4 posts tagged “persecution”

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

Nov 15, 2009
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FAITH AND PATIENCE

Read Hebrews 5 - 6

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NKJV

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In the midst of persecution both physical and spiritual, these Hebrew believers need assurance. Some doubted their salvation, perhaps because of the areas where they felt so weak. This letter is an assurance that they have a high priest in Jesus Christ who already paid the price for their sins. Those who continue to go back to the beginning and renew their salvation “crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:6 NKJV

Instead, they (and we) must press on in patience toward spiritual maturity. “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.”(6:9) We should not be discouraged because “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (6:10)

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Lord, I pray that you will help me and the members of my family and church as we grow toward maturity in the things that matter. Help our spirit of apathy when things become difficult and keep us true to Your Word.

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And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12

SAUL

Nov 9, 2008
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WHO ARE YOU LORD?

Read Acts 8:1–3; 9:1–22

Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Acts 8:2-3 NIV

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The day that Stephen was martyred, a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem. The young man, Saul, asked for official approval to go to Damascus, and arrest any who belonged to "the Way," whether men or women. (9:2)

Saul did this believing that he had God's approval as well. Later he would say, "I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians1:14) On his way to Damascus, this fiery zealous young man had a massive change of heart. He met Jesus who said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" His immediate response was, "Who are you, Lord?" (Acts 9:4–5)

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Dear Jesus, You are the One who knows men's hearts. Help me to believe that even those who seem to oppose the gospel may have a heart that is searching, and when You speak to them, they will recognize Your voice, because they are Your chosen ones.

* * *

"God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles… "

Galatians 1:15-16a NIV

WE MUST OBEY GOD

Oct 31, 2008
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THE APOSTLES IMPRISONED

Read Acts 5:12–32

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him . . . laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. Acts 5:17-18 NKJV

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Through the preaching of Spirit-filled apostles, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. (5:14 NIV) The result was that the High Priest and other Sadducees were filled with jealousy, and had them arrested. After a miraculous escape from prison, the apostles were again taken to the High Priest who said, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,…yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching…" Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! (5:28-29 NIV)

One of the most convincing proofs of the power of the Holy Spirit was the courage of these ordinary uneducated men. But with God's help, they became extraordinary witnesses for the kingdom.

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Lord, I pray that You will give this ordinary woman an extraordinary filling of Your Spirit today. Help me to keep eternal values in view as I do my daily tasks, and try to love my family and other people as You love me.

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Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5:42 NIV

PERSEVERANCE

Jul 16, 2008
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[42]

SALT AND LIGHT

* * *

Read Matthew 5:1–16

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned…" Matthew 5:13 NKJV

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Jesus referred to His disciples as the salt of the earth. Salt is used for seasoning and also for preservation to prevent spoilage. There came a point in Jesus ministry, as He began to reveal who He was, that many of his disciples fell away. They did not have the preserving salt in them that was necessary to be a disciple of Christ.

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The Christian life would not be easy – the early church would suffer persecution. Their light would truly shine before men as they stood up for what they believed. This would take genuine faith, not just an outward profession.

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Lord, give me the faith I need to persevere even when things are difficult. May my attitude be one that glorifies the Lord I serve. Give our family the presence of Your Holy Spirit as You have promised for those who ask. Lead us in Your perfect will.

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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NKJV