Posted on 03/16/2022 2:57:49 PM PDT by metmom
“‘Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you’” (Matthew 5:10–12).
Our Lord’s teaching on the beatitudes climaxes with this great and sobering truth: those who faithfully live according to the first seven beatitudes are guaranteed at some point to experience the eighth. Godliness generates hostility and antagonism from the world. Holy people are singularly blessed, but they pay a price for it.
However, persecution is one of the surest and most tangible evidences of salvation. If we never experience ridicule, criticism, or rejection because of our faith, we have reason to examine the genuineness of it. “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me” (Phil. 1:29–30).
To live a redeemed life to its fullest is to invite and expect resentment and reaction from the world. When Christians are not persecuted in some way by society, it generally means they are reflecting rather than confronting that society. And when we please the world, we can be sure that we grieve the Lord (cf. James 4:4; 1 John 2:15–17). Make sure you are living apart from the world and its allurements.
Ask Yourself
How do you experience persecution in your life, perhaps at work, within your family (including parents and in-laws), or among the various people you routinely associate with? How do you typically respond to it—if not directly, at least in the thoughts you entertain?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
I’d answer question 1 with being separated from.Eden because mankind doesn’t see God’s way, and the slavery therein.
2..tell folks Christ is above what we understand and lives here inside all now..
If we seek the living Lord , Eden returns by his ways..he loves us enough to.tell us when we have no idea, even though it pains him in person and creation.
He loves us enough to Jumpstart the earth with his spilled blood from our sins, not this group or religion are right, all have fallen short, not said to beat us up, but to level our vision with humility..
Point our way home, through the commandments as street lights for the soul..in Jesus name
And sometimes just posting a thread that mentions Jesus or His Promises brings about Persecution here on FR.
No small wonder!
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