Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of GOD resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify GOD on this behalf. (1Pe 4:12-16)
The evil and calamity of this broken and dying world is temporary, but for those in Christ, the promise of Glory and our presence with our Lord is eternal. We are to look to eternal things and not temporary, for those who do not know Him, who have never received Him through repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, their eternity will be spent separated from GOD and suffering eternal punishment for sIn. We have all been judged by GOD and guilty of death. But GOD took our punishment upon Himself that we might live, not only in eternity with Him, but as a new creature in Christ, the eternal and abundant life we were meant to live in Him and through Him. That is the message of Hope which we are to preach and proclaim to all who will hear.
Those of us who are in Christ are to walk in Him in holiness and obedience to His Word that we might shine in this world as His children, ambassadors for the Kingdom and ministers of reconciliation, called to serve those around us who are hurting and in need as GOD blesses us and provides for us to do His will and accomplish His work while we sojourn here in this lost and dying world. His Church is commanded to love one another and disciple one another, perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ as we grow in knowledge of Him who first loved us. GOD has commissioned the people of GOD to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world, in the power of the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance, and as we go, proclaim the Good News of forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with the Father, that those who repent and believe in Him 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 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