A Blessing To Be Persecuted

Have you ever been discouraged, because of your faith in Christ? Please understand that with your belief in Jesus, also comes persecution. People are noticing the light of Christ and responding to it. Paul taught, 2“all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Everyone that loves Jesus will be called names and phrases and some even beaten and spit upon. However, as Christians, we know that this all comes as a package deal with knowing the Lord. We continue through trials because our salvation in Christ Jesus is more important than anything else in this life. So we walk in newness of life and lift up Jesus. Think about the times in your life when you have been questioned, because of your faith. Has anyone ever called you out because of the life you are leading for Jesus? I know I have been. If so, then think upon this as a blessing and not anything to be ashamed of. Paul taught, 3“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Each time somebody comes up to you and calls you a “Jesus Freak”, then respond back with kindness and say “thank you”. A wonderful thing to say is, yes I am, for Jesus has saved me. I am no longer a slave to sin because He has freed me from bondage. He has broken every chain. It is wonderful to be known as somebody who loves the Lord and follows Him. I pray that you will also come to know Jesus as your personal Savior.

People will come at us and say different things because of our faith. Some even do so, in order to discourage us. But do not get upset by it, instead respond in a positive way. If people come up to you and say , “you are one of those born again Christians”, then respond back with boldness, yes I am. Don’t hold back the truth. Through the blood of Jesus my old life is put to death and I am made alive again in Christ the Lord. It is the Lord God that has allowed me to live again in His light and amazing love. Do you know the importance of being born again? This is a good question to ask. Many people may sense this about you, and call you out on it, but still not realize what they are truly saying. At this point, you can tell them that Jesus saves. That only by believing and following Jesus can we find salvation and live again in heaven. Otherwise, our own path is leading to our own destruction. It is God’s love for us that you and I are able to be redeemed from the fall. 1It is so vitally important to become born again, or else the blessings of the Kingdom of God are not ours. I want to tell you that I have been called many things, by people I know and love and those I do not know. But I am not discouraged one bit. If anything, my faith is strengthened. I say Lord, it is worth living a life for You. I am honored to go through trials, because of Your love for me. I think of these times as a blessing. I pray that Your light will continue to shine in my life.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, this faith has led me to be persecuted but I am not ashamed one bit. I have been called many names for Your cause, but with each blow, my faith is strengthened even more. I will not let such things bring me down. To be known as a Jesus freak or fanatic is a blessing. All this means, Lord, is that people can see Your light in my life. To be called a born again Christian is a blessing. I could never live this new life without Your love. My old life is done away with because You have lifted me out of my dark place. Your Spirit gives me the strength that I need to go on in life. I am honored, Lord, to lift up Your Name. No matter what befalls me, I will go forward in faith. You are my delight among all things. I will lift You higher, even when the storms are coming at me. I pray that these people, that do persecute, will have a change of heart. May they be convicted by the truth of God. Use me to witness to them. I trust in You Lord above all. I love You. Amen.

Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below

1John 3:1-8 (KJV)
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

22 Timothy 3:10-17 (KJV)
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

3Romans 1:15-19 (KJV)
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

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