THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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In Africa, a converted native was about to be baptized. The missionary was familiar with the rushing water of the river, so he carried a spear with him to stick in the ground and steady himself.
When he pushed the spear down into the river bottom, he struck the native man's foot! However, the missionary did not know this, and the native said nothing - he didn't even groan! Later, when the accident was discovered, the missionary asked, "Why didn't you SAY something?"
The native man answered, "I thought it was part of the ceremony!"
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1 Peter 4:14
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:
KJV
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Friends, when we are truly converted to Christ, we shall be found SERVING Him and willing to ENDURE trials and SUFFER for Christ! Part of the Christian life is to realize that "..The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;.." (John 15:20).
When we are born again, we become "ambassadors for Christ." We speak on His behalf about moral right against moral wrong. And though we love the sinner our speech exposes sin. People are uncomfortable when sin is exposed, and their reactions are varied. Sometimes Christians are demeaned and belittled; sometimes they are ostracized; and sometimes they are cruelly mistreated.
However Christians are covered by God's Holy Spirit, and criticism of standing for right has no effect on the continued stance.
A party of visitors at the national mint were told that if their hand was dipped in water, the molten metal could be poured on their palm without burning it. A man and his wife both heard the statement. A workman turned to the man and asked, "Would you like to try it?" The man said, "No, thank you. I accept your word for it."
The workman turned to the man's wife, and asked the same question. She said, "Sure!" Then she dipped her hand in a pale of water, and the workman poured the molten metal on her palm. She experienced no pain, and even smiled.
The workman then turned to the husband and said, "Sir, you believed, but your wife trusted!"
BELIEVE Christ wants you to be an "ambassador" for Him.
TRUST that He can keep you "happy" even when you suffer for "righteousness."
Speak for moral right and against moral wrong!
It's part of the ceremony!
Love ya,
Bruce