November 20, 2019
MID-WEEK MESSAGE FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE?
“If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorify God in this matter…Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Pet. 4: 16,19.
“Many who profess the name of Christ, and profess to be looking for His speedy coming, know not what it is to suffer for Christ’s sake. Their hearts are not subdued by grace, and they are not dead to self; but it often appears in various ways; and at the same time they are talking if having trials. But the principal cause of their trials is an unsubdued heart, which make self so sensitive, that is so often crossed.
If such could realize what it is to be a humble follower of Christ, a TRUE Christian, they would begin to work in good earnest, and begin right. They would FIRST die to self, then be instant in prayers (Rom.12:2), and check every passion of the heart. Give up your self-confidence, and self-sufficiency, and follow the meek Pattern.
Keep Jesus in your mind, that He is your Example (1 Pet 1:22-24), and you must tread in His footsteps. Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame. (Heb.12:2). He endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself.
He for your sins, was once the meek, slain Lamb, wounded, bruised, smitten and afflicted. (Heb.12:3; Isa. 53:3-7). Let us, then, cheerfully suffer something for Jesus’ sake; crucify self daily (1 Cor 15:31: Luke 9:23), be a partaker of Christ’s sufferings here, that we may be made partakers with Him of His glory, and be crowned with glory, honor, immortality and eternal life (Heb.2:9).”-CEV 58, 59.
In Christ’s love and grace imparted by the Holy Spirit….NMF