Filed under: christian living

Stand up, Stand Firm

From November 22, 2010

Matthew 16:21 ...that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law.

Matthew 16:24-28  The Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdome."

Paraphrase v.24-28 Those who follow him will go through the same thing he did.

 

Here, as well as other places in the Bible, it mentions how we will go through the same things that Christ has gone through. I found it interesting that it only mentions the "religious" people that will be doing the persecution; the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law.

 

I think this brings up an important fact: our persecution for standing firm on what we believe, as long as it's backed by Biblical truth, won't come only from the "World" but from the "religious" as well. I believe this is the hardest type of persecution to endure. But Christ said this would happen and that eh would be with us and that we should not fear. We should not stay silent on account of our age, or how long we've been saved, but if we see unsound doctrine being taught, a brother stumbling, or any other act that could hinder the spreading of the Gospel we should ALWAYS speak up no matter what others think, whether of the World or of the Faith.

 

Lord, I pray that you give me the strength, as well as the insight to speak up when appropriate, as well as wisdom and understanding. I also pray that your words are spoken through me, and not my own ideas and "religious" thinking.

Good Fruit

From November 22, 2010

 

Matthew 12:33  "A tree is identified by it's fruit. If a tree is good, it's fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, it's fruit will be bad."

 

Just like the fig tree Jesus uses the parable to explain how our actions show the world who we are. There is no in between here, with good and bad fruit mixed together. If we are true believers, our actions will speak louder than we ever can.

 

What are my fruits telling others about me? I should be living a life full of good fruit. Even when the winds of circumstances blow, my fruit should be strong and hold fast.

 

Lord, help me to bear good fruit. I want to SHOW others your love and change.