In the past several discussions, highlights have been made of what it
costs to be a Christian. The fellow who follows Christ will have prices
to pay for that decision, which is at the instance of the devil to make
him turn back.
In the next several weeks, we shall be looking into the life of some people who have stayed with God and paid sacrifices for their decision in what I have titled "Cloud of Witnesses"
We shall be able to see that trials, temptations, ordeals, afflictions, adversaries, or whatever name anyone calls it, is as old as man himself.
The Scripture is full of witnesses of those who yielded and those who did not yield to their temptations. It is full of witnesses of those who endured their trials (afflictions) and those who did not. They are all for our encouragement and edification.
It is not impossible that there is someone reading this piece, who is going through some trials of his faith, the verses below should encourage you.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won't become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin" (Heb.12:1-3)
"Take my brethren, the prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an example of suffering, affliction and of patience. We know how happy they are now because they stayed true to Him then, even though they suffered greatly for it. Job is an example of a man who continued to trust the Lord in sorrow; from his experiences, we can see how the Lord's plan finally ended in good, for He is full of tenderness and mercy" (James 5:10-11).
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…." (1Cor 10:13). i.e. "No one has a temptation or trial that is peculiar to him, which can be said to be new and different, which no one has ever experienced. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before".
"Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9).
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (1 Peter 4:12).
"For we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb 4:15) READ MORE....
In the next several weeks, we shall be looking into the life of some people who have stayed with God and paid sacrifices for their decision in what I have titled "Cloud of Witnesses"
We shall be able to see that trials, temptations, ordeals, afflictions, adversaries, or whatever name anyone calls it, is as old as man himself.
The Scripture is full of witnesses of those who yielded and those who did not yield to their temptations. It is full of witnesses of those who endured their trials (afflictions) and those who did not. They are all for our encouragement and edification.
It is not impossible that there is someone reading this piece, who is going through some trials of his faith, the verses below should encourage you.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won't become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin" (Heb.12:1-3)
"Take my brethren, the prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an example of suffering, affliction and of patience. We know how happy they are now because they stayed true to Him then, even though they suffered greatly for it. Job is an example of a man who continued to trust the Lord in sorrow; from his experiences, we can see how the Lord's plan finally ended in good, for He is full of tenderness and mercy" (James 5:10-11).
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…." (1Cor 10:13). i.e. "No one has a temptation or trial that is peculiar to him, which can be said to be new and different, which no one has ever experienced. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before".
"Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9).
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (1 Peter 4:12).
"For we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb 4:15) READ MORE....
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