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DO YOU BELIEVE?
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for His sake. (Philippians 1:29)
Recently I viewed a movie entitled "Do You Believe?" It was about a pastor that took a journey of faith after an encounter with a street corner preacher. It depicted various scenarios where some people that he encountered had faith, while others did not. By the end of the movie, all but one person came to know Christ as their Savior. However, the movie also made it clear that each person, regardless of how strong their faith was had to endure some very difficult situations.
In the passage above, Paul makes it clear that the Philippian Christians must not only believe, but be prepared to suffer as well. I have heard it said that it is easy for Christians to have "routine faith." That is, they believe in Jesus and praise Him when things are going well, but their faith seems to dissipate in times of crisis. In fact, some may even question their belief when things get really difficult.
We should not lose heart in times of distress. If any man had a right to lose heart Paul certainly did. However he believed that God's grace was sufficient to bring him through any hardship. Paul knew that God renews the inward man daily even though the outward man is subject to all kinds of pressures and problems.
If you are going through a trial right now: (1) Keep your prayer life strong. (2) Keep witnessing to others. (3) Live a life of holiness. And (4) praise God anyhow. All of these actions will demonstrate that you truly believe. When you are willing to suffer for your belief in Christ, God will always see you through.
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News Update:
August 30, 2015 8am Min. Cummings 11am Rev. Whittaker Sept. 6, 2015 - 8 and 11am Pastor
Sept 13, 2015 - 8am Rev. Guillory
11am Rev. Bryant We will celebrate Seniors Day and have Senior's luncheon. Sept. 18, 2015 - Willing Worker's Revival
Guest Minister - Rev. Christopher Moore (New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church) Church is requested to come out in support. Sept. 20, 2015 - 8am Rev. A. George
11am Rev. Criswell Sept. 20, 2015 - Seven Miracles 3:30pm
Sept. 25, 2015 - Night of prayer 6:30 - 7pm (entire church is requested to come out to both events) Day of prayer Sept 26 9am -11am
Sept. 27, 2015 - 8am Min. Criswell
11am Rev. Johnson Sept. 27, 2015 - 3:00pm Rev. Barksdale will be preaching at Loyal MBC for their 50th Anniversary. Church is requested to accompany.
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