- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 11,642
Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 KJV
Dishonest sellers have long used the “bait and switch,” a technique that draws customers in with the promise of a great deal. Then they’re either sold an inferior product or pressured to buy something more expensive. God never deals like that.
To be sure, He “advertises” an amazing offer—salvation from sin, membership in His family eternity in glory with Him, all for free through faith in Jesus. But there are some terms alongside the deal, and God is very up front about them.
Paul and Barnabas spoke the hard truth of today’s scripture to believers in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. Jesus Himself warned, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33)—and His life certainly proved that. Peter wrote, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (1 Peter 2:21-22).
As a Bible-believing, self-and sin-denying Christian in today’s culture, you’ll be branded a weirdo at the least. But you’ve been warned. God has not tried to trick you in any way.
If He’s so honest about the negative side of following Jesus, don’t you think He’s being truthful about the benefits?
Prayer: Lord God, You’ve said that following Jesus would be difficult—but that You would provide strength and protection. Please keep me faithful no matter what.
Dishonest sellers have long used the “bait and switch,” a technique that draws customers in with the promise of a great deal. Then they’re either sold an inferior product or pressured to buy something more expensive. God never deals like that.
To be sure, He “advertises” an amazing offer—salvation from sin, membership in His family eternity in glory with Him, all for free through faith in Jesus. But there are some terms alongside the deal, and God is very up front about them.
Paul and Barnabas spoke the hard truth of today’s scripture to believers in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. Jesus Himself warned, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33)—and His life certainly proved that. Peter wrote, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (1 Peter 2:21-22).
As a Bible-believing, self-and sin-denying Christian in today’s culture, you’ll be branded a weirdo at the least. But you’ve been warned. God has not tried to trick you in any way.
If He’s so honest about the negative side of following Jesus, don’t you think He’s being truthful about the benefits?
Prayer: Lord God, You’ve said that following Jesus would be difficult—but that You would provide strength and protection. Please keep me faithful no matter what.
