2 Corinthians 1:8-11 ESV “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not … Continue reading Learning to Rely on God
Christian persecution
The Church Under Fire Book
I have been reading in the book of Acts for a little while now, and I have been reading about the persecutions of Paul, and the Lord has been reminding me of some of the difficult experiences I have had in my life, in the way of persecutions, and of how many of those parallel … Continue reading The Church Under Fire Book
Hear My Case
I am now reading in Acts 25. The Apostle Paul was being held in custody under the authority of the governor Felix. And during this time, Felix would visit him on occasion and would listen to Paul sharing about his faith. And this went on for two years, and then Felix was succeeded by Porcius … Continue reading Hear My Case
Mutual Encouragement a Blessing
1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 ESV “Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves … Continue reading Mutual Encouragement a Blessing
And You Did Not Dance
Matthew 11:7-11 NIV “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are … Continue reading And You Did Not Dance
Being Treated as an Enemy
Galatians 4:8-9 ESV “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves … Continue reading Being Treated as an Enemy
Served to Advance the Gospel
Philippians 1:12-14,18b-20 ESV “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord … Continue reading Served to Advance the Gospel
The Schemes of the Devil
Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic … Continue reading The Schemes of the Devil
Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake
Matthew 10:16-22 ESV “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to … Continue reading Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake
If What I Said is Wrong
Jesus Christ, the Son of God (and God) had just been betrayed by one of his closest companions, Judas, who turned him over to the authorities to be arrested and to be put on trial, as though he was guilty of committing a crime. And so Judas came with a detachment of soldiers and some … Continue reading If What I Said is Wrong
Run With It 