Category: Christian Blog

 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed 2 Timothy 3:12-14 (ESV)

 

Persecution is inevitable for anyone who desires to follow after Christ Jesus. Whether that come in the form of physical torture as is the case of many dear Christians around the world or it be a psychological, societal persecution. Persecution comes in addition to all the trials and tribulations that we face because we are living in a broken world. Persecution is the direct attacks that come when we stand for the truth of the gospel and the principles laid out in the Bible. Here in the United States, at least for the most part at this time; it is the psychological, societal persecution. It creeps into our sensitive hearts of love; because, we certainly don’t want to offend others. We coil back and compromise the truth, thinking that perhaps by doing so we might blend in better to win others to Christ. Then, as we compromise and blend in; Christ is no longer seen. How do we stand for Christ in a Gracious, loving way? That is what we must learn and that is precisely what Paul exemplified in his life and now urged Timothy to follow.

Continue reading “How to Endure Persecution in The World with Grace”

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom^[a] you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (ESV)

 

We live in a world that would tell us that we should lay aside our Bibles as antiquated and not able to fit within our modern society. We are asked to compromise and worry so much more about “the feelings” of others. We are told that we must lay aside any absolutes for the sake of being “politically correct”. The same was certainly true in Paul’s day as well. Throughout the ages of time God has preserved and protected that word which was His Word to the people. No other book written has that power. I may rely upon study and prayer to write; but, my words are merely that–my words. The only truth that cannot be altered is God’s own words as were given to specific men chosen by God to write His word and preserved by God throughout the ages.

Continue reading “Where in The World Can Life Transforming Truth Be Found?”

 

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

 

What are the greatest perils that we face? Is it terrorism, violence, financial loss, illness; natural disasters, or could it be something much subtler? Often our greatest peril as followers of Jesus Christ slips in hardly noticed at first, eases into our hearts and minds as we go about our day. We listen to all the voices of so many around us, urging us to compromise. They urge us to believe that the truth is “there is no truth” and all are right in their own thoughts; yet, are they not themselves urging us to believe in this alien truth. We see the world turning around us, urging us to believe that unless we lower our moral convictions we must be bigots or haters. Yet, the very ones proclaiming this hate rhetoric despise us for any convictions we might have. They say all should have the freedom to voice their thoughts and live their lives by what they believe; unless, perchance you stand on moral principles as taught in the scripture–then your voice should be silenced.

Continue reading “How to Not Be Deceived by Visions of This World”

And the Lord’s servant must not be a man of strife: he must be kind to all, ready and able to teach: he must have patience and the ability gently to correct those who oppose his message. He must always bear in mind the possibility that God will give them a different outlook, and that they may come to know the truth. They may come to their senses and be rescued from the power of the devil by the servant of the Lord and set to work for God’s purposes. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (PHILLIPS)

 

How do you stand for the truth of the gospel; yet, not allow yourself to be drawn into strife? Paul, sitting in a dungeon and awaiting his own execution for preaching the gospel; is urging Timothy to patiently, gently teach the truth to those who oppose the gospel. We are not to get drawn into angry discussions; nor, bitter disputes over the word. Yes, we are to be passionate as to the truth that there is no other way of salvation but through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior; however, we are not to do so with anger or violence. We are to do just that through selfless acts of kindness, living a life that demonstrates our faith, and through cultivating our own ability to listen very closely to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Why is this so important? We must recognize that everyone we meet has an eternal soul that either will spend eternity in the presence of God or eternally in darkness. Paul said, “bear in mind the possibility that God will give them a different outlook, and that they may come to know the truth.”

Continue reading “How to Become a Really Effective Messenger of Truth”

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)

 

This life is filled with great trials and sorrows. Our hearts are torn by fears, rejections, illness, pain, death of those whom we love,  and even misunderstandings amongst those whom we have poured out our heart and soul to. Paul knew this all too well as he wrote this letter to Timothy. Many whom Paul had taught now turned their backs on him. How do you tell someone to march on teaching the gospel of Christ when you know for a certainty that will lead to pain, suffering, and great sorrow in this life? Where does that persevering strength come from when storms are swirling around us? Yet, Paul knew even now when his own execution was imminent; that there was no other mission of greater importance than this–to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of a Savior.

Continue reading “HOW TO STAND STRONG IN GRACE NO MATTER WHAT”