Tag: persecution
Biblical Principle #103: God Allows Suffering for the Greater Good
Biblical Principles List Principle God allows temporary suffering for the greater collective good. Explanation GOD knows everything, including the future. GOD loves us and wants what is best for us. GOD has the power to do anything and everything. Because GOD has complete knowledge and the power to do anything, His love motivates Him to…
The Cost of Following Jesus (Loving GOD More than Friends and Family)
Jesus clearly stated, repeatedly, that there is a price to be paid for following Him. He told His disciples: 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to…
The Popularity Paradox (Effectively Reaching Lost People without Compromising Truth)
Today I read a newspaper article discussing how a particular denomination is wrestling with certain decisions pertaining to their heritage—things like whether they should change their name or drop their denomination’s name from their title entirely, past strong political ties and turmoil over race-related issues. The article I’m referring to was written by a pastor…
December 25 – Run While Looking at Jesus
Reading Heb. 10:19-13:25 Devotional Having explained why Jesus is superior to the old covenant, the Hebrew writer reminds his fellow Christians how they need to live. We need to draw near to GOD, and think about one another, how we can encourage each other to love and good deeds. And GOD wants us to continue…
December 21 – Your Redemption Payment
Reading 1 Pet. 1:1-5:14 Devotional The apostle Peter wrote two letters which are included in the New Testament. Peter is believed to have died in 64 A.D., which would mean that his two letters were written sometime before then. Peter was familiar with Paul’s writings and Peter’s first letter is addressed to GOD’s elect scattered…
December 16 – Philippians: Always Rejoice
Reading Phil. 1:1-4:23 Devotional The fourth letter that Paul wrote while under house arrest in Rome was to the Christians in Philippi. The Philippians were one of the first congregations that Paul started when he preached the gospel there in the region of Macedonia. The Philippians had contributed money and other supplies to Paul’s needs…
December 12 – Paul before Felix, Festus and Agrippa
Reading Acts 24:1-26:32 Devotional Now in custody of the Roman governor Felix, Paul defended himself against accusations by the chief priests, elders and teachers of the Law. Felix was very familiar with Christianity, referred to in the text as “the Way,” and he ordered Paul kept in prison for two years. Thankfully, Paul was allowed…
December 9 – Practical Life Lessons
Reading Rom. 12:1-16:27 Devotional Today’s reading concludes Paul’s letter to the Romans. These chapters are filled with very helpful, practical wisdom from GOD. Let’s consider some of these principles for today’s devotional: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and…
November 23 – Jesus Calls Saul of Tarsus
Reading Acts 8:1b-9:31 Devotional On the day that Stephen was killed there arose a great persecution against the Christians in Jerusalem. Everyone except the apostles fled Jerusalem to the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. Saul of Tarsus was a key part of those persecuting the Christians. He went into Christians’ homes and dragged off…
November 21 – Persecution of Christians Begins; the Church Grows
Reading Acts 3:1-6:7 Devotional One day Peter and John healed a crippled beggar outside one of the gates of the temple court. The man got and leaped and jumped around, praising GOD. Everyone recognized the man and were amazed at what happened to him. A crowd gathered there as people realized what happened, and Peter…