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21 May 2008
Word on the Web
1 Peter 4 v 12-19
My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. But be happy that you are sharing in Christ's sufferings so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory. When people insult you because you follow Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you. Do not suffer for murder, theft, or any other crime, nor because you trouble other people. But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God because you wear that name. It is time for judgment to begin with God's family. And if that judging begins with us, what will happen to those people who do not obey the Good News of God?
"If it is very hard for a good person to be saved,
the wicked person and the sinner will surely be lost!"
So those who suffer as God wants should trust their souls to the faithful Creator as they continue to do what is right.
Those of us living in the largely-Christianised West all too often forget that many people don't have the same freedom to worship God that we do. Talk of suffering for our faith doesn't make too much sense to us.
That said, many Christians know what it is be insulted because of our faith. Many recent books, such as Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion," set out to make our faith seem pathetic, worthless, pointless, and its followers weak. People laugh at us for choosing to spend Sunday (and hopefully other times during the week) with other Christians. Some of us can tell tales of jobs lost or careers compromised because we don't want to work on Sundays. These are real concerns, but small beer compared to what some Christians are facing around the world: complete loss of livelihood, imprisonment, torture and even death.
Our small suffering should be a cause for rejoicing and praise! That our faith is shown clearly enough for others to insult us is a great beginning. Don't be discouraged by it - let your light shine more brightly as you continue to live God's way.
But what about those who are really suffering for their faith? Will you take some time today to find out about some Christians facing persecution, and see how you can show support for them?
Merciful God, I pray for those who are suffering all kinds of injustice because of their faith in you. Please strengthen them and help them to endure all that comes their way. Help me, too, in my walk with you, that I may be faithful to the end. For Christ's sake, amen.
Written by the Revd Steve Faber
Word on the Web
1 Peter 4 v 12-19
My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. But be happy that you are sharing in Christ's sufferings so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory. When people insult you because you follow Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you. Do not suffer for murder, theft, or any other crime, nor because you trouble other people. But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God because you wear that name. It is time for judgment to begin with God's family. And if that judging begins with us, what will happen to those people who do not obey the Good News of God?
"If it is very hard for a good person to be saved,
the wicked person and the sinner will surely be lost!"
So those who suffer as God wants should trust their souls to the faithful Creator as they continue to do what is right.
Those of us living in the largely-Christianised West all too often forget that many people don't have the same freedom to worship God that we do. Talk of suffering for our faith doesn't make too much sense to us.
That said, many Christians know what it is be insulted because of our faith. Many recent books, such as Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion," set out to make our faith seem pathetic, worthless, pointless, and its followers weak. People laugh at us for choosing to spend Sunday (and hopefully other times during the week) with other Christians. Some of us can tell tales of jobs lost or careers compromised because we don't want to work on Sundays. These are real concerns, but small beer compared to what some Christians are facing around the world: complete loss of livelihood, imprisonment, torture and even death.
Our small suffering should be a cause for rejoicing and praise! That our faith is shown clearly enough for others to insult us is a great beginning. Don't be discouraged by it - let your light shine more brightly as you continue to live God's way.
But what about those who are really suffering for their faith? Will you take some time today to find out about some Christians facing persecution, and see how you can show support for them?
Merciful God, I pray for those who are suffering all kinds of injustice because of their faith in you. Please strengthen them and help them to endure all that comes their way. Help me, too, in my walk with you, that I may be faithful to the end. For Christ's sake, amen.
Written by the Revd Steve Faber
