Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned ; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. Hebrews 11:35-37
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews reminds us of Old Testament heroes who remained faithful even in the face of persecution. First Century Christians were fed to lions, tigers and wolves for spectators pleasure in the circus at Rome… and while they awaited their death, history tells us that they held hands and sang hymns.
It is unfortunate that much of the so-called "gospel" that is proclaimed nowadays tries to convince people that by becoming a person of faith, you can avoid all of life's difficulties. "The man with faith will never be sick, only healthy! The woman of faith will never be poor, only rich! The person with enough faith will experience only blessings, and no problems!"
It sounds like a good deal, but it is far from the truth. As a matter of fact, the Bible says, in 2Timothy 3:12 And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” Even Jesus said, John 16:33 “...In the world you have tribulation...”
Many think that pain is the exception in the Christian life. When suffering occurs, they say, “Why me?” They feel as though God deserted them, or perhaps they accuse Him of not being as dependable as they thought. In reality, however, we live in an evil world filled with suffering, even for believers. But God is still in control. He allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and he allows others to survive persecution. Rather than asking, “Why me?” it is much more helpful to ask, “Why not me?” Our faith and the values of this world are on a collision course. But God’s promise is rock solid, that He will be with us in the midst of trials.
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews reminds us of Old Testament heroes who remained faithful even in the face of persecution. First Century Christians were fed to lions, tigers and wolves for spectators pleasure in the circus at Rome… and while they awaited their death, history tells us that they held hands and sang hymns.
It is unfortunate that much of the so-called "gospel" that is proclaimed nowadays tries to convince people that by becoming a person of faith, you can avoid all of life's difficulties. "The man with faith will never be sick, only healthy! The woman of faith will never be poor, only rich! The person with enough faith will experience only blessings, and no problems!"
It sounds like a good deal, but it is far from the truth. As a matter of fact, the Bible says, in 2Timothy 3:12 And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” Even Jesus said, John 16:33 “...In the world you have tribulation...”
Many think that pain is the exception in the Christian life. When suffering occurs, they say, “Why me?” They feel as though God deserted them, or perhaps they accuse Him of not being as dependable as they thought. In reality, however, we live in an evil world filled with suffering, even for believers. But God is still in control. He allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and he allows others to survive persecution. Rather than asking, “Why me?” it is much more helpful to ask, “Why not me?” Our faith and the values of this world are on a collision course. But God’s promise is rock solid, that He will be with us in the midst of trials.
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
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