| Persecution is Guaranteed for Serious Believers in Christ Jesus |
 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." "And a man's enemies will be those of his own household "
Christian commitment may separate friends and loved ones. In saying this, I am not advocating disobedience to parents or conflict at home. Rather, I am saying that Christ's lordship demands our top priority . Because some will follow Christ and some won't, conflict will inevitably arise. As we take our cross and follow Christ, our different priorities, values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others. Don't be surprised when people misunderstand, criticize, and even try to hurt you because of your decision to seek first the kingdom of God and Christ's righteousness. Don't give up. Continue to live as you know you should. God is the only one you need to please. "When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him" Proverbs 16:7.
Don't neglect your family, but remember that your commitment to God is even more important than they are. God should be your first priority. Christ calls us to a higher mission than to find comfort and tranquility in this life. Love of family is a law of God, but even this love can be self-serving and used as an excuse not to serve God or do his work. "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4). Our Lord Himself declared "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me (Matthew 10:37)
There are no exceptions. There are no exemptions. All who sincerely desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ will experience the consequences that He met, as He walked in righteousness. "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). Jesus was not universally hailed for His righteous path. He was opposed, mocked, conspired against, and betrayed. We need not be startled when measures of similar persecutions befall us. "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). Standing firm to the end is not a way to be saved but the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is not a means to earn salvation; it is the by-product of a truly devoted life.
Of course, this newsletter is not written to discourage us from pressing on "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Rather, it is offered to prepare us for the difficulties that are guaranteed as we seek to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Persecutions can remind us that we are headed for heaven. Persecutions can bring us heavenly measures of sustaining grace along the way. So, let us pray:
O righteous Lord, May the persecutions I face today force me to draw nearer to Christ. I long to walk in Your paths of righteousness. Strengthen my heart with Your grace that I might press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ. Help me to never shrink back, even though persecutions are guaranteed. Help me to stand true, even though persecutions may become severe. Lord, I count on Your promises to see me through the battles, in Jesus' name, Amen. |
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Sincerely,
Pastor Telema W. Okobi
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| We need a Lydia in Houston, TX |
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We are following the Holy Spirit's leading to Houston, TX, Last year we made our first evangelistic contact in Houtson. We never allow economic or cultural boundaries to keep us from sharing the gospel. We are in need of someone whom the Lord will use, like Lydia in Acts 16, to open wide the way for Gentle Flame ministry in Houston, TX. "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." 1 Corinthians 16:9
If you live in Houston, TX or know someone there who would be helpful to provide a meeting place for us in Houston area, please email me at: Telema@Okobi.com
For other Volunteer Opportunities with Gentle Flame Evangelistic Association: CLICK HERE |
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