…but god… Episode 168
Transcript
“For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.”
1 Peter 3:17-20 NASB2020
We have not been condemned because we have not done what is right. We still can allow the Holy Spirit to change us and our actions as followers of Christ. Even though we are not saved by doing what is right only the saving grace of Christ through His death on the cross does that. However, we are able to be a witness for Christ if we do what is right in the sight of God. That is our calling!
If we have never faced persecution or been chastised for following Christ, then maybe we are not acting as followers of Christ. Jesus said you will face persecution and trials of many kind. Many “Christians” want an easy life. They think that being a Christian means nothing bad will happen to them or they think they are followers of Christ because they said a prayer when they were seven. But Jesus said this life as a follower of Christ will be difficult and full of travails. Loving and following Him is not easy. Jesus explains; “The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.”
Matthew 10:37-39 NASB2020
That does not sound like an easy life.
Peter reminds us of this, when he explains the flood that Noah went through. It was not easy for Noah and his family. Yet they were saved by the baptismal waters of the flood which cleansed the earth.
Therefore, we should be encouraged when we face trials and tribulations for they help us develop endurance which helps us run the race and win it for Christ.
Lord, we praise your Holy Name. We thank you for the saving grace of forgiveness of sins and we rejoice in the resurrection that gives us eternal salvation with You! Help us to rejoice in the difficulties, give us strength to respond with Your perfect peace and perseverance that surpasses all understanding. Help us to do what is right in your name no matter the cost. In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom, Shalom Blessings Press in and Press On!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
