Are we promised a life of prosperity? 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Philippians 1:27-29

   Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!  

  Is life with Christ a gentle, breezy, pleasant walk through a trail in the woods where the fragrant of beautiful flowers loom?  Well, lets look at some scriptures.  Yesterday Pastor gave an excellent sermon on this and I will try to relate some of what was conveyed.

  Paul is talking to Timothy, Paul's son in faith, and sharing this message. Read 10-11 first:

2 Timothy 3: 10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 

    In Lystra Paul had been stoned and left for dead which is only 1 incident of many Paul endured. Then Paul continues on to tell Timothy the LORD rescued him, and then something that relates to us as well in verse 12.

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

  Paul told Timothy that people who obey God and live for Christ will be persecuted.  Don't be surprised when people misunderstand, criticize, and even try to hurt you because of what you believe and how you live. Don't give up. Continue to live as you know you should.  God is the only one you need to please.  We cannot be as the University of Michigan Medical school students did and walk out on a Pro-Life speaker.  Only a handful did, and these are people who are supposed to help preserve life. Wowsers!!!

 We must live as citizens of heaven  Paul encourages us, the believers, to be united, stand side by side, and fight together for the faith. 

Now take a look at Philippians 1:  27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.  

  Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ.  We do not by nature consider suffering a privilege. Suffering for Christ has these benefits: (1) it takes our eyes off earthly comforts; (2) it weeds out the superficial believers; (3) ones who endure experience strengthened faith; (4) and it serves as an example of those who may follow us.

   When we suffer in our faith it does not mean we did anything wrong; it actually shows that we are being faithful. Suffering does, indeed, build character.  

29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

    Are you willing, today, to suffer for Christ?  This is a difficult question to ponder and consider.  Our knee-jerk reaction is YES; but, when it comes down to the actual time or situation........Will we????  Thanks for reading.  Our pastor is a great inspiration if you have a chance to visit.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny