Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. (2Ti 1:8-12)
Being Christ-like will cost us in this world, and GOD has never promised otherwise, but He will never leave us nor forsake us. No matter how 'bad' we perceive things to be while we are here, we must remember that this world is not our home, for we are just pilgrims and strangers here. Our Home is with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who is our life, our Creator, our Redeemer, and our King. His grace has saved us, His mercy sustains us, and His power equips us to persevere while we remain sojourners in, but not of, this sinful and broken world until He returns and receives us unto Himself that we may be with Him where He is.
Until that day, we are to remain in Him and He in us, to accomplish His work and will in this lost and dying world. As His ambassadors, we are to represent our King, ministering to those around us who are hurting and in need that they may see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. As His disciples, we are to love one another as Christ loved us, and disciple one another in the Word of GOD until we all grow up into the full measure of Him with whom we have to do. As His witnesses, we are to share the Good News of forgiveness and grace with all we meet, and as we go in the power and at the direction of His Spirit, we tell all who will hear of reconciliation with the Father through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that those who repent and believe might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet