THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
The doctor tells me I should get my heart rate up to about 140 beats per minute for a few minutes each day. However, I'm rather old, and have trouble exercising that hard. What shall I do?
Go see an atheist, and testify to him of Christ.
That'll do it!
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________SCRIPTURE____________________________________________________________________
Acts 5:41-42
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT______________________________________________________________________
Gamaliel was the only Pharisee in the "council" that spoke in favor of the disciples. All the others wanted them stoned...at least beaten. After Gamaliel spoke, the council agreed with him, but they still had the disciples beaten before they released them.
Have you suffered for Christ?
Is it difficult when others denigrate you for faith in Christ?
Are you sometimes treated with disrespect when you testify of Him?
The Bible tells us that the "Captain" of our salvation was "made perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10). The Bible also tells us that the disciples of Jesus suffered many things. And, the Bible says, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1 Peter 5:10)
Should we expect Christ, our "Head" to suffer, and not expect that we, "the body" should suffer also?
Yes, God knows that you suffer for Christ. And, when we suffer for His glory, we have an advantage in this world today for two reasons.
First, we know that God has sympathy for us. He is "with" us in every trial and every difficulty. His presence comforts, gives us hope, and inspires us to continue in the faith.
But, second, we know that one blessed day, our Lord will take away all suffering! He will "make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."
Do not turn aside from suffering for Christ.
Rejoice in that you are counted worthy of that glory!
Love ya,
Bruce