John 15:18-21 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it
hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love
its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the
world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave
is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.
I
read this week that according to recent statements by U.S. military officials--including an Army
briefing on "religious extremism," the military should be just as
concerned with Evangelical Christians and Catholics as threats to America Liberty
1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be
surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your
testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that
you share the sufferings of
Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with
exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of
glory and of God rests on you.
Our
lesson explained that the word "fiery" is translated from the Greek word πύρωσις “pyrōsis”. In this passage it refers to the process
used for refining or purifying metals, as well as trials and calamities that
test or purify the character of a person. The word "testing" is translated from
the Greek word πειρασμός “peirasmos”. In this context, the
testing is sent by God or allowed by God and indicates trying one’s character
to prove him or her faithful. The ultimate Assayer is testing us to determine
what we are made of. So when atheistic secular humanists attack the Word of God
and Believers, who shall endure the trial by fire of affliction for the name of
Christ and persevere? God controls the intensity of the refiner’s fire, knowing
just how much heat is needed to bring our impurities to the surface to be
skimmed off. The Lord never leaves us nor forsakes us - Deuteronomy 31:8. He stays with us throughout the refining
process. His ultimate purpose is to refine and purify us so that we will
reflect His image. Stand firm and reflect the Lord.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
God
bless America and America
In
Christ, Brian
2 comments:
Hi Brian,
It can be confusing sometimes. God uses the refiners fire to remove the impurities and Satan pursues us. Sometimes I think God uses Satan's pursuit of Christians to refine us.
Blessings brother,
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Child of Go, Confusing is a good word to discribe the "doubt" that that we, in our humanity, have to constantly work on in our Christian growth and maturity. It's no coincidence that Jesus says to us "fear not", because it's in our fallen nature to fear what we are defenseless of, but the Lord tells us: "trust in me" and find our defease in Him; not ourselves. Galatians 5 instructs us to walk in the Spirit for defense & Ephesians 6 instructs us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the the devil's schemes. The child of God has an eternal destiny, home in the kingdom of Heaven, but we have purpose as "Christian soldiers" in the battle on this side of eternity, both in our sanctification and the witnessing to the gospel message of salvation and the entire Word of God to a lost and "dying in sin" world. See the chaos, but do not fear. Know and trust the Lord, God Almighty of the Universe, our Heavenly Father and live in the peace, love and joy of the the Holy Spirit. That's what we are maturing daily, toward the image of Christ with a blessing, come what may. Great point. Thank you for writing sister.
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