Alzheimer August 27, 2022

 Alzheimer                                    August 27, 2022

 

Can a person lose their salvation if they come down with Alzheimer or Dementia, drug, mental, or a disease.  What does the Scriptures say about this subject.

 

Isaiah 43:7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

 

Formed, Made and Created are not the same, these 3 things have different meanings.  Old Testament terms, humans for the Glory of God

 

All people have these 3 things. What is our created body made of.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Body – Formed
Soul – Made
Spirit – Created

 

What they mean, how they came about

 

Body {Human} is made of water, and chemical elements by mass.

All people have these 3 things, body, soul and spirit.

 

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.   Formed man = Body; breath of life = spirit; living soul = soul

 

So we see, all living Soul is made of dust plus breath of life become a living

Soul.  Same as other animals except man has a spirit from God in man.

 

Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath {spirit in man}of the Almighty gives him understanding.     {creation of the spirit in man}

 

No understanding without the spirit in man

 

Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."

 

Our Physical bodies all return to the earth one day. This is a natural law.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

 

The Body is a “Host” or “Vessel” for the Soul.

 

Remember Genesis 2:7 breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

 

The words “soul” is translated from the Hebrew word “nephesh” and is what gives a body life.

 

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.  {Adam = Jesus}

 

Genesis 1:30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so.

 

There is one thing that was added to mankind, a spirit was given.  It is called a spirit in man.  Each beast has a spirit that makes a dog a dog.

 

Remember Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.

 

Is the soul located in the blood. 

 

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.'

 

Is this why Lord Jesus told us to not eat blood.

Leviticus 17:12 Therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.'

 

England, blood pudding, blood sausage? 

 

Leviticus 17:14 for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off.'

 

Soul life is passed on from parent to offspring through their bloodlines.

 

God does not need to breathe soul again into every newly born creature. It’s passed on through the generations through the blood.  The blood types and DNA. 

 

Soul life is not immortal; it is either passed on through generations or perishes when a person dies.

 

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

 

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

 

Thus, Lord Jesus creating man in his own image.

So, What is God? What is his “image”?

 

John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

 

God is Spirit:  Remember: Genesis 1:27 is where Lord Jesus created Spirit in Man, His own image

 

Now, the man finally became Body, Soul, and Spirit.

 

Nothing mention about animals not getting the Spirit from God, only Man.

 

What about Animals, were

 

Genesis 1:24-25 Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth each kind of living creature, each kind of livestock and crawling thing, and each kind of earth's animals!" And that is what happened:  (25)  God made each kind of the earth's animals, along with every kind of livestock and crawling thing. And God saw how good it was.

 

It is through this spirit in man is how people communicate with God.  This spirit is like a recorder and when the body dies, the recorder is stopped and our Spirit is what goes to heaven to be stored until Lord Jesus returns, not body or soul.  The spirit records everything about us.  Thoughts, words, etc.

 

What happens when someone dies

 

Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?

 

We know those who have the Holy Spirit working with them or in them, are protected, will be changed  {Rev 5:10,11}

 

Isaiah 26:14 They {wicked} are now dead, they live no more; their spirits do not rise. You punished them and brought them to ruin; you wiped out all memory of them.  {Rev 21:8 wicked will burn up – 2^nd death}

 

They have no thought.  This fire will in fact consume the wicked completely and turn them into ashes. They will then be dead forever with no further hope of resurrection.

 

Malachi 4:1 "Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them.

 

Malachi 4:3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act," says the LORD Almighty.

So the bottom line is people

 

Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

 

What we do, we will receive a reward, good or bad in our lives.

 

May I ask, if someone comes down with Alzheimer or some other major disease, is this some type of punishment from God, No it is not.  There are so many different causes that could be found, environment, lifestyle factors,  genes from past family members, etc.

 

Time and chance for all

 

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.  (12)  For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them.

 

Luke 13:4-5 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?  (5)  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

 

First and foremost I know nothing can separate us from the love of God.

 

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  (39)  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Psalms 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  God is everywhere.

 

I know that we have the Holy Spirit living in us

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

When the spirit in man combines with the Holy Spirit, we are a new creature.  This is why we have the laying on hands after baptizing the person. 

 

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

 

If they have been a Christian in their life, will statements that illness and or tragedy are God’s will or punishment for sin.

 

While Alzheimer’s or other illness may be related to lifestyle or environmental factors, no linear causal source has been found.

 

I cannot believe a merciful Lord Jesus will hold us accountable for things we do that is beyond our control. 

 

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

 

This is a direct promise.  Did they not do this in their life

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (9) not by works, so that no one can boast.

 

We will see our family members and friends at the resurrection and they and us will have a glorified body and brilliant mind ready to fully experience what Apostle Paul wrote,

 

 

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"— the things God has prepared for those who love him; (10) these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

 

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

 

Is this what happened to someone who has Alzheimer’s or other illness, the body (flesh) is dying and it is beyond our control. The body is dead to others

 

Again

 

1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

 

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

Important words for us, Jesus promise. 

 

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

 

Promises from God, the body is failing, but the Holy Spirit will communicate with the Father.

 

The spirit, then, is still whole and properly functioning, but not able to communicate properly with the body. This is the case as well with "mentally" challenged individual, regardless of their handicap.

 

In short, when we see our born again loved ones (or any believer) ravaged by Alzheimer's or some other "mental" disease their spirit is still in right standing with our Lord.  How can this be

Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  {this is a weakness}

 

Other translations:  groanings which cannot be uttered; with groans too deep for words;

 

Romans 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

 

But Jesus is our High Priest who has offered Himself for our sin 

 

Hebrews 5:8-10 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.  (9)  And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (10) called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek"  

 

Knowing this

 

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 

Paul clearly explains why we need the Holy Spirit’s help when we pray. We need the Spirit’s intercession because, left to ourselves, we are too weak, sick and the burdens of life are too much to bear alone.  In this life, believers face trials, temptations, and persecutions

 

Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

 

May we continually pray in the Spirit, as Scripture commands:

 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

 

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

 

We can pray to God the Father through the Son and in the Holy Spirit.

What to pray: thank God for His gift of the Holy Spirit to help us pray as we ought.  In this life, believers face trials, temptations, and persecutions 

 

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

 

2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

 

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

 

Finally

 

John 6:37-38 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.  (38)  For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 

 

John 6:39-40 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.  (40)  For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." 

 

This is the promise we need to take to heart about those we love who has this problem and their salvation.

Christian Weariness August 20, 2022

 

Christian Weariness                                      August 20, 2022 

As we head to the end of the age, is our love for the Father and Lord Jesus going to grow cold.

Matthew 24:11-13 Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people, (12)  and because lawlessness will increase, the love of many people will grow cold. (13)  But the person who endures to the end will be saved. 

Are we becoming more weariness or complacence in our lives towards the Father and the Lord Jesus and towards life in general, doing good works. 

What do we mean by weariness, 

extreme tiredness; fatigue: "he began to feel weariness"

reluctance to see or experience any more of something: 

Calm or secure satisfaction with oneself or one's lot: Self-Satisfaction a usually smug satisfaction with oneself or one's position or achievements.

Indifference, feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better 

This sound like a very dangerous place to be if you are a Christian. 

What are some of the synonyms for complacence:  pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-assumption, self-conceit, self-congratulation, self-esteem, self-glory, self-importance, self-love, self-opinion, self-satisfaction, smugness,  

Notice the words “self-something.” We turn inward, not outward. 

We look at the History of Israel and Juda and over a period of time, complacency sets in for the people.  Same thing day in and day out in sacrifice of animals. 

As Christians as a whole, maybe even us, do we live like God doesn’t exist around us or even in our lives except on church day. 

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.                        {Old Testament Scriptures} 

Lord Jesus had written for Him in Malachi 1 about the attitude the priests had toward God 

Malachi 1:6 "A son honors his father and a servant his master. So if I'm a father, where is my honor? And if I'm a master, where is my respect?" says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies to you priests who are despising my name. "But you ask, 'How have we despised your name?' 

Remember, these are the priests in charge of the worship for the people. 

Here the Lord Jesus is saying a truth: A father and a master can expect honor from those beneath them, but God was not receiving the honor due Him from the priests. 

He addresses the priests because they ought to be leaders to the rest of the people, whereas they are foremost in “despising His name.” 

Are we not priests and kings, could this apply to us 

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people to be his very own and to proclaim the wonderful deeds of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 

Revelation 1:6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 

Luke 6:46 "Why do you keep calling me 'Lord, Lord,' but don't do what I tell you?   {does this apply to us today} 

1 Peter 1:17 If you call "Father" the one who judges everyone impartially according to what they have done, you must live in reverent fear as long as you are strangers in a strange land. 

So we are kings and priests in the eyes of our Father and Lord Jesus.

Could this be about us, as Christians in the body. 

Malachi 1:7 By presenting defiled food on my altar. And you ask 'How have we defiled you?' By saying 'The Table of the LORD is contemptible.' 

We know the priests were cutting deals, accepting blemished animals for sacrifice and for selfish reasons. 

Malachi 1:8-9 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? And when you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Offer that to your governor—would he be pleased with you or receive you favorably?" asks the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.  (9)  "And now, go ahead and implore God by saying, 'Be gracious to us.' Will he receive you favorably and accept offerings like that from your hand?" asks the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. 

Malachi 1:10-11 "Oh, that one of you would shut the Temple doors and not light useless fires on the altar! I'm not pleased with you," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "and I'll accept no offerings from you.  (11)  Even so, from where the sun rises to where it sets my name will be great among the Gentiles. Incense will be brought to me everywhere, along with pure offerings, because my name will be great among the Gentiles," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. 

Malachi 1:12 "But you are profaning my name by saying that the Table of the LORD is defiled and that its fruit and its food are contemptible. 

Deuteronomy 15:21 If it has a blemish; lameness, blindness, or any kind of defect; you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God. 

Ezekiel 44:7 You kept on bringing in foreigners, those who were uncircumcised in heart and flesh, to profane my sanctuary by being inside my Temple, and by doing so you've emptied my covenant, all the while offering my food; the fat and the blood; in addition to all of the other loathsome things you've done. 

The priests were treating the Table of the Lord {that is, the altar: like ordinary things, 

What about Christians, but do we truly honor God with our lives, praise, time and treasure, or are offering disrespectful cast-off on our own terms.  We should not disrespect Lord Jesus by offering Him second choice and halfhearted service.  

Malachi 1:8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the LORD Almighty.

The demands of holy worship of God had been made clear in the Law. Only the best should be presented as an offering to the Lord; no one was to come with an offering that was blemished or unclean 

Are we not a living sacrifice in the view of the Father and the Lord Jesus. 

Romans 12:1 I therefore urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, for this is the reasonable way for you to worship. 

Romans 2:21-22 as you teach others, do you fail to teach yourself? As you preach against stealing, do you steal?  (22)  As you forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? As you abhor idols, do you rob temples? 

Romans 2:23-24 As you boast about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law?  (24)  As it is written, "God's name is being blasphemed among the gentiles because of you." 

When we allow sin to remain in our lives, we offer God disqualified service, and He will not accept it. Sin keeps us from fully participating in God’s plans. 

Malachi 1:13 You also say, 'Oh, what a weariness!' And you sneer at it," Says the LORD of hosts. "And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?" Says the LORD. 

The demands of God were neither understood nor appreciated by the priests; they seemed to be mere busywork. Stolen, lame, sick: The gifts of the priests were not presentable; some were stolen goods, and others were animals that were useless. To sacrifice something of no value was not a sacrifice at all. 

When we allow sin to remain in our lives, we develop disdainful attitudes.

Here, the priests referred to their calling as “weariness.” They would “sneer” at the work. 

They; the priests; were bored with serving the Lord. Their attitudes were so bad that God wished that they would shut the doors to the temple. 

Again, is this similar to us and easy to do, and it’s an easy trap as we slip into spiritual complacency. The Creator of the universe calls us to worship Him, and yet we struggle to attend church or spend time in Bible study and prayer. 

We claim to be God’s children, but our hearts are far from Him. We cling to the things of this world, while treating the holy as mundane. 

What comes to mind is the Laodicea Church in the Book of Revelation. 

Revelation 3:15-16 'I know your actions, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.  (16)  Since you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth. 

Revelation 3:17 You say, "I am rich. I have become wealthy. I don't need anything." Yet you don't realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 

Galatians 6:9-10 Let's not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest—if we do not give up.  (10)  So then, whenever we have the opportunity, let's practice doing good to everyone, especially to the family of faith. 

2 Thessalonians 3:13 Brothers, do not get tired of doing what is right. 

What are Christians and we as individuals to do.  

Take our concern in prayer to the Father and confess our sin, His promise that He will forgive us and remove our sins with grace. 

James 4:6-8 But he gives all the more grace. And so he says, "God opposes the arrogant but gives grace to the humble."  (7)  Therefore, submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.  (8)  Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

What is the bottom line:  Christian contentment means that no matter what happens, we are fully satisfied in Jesus. Christian weariness means that no matter what happens, we are fully self-satisfied with your current personal effort in pursuing Christ. 

Weariness is Dangerous for Christians Because It Means we Are Not Growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Creator, Growing is a life time effort to endure. 

2 Peter 3:18 Instead, continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Messiah. Glory belongs to him both now and on that eternal day! Amen.

 Christians should never stand still, we are either growing or backsliding.  What can we do.  Peter tells us: 

2 Peter 1:5-6 For this very reason, you must make every effort to supplement your faith with moral character, your moral character with knowledge,  (6)  your knowledge with self-control, your self-control with endurance, your endurance with godliness, 

2 Peter 1:7-8 your godliness with brotherly kindness, and your brotherly kindness with love.  (8)  For if you possess these qualities, and if they continue to increase among you, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in attaining a full knowledge of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah. 

2 Peter 1:9-10 For the person who lacks these qualities is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing that he has received from his past sins. (10)  So then, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election certain, for if you keep on doing this you will never fail. 

Why do pastors and members after years of services have moral failures and some even renouncing their faith.  Probably, first had a prayer failure due to their complacency in Christ.

We must seek God always, continually, praying about everything at all times  

Luke 21:36 So be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to take your stand in the presence of the Son of Man." 

We must seek him new every day if we are to finish the race strong. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith.  (8)  The victor's crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing. 

Contentment in Christ is one of the main goals for the Christian. 

Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have embraced it yet. But this one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14)  I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus. 

Laying aside the past, we should strains forward, looking to the future. Eagerly we seeks the goal. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses {angels?} surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us,  (2)  fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus the Messiah!  (58)  Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that the work that you do for the Lord isn't wasted. 

Weariness Complacency, however, is truly dangerous for the Christian. Let’s pray the Holy Spirit will protect us from the dangers of living in the past while forgetting God in the present. 

2 Corinthians 11:27-28 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.  (28)  Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 

Apostle Paul falls into weariness. 

The only cure to weariness is a passionate pursuit of Jesus Christ through prayer. 

Remember: person who endures to the end will be saved. 

So keep pressing on to the ultimate goal, be change in the future to spirit being! The sacrifices we have made this lifetime will be worth it. Be encouraged! God’s word is powerful and life changing, and Lord Jesus promises to complete the work he has started in us.

Suffering in this life as a Christian August 13, 2022

 

Suffering in this life as a Christian                             August 13, 2022

 

Luke tells us 

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." 

What are tribulations which could be translated from Strong’s to mean:  pressure, afflicted, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation or trouble 

Apostle Paul says suffering can be mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.

 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 In every way we're troubled but not crushed, frustrated but not in despair,  (9)  persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. 

Apostle Paul says church and members are there to help and encourage each other when needed. 

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

When we suffer, experience first hand and this equips us for the ministry for Lord Jesus. 

2 Corinthians 1:4 who {Jesus} comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

For those of us who call the United States home, we have; for the most part; lived a life of religious freedom. We have not had to fear for our death, health, or our family as we have worshiped Lord Jesus in some safety. 

This is not the case in other areas of the world. I read about a pastor in India whose skin is scarred from an acid attack. In Nigeria, Christians are regularly killed for their faith by Muslims. In some parts of the Middle East, you can be murdered by your own family if you profess Christ.

Muslim man in North Texas is in trial for killing his 2 daughters. 

Religious freedom, is what makes American great. It covers all people equally; Christians, Jews, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. Religious freedom preserves America’s diversity, where people of different faiths, worldviews, and beliefs can peacefully live together without fear of punishment from the government. 

In some ways, even the freedom of religion in our country feels like it is slipping away slowly, as “cancel culture” seems to take ever-greater precedence over the First Amendment. 

It feels like to me we’re entering a new era in the United States, where there will be a cost to following Lord Jesus. 

This is nothing new, of course. Approximately 2,000 years ago, shortly after Jesus physically walked the roads of Jerusalem, Christians were already suffering for His name. 

In 1 Peter 4:12-19, we are told how we should respond when the world attacks us for our faith. 

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal {Persecution} that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 

Apparently Peter’s readers were astonished that they had to suffer as Christians, especially to the extent that they were suffering. The Greek word translated fiery trial here was also used to speak of the intense fire that burned away impurities in metals 

1 Peter 1:6-7 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  (7)  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith; of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire; may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

 

 

2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

 

1 Peter 2:19-21 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.  (20)  But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.  (21)  To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

 

2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 

·      Trials refers to ordeals that we encounter in life rather than those things that would induce us to sin. 

·      Note that no one particular problem is in view here, but rather all the testing’s of life;  Little things add up, not plan on 

·      As Christians, we must expect sufferings (v. 12). Peter advises us to expect and anticipate suffering. It is unavoidable.  Wicked people are watching all the time. 

We occasionally act like we should get a free pass because we’re Christians; even questioning God’s goodness when bad things happen; but God promised that difficulties would come our way. 

Jesus says, 

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  {with the Holy Spirit we have peace} 

If God promised us that we’re going to go through hard times, we shouldn’t be surprised when it happens. 

1 Peter 4:13-14 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  (14)  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.   {Baal worship-example of the Commonwealth games at Birmingham, England opening ceremony} 

We can rejoice when we go through trials. It sounds odd to say we can rejoice during suffering, but there are several reasons why we should: 

First, we can rejoice because when we suffer we are identified with Jesus Christ. This is exactly what the disciples did 

Acts 5:40-41 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  (41)  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.    {what type of flogging} 

Second, we can rejoice because we share in God’s glory. Just as we suffer with Him, we will also share in God’s glory when He returns in the near future. 

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 

Finally, we can rejoice because when we are reviled, insulted, persecuted or mocked, God’s Spirit will rest on us. 

Again

1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

1 Peter 4:15-16 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.  (16)  However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

 Our suffering will be a result of following Christ. We often want to play the victim, and claim we are being attacked when we’ve actually brought the suffering onto ourselves by our own actions (and it has nothing to do with our faith). 

There are consequences for our sin. If you are a thief or a gossip, you brought the punishment upon yourself. 

Peter makes it clear that we should not suffer in that way, because—as followers of Christ—we should live a life set apart for Him. Rather, we will suffer the wrath of the world because of our faith. 

1 Peter 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

 

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 

1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 

We should glorify God in our suffering. We are not to be ashamed if we suffer for Christ. Rather, Peter instructs us to glorify God instead. 

Why? Because the suffering we endure on this earth in our service to Christ pales in comparison to the hope of eternity that awaits us in World Tomorrow in the future.    

1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 

On the other hand, “those who do not obey the gospel of God” must still face judgment. 

1 Peter 4:18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 

No one deserves to be saved, and no one is able to be saved by his or her good works. Since everyone deserves to die because of their sins, the fact that anyone is saved is solely the result of God’s grace

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through “faith;” and this is not from yourselves, it is the “gift” of God; (9)  not by works, so that no one can boast.

 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus {Holy Spirit / spirit in man” to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

These passages is summed up in in vs. 19, which says 

1 Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.  {good means well doing, helping}

 Christians are to entrust their very lives to God, especially in the midst of suffering, always recognizing that He is the faithful Creator who is in control of all things. God never gives us more than we can handle 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 

Everything He does always has a good purpose, that God wants done 

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 We are not promised an easy and carefree life as followers of Jesus. Rather, we are promised that we will experience a “fiery trial;” maybe several trials. 

There is a cost to following Jesus, which Peter knew well. 

How will we respond when this happens? 

We will face pain in this life, especially as followers of Jesus, but the reward of our change to Spirit Beings far outweighs the sorrows for now. 

And finally, let’s end with some positive Scriptures 

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed (52)  in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.  (53)  For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  (14)  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 

 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  (18)  Therefore encourage one another with these words.