tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303844666411630028.post6529805974438006935..comments2023-06-10T08:14:23.379-05:00Comments on University of Jesus: Tug of WarDennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09083818184293565219noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303844666411630028.post-45275764348442642812009-01-29T11:36:00.000-06:002009-01-29T11:36:00.000-06:00Many expect the world to persecute. The world do...Many expect the world to persecute. The world doesn’t understand, they can’t. Jesus said of the Spirit of truth “The world cannot accept him, because neither sees him nor knows him.” (John 14:17) <BR/><BR/>Jesus also said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)<BR/><BR/>Yet many of the persecutions we face come from within the church. (Remember, one of Jesus’ own disciples betrayed Him.) <BR/><BR/>As well, persecution can come from one’s own family (remember, this also happened to Jesus – Mt 12:46-50)<BR/><BR/>These are what seem to hurt and discourage the most, when you are trying to stand up for Jesus and one’s family – either spiritual brothers and sisters or physical family – persecute and falsely accuse. <BR/><BR/>While this can be discouraging, it is times like these we are to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:2 It is a growing process “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:3 and leads to maturity “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 and also leads to reward “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12<BR/><BR/>These times are difficult. James 1 almost sounds like a cliché answer. Family is important. Christian families should know better. These times are trying – remember that Jesus faced the same. One way to persevere is to remember that even in these times of trials, we are becoming like the Teacher. It’s not often a sought after attribute to becoming like Christ through trials – but Paul says “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection form the dead.”<BR/><BR/>I’m trying to search for words of comfort for these incredibly tough times… draw near to Him, lean on His understanding, and the promise that He will never leave you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com