are at the verge of error. Gal 4:7 places no such condition and assures me I am an heir.” I never disputed you are God’s heir; in Christ Jesus we all are. That Galatian passage says nothing about being joint heirs. To be a joint heir you must suffer with Him. “Can this be true?” Where else does scripture call us joint heirs? Check.
“I see no other place with that phrase. You can’t teach this. Did you not say you don’t use solitary incidents to build doctrines?” Good chap! No other place uses that phrase but 2Ti 2:12(KJV) says If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. I want you to notice the “if” again. To reign with Him we must first suffer. Consider Then I saw the souls of those whose heads had been cut off because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God…They lived and ruled with Christ for 1,000 years Rev 20:4(GW). “No way! My head doesn’t have to be cut off first o.” Yes. But those that who suffer with him reign with Him! What of James and John? Can we open to…? “It’s okay. I’ve heard enough; the point is made.” So continue singing the song; and get ready to suffer with Him.
Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine 2Co 4:17(GW).
Friday, 14 January 2011
The reason for persecution week 2, 2011
“Let us pray the church shall be sensitive to the move of God this year; we don’t want persecution.” Hold on a second bro. I agree with being sensitive; but what do you mean we don’t want persecution? Does sensitivity to the Holy Spirit prevent persecution? “You mean you don’t know. The church had filled Jerusalem with the gospel, and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching Act 5:28(RV), and the mandate was to move out to Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth. Because she was not sensitive to that, persecution broke loose and Steven died.”
Are you saying that if a man perfectly understands God’s plans and purposes for his life and strictly follows it he will not be persecuted? “Of course! My people perish for lack of knowledge.” But did God not say of Jesus, The LORD says, "It was my will that he should suffer...” Isa 53:10(GNB)? “Look Jesus came to give us an exchange: beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. He was made poor that we might be rich, wounded that we may be whole. When you properly tap the resources of His kingdom you will cease from oppression. At his right hand are pleasures evermore.”
It is unsafe to build doctrines on a solitary incident. Bible tells us: After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you 1Pt 2:21(CEV). “My dear, you are wrong. The situation at that time was abnormal. That society did not know the rule of law, and believers did not know the dominion and kingdom principles we know now: the steps of Jesus we are to follow today are faith, absolute obedience and holiness. He came that we may have life more abundantly hallelujah!”
I fear for you; you will turn out like a broiler if you go on with this false teaching. What do you make of: If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also Jn 15:20(RV)? Persecution is indeed allowed of God to strengthen the church. Sensitivity to the Spirit will help us prepare against its coming not prevent it. Some of those who are wise will suffer, so that God will make them pure and acceptable until the end Dan 11:35(CEV).
“Are you therefore suggesting we should actively seek persecution; even pray for it?” You misunderstand me my brother. Does the man with a palm tree pray to bring forth oil only and no kernel? Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted 2Ti 3:12(GNB)
Are you saying that if a man perfectly understands God’s plans and purposes for his life and strictly follows it he will not be persecuted? “Of course! My people perish for lack of knowledge.” But did God not say of Jesus, The LORD says, "It was my will that he should suffer...” Isa 53:10(GNB)? “Look Jesus came to give us an exchange: beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. He was made poor that we might be rich, wounded that we may be whole. When you properly tap the resources of His kingdom you will cease from oppression. At his right hand are pleasures evermore.”
It is unsafe to build doctrines on a solitary incident. Bible tells us: After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you 1Pt 2:21(CEV). “My dear, you are wrong. The situation at that time was abnormal. That society did not know the rule of law, and believers did not know the dominion and kingdom principles we know now: the steps of Jesus we are to follow today are faith, absolute obedience and holiness. He came that we may have life more abundantly hallelujah!”
I fear for you; you will turn out like a broiler if you go on with this false teaching. What do you make of: If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also Jn 15:20(RV)? Persecution is indeed allowed of God to strengthen the church. Sensitivity to the Spirit will help us prepare against its coming not prevent it. Some of those who are wise will suffer, so that God will make them pure and acceptable until the end Dan 11:35(CEV).
“Are you therefore suggesting we should actively seek persecution; even pray for it?” You misunderstand me my brother. Does the man with a palm tree pray to bring forth oil only and no kernel? Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted 2Ti 3:12(GNB)
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Suffering is not for me week 1, 2011
“Me I no go suffer! I will not beg for bread. God of miracles – He’s my Daddy.” How can you be singing that song? “Why shouldn’t I brother? Why shouldn’t I? God has not designed us to suffer any more.” For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich 2Co 8:9(ISV). I am afraid for you, it seems someone might keep you from a full reward. You are rejecting what God has ordained for your profit.
“Look Jesus has suffered for us on the cross, we do not need to suffer any longer by faith we enjoy the riches of His grace.” But what of Paul: Now I am rejoicing in my sufferings for you and completing in my flesh whatever remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, which is the church Col 1:24(ISV). Would you say he did not enjoy the grace of God? “Some of Paul’s sufferings were self imposed. I won’t join you in doing penance. “Was it so? Did the Lord Jesus not say: For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name Act 9:16(ISV). “Well I heard that people suffer based on the measure of opposition they gave the gospel before repentance. If they had been pretty sinful like Paul they would suffer a lot; but if not like Barnabas they would not need to go through suffering.” Now that is a strange view, and it sounds much more like the penance you are speaking against. That opinion is unbiblical.
“You have me confused. I know it is supposed to be unbiblical. Even though the passage you quote appears to support it. What then is the bible stand on Christians and suffering?” There is a great difference between sufferings because of ignorance of the provisions of Jesus (My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge Hos 4:6(MKJV)), sufferings because of willful sin (What credit is it if, when you have done evil, you take your punishment quietly? but if you are given punishment for doing right, and take it quietly, this is pleasing to God1Pe 2:20(BBE)), and suffering as a Christian. Scripture clearly teaches For you have been given the privilege for Christ's sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him Phil 1:29(ISV). It is the first 2 that we should abhor. Don’t ever sing that song again; rather say, “Even though I suffer, I’ll never beg for bread…” that is scriptural.
They left the Council, rejoicing to have been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the Name Act 5:41(ISV).
“Look Jesus has suffered for us on the cross, we do not need to suffer any longer by faith we enjoy the riches of His grace.” But what of Paul: Now I am rejoicing in my sufferings for you and completing in my flesh whatever remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, which is the church Col 1:24(ISV). Would you say he did not enjoy the grace of God? “Some of Paul’s sufferings were self imposed. I won’t join you in doing penance. “Was it so? Did the Lord Jesus not say: For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name Act 9:16(ISV). “Well I heard that people suffer based on the measure of opposition they gave the gospel before repentance. If they had been pretty sinful like Paul they would suffer a lot; but if not like Barnabas they would not need to go through suffering.” Now that is a strange view, and it sounds much more like the penance you are speaking against. That opinion is unbiblical.
“You have me confused. I know it is supposed to be unbiblical. Even though the passage you quote appears to support it. What then is the bible stand on Christians and suffering?” There is a great difference between sufferings because of ignorance of the provisions of Jesus (My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge Hos 4:6(MKJV)), sufferings because of willful sin (What credit is it if, when you have done evil, you take your punishment quietly? but if you are given punishment for doing right, and take it quietly, this is pleasing to God1Pe 2:20(BBE)), and suffering as a Christian. Scripture clearly teaches For you have been given the privilege for Christ's sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him Phil 1:29(ISV). It is the first 2 that we should abhor. Don’t ever sing that song again; rather say, “Even though I suffer, I’ll never beg for bread…” that is scriptural.
They left the Council, rejoicing to have been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the Name Act 5:41(ISV).
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