What did you Expect
The power of the cross of Christ is a double edged sword. Jesus said he came to divide, a truth seen in the Acts. In Peter's first sermon, 3000 were added unto the Lord. In his second, the healing of the lame man, again the Lord added to the church. The next thing that happens is they get arrested, and beaten. There release resulted in more manifestations of the power of God, to testify of the risen Christ.
Our work and witness will likewise be a double edged sword. You will be received with great joy, and you will be hated. Arm yourself with this knowledge! Are you ready to be cursed? Can you handle rejection? Do you care if your despised? What if you are laughed at, and made a mockery of and ridiculed? Jesus didn't let that stop him. Paul gave his testimony to these things. His response was; "none of these things move me".
We are instructed to be loving, and to speak the truth with grace. That does not mean we will be treated in the same manner. We are always to be reconsilers, never to give up on love, faith, and hope for all men. The preaching of the truth will not always bring about our desires.
Let's look at Stephen, "a man full of God's grace and power, who did great wonders and miraculous signs amoung the people". I don't know about you, but I would love for God to give this report about my life, and ministry! What a great testimony! He pleased God! The same things that blessed the Lord, also infuriated his enemies. It placed a target on his life.
His first sermon was his last! His enemies plotted against him and stired up false accusations against him. Even with the glory of the Lord on his face, at the end of his testimony, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. They covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they rushed him, and dragged him out to stone him.
The wisdom of God is evident in this admonition, "wait till you receive power from the Holy Spirit". No man without the Spirit will be enabled to stand up to the power of darkness in his own strength, and remain in love. Stephen prayed, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them". What a prayer! God help us to be of this spirit in our efforts!
I felt it nesesarry to refresh this in our minds. To see clearly our calling. To be forwarned so not to be easily discouraged. Our work in the Lord is not in vain. He will enable us to be faithful witnesses and to complete our tasks. With joy holding out the Word of Life. Leaving the results and purposes in the hand of God. Only be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might. Be of good courage, for the Lord is with us. Be bold and we will see the salvation of the Lord.
Our work and witness will likewise be a double edged sword. You will be received with great joy, and you will be hated. Arm yourself with this knowledge! Are you ready to be cursed? Can you handle rejection? Do you care if your despised? What if you are laughed at, and made a mockery of and ridiculed? Jesus didn't let that stop him. Paul gave his testimony to these things. His response was; "none of these things move me".
We are instructed to be loving, and to speak the truth with grace. That does not mean we will be treated in the same manner. We are always to be reconsilers, never to give up on love, faith, and hope for all men. The preaching of the truth will not always bring about our desires.
Let's look at Stephen, "a man full of God's grace and power, who did great wonders and miraculous signs amoung the people". I don't know about you, but I would love for God to give this report about my life, and ministry! What a great testimony! He pleased God! The same things that blessed the Lord, also infuriated his enemies. It placed a target on his life.
His first sermon was his last! His enemies plotted against him and stired up false accusations against him. Even with the glory of the Lord on his face, at the end of his testimony, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. They covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they rushed him, and dragged him out to stone him.
The wisdom of God is evident in this admonition, "wait till you receive power from the Holy Spirit". No man without the Spirit will be enabled to stand up to the power of darkness in his own strength, and remain in love. Stephen prayed, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them". What a prayer! God help us to be of this spirit in our efforts!
I felt it nesesarry to refresh this in our minds. To see clearly our calling. To be forwarned so not to be easily discouraged. Our work in the Lord is not in vain. He will enable us to be faithful witnesses and to complete our tasks. With joy holding out the Word of Life. Leaving the results and purposes in the hand of God. Only be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might. Be of good courage, for the Lord is with us. Be bold and we will see the salvation of the Lord.
posted by pete porter | 12:41 AM
1 Comments:
Thanks for the reminder! God bless you today!
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