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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
Many believers in Jesus Christ, particularly in comfortable western society, have great difficulty in accepting the inevitability of persecution.
It is not easy to come to terms with being ridiculed, rejected, overlooked, ignored, or worse, and this can cause people to become fearful, or make compromises.
In many nations, persecution of believers in Jesus Christ is exceedingly painful.
Disciples are attacked as they leave worship services. Buildings are destroyed. Arrests are frequent. Imprisonment can be lengthy.
From the beginning, whenever a man has identified himself closely with Jesus Christ, he has been confronted with opposition to some degree.
Peter and John were imprisoned in that Jerusalem jail a few hours after Jesus had baptised them in the Holy Spirit.
Paul, and his colleagues, knew how costly it was to follow Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. Circumstances have not changed.
These men had that durability and perseverance to remain faithful to their calling, to the end. Their inspiration and strength came from God the Holy Spirit.
There is an enemy of God, who will do whatever he can to resist God, and those who belong to God, through Jesus Christ.
Once a man understands this reality, his witness can become sharper and his stand for truth firmer.
The Reformers in Scotland were no strangers to violent opposition. How might we fare today if we had to face what they had to face?
Men schemed and persecuted and crucified Christ, because they did not know God the Father, and Jesus taught so clearly that if they did that to Me, they will do similar things to you.
Christians are not going to be accepted by others.
Be, and become strong, now, in order to resist the pressures, subtle or otherwise, which appear to be increasing.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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