This blog is dedicated to encouraging people to both read and heed (obey) the Bible. It is intended as a place to turn for encouragement and helpful suggestions regarding the reading of God's Word.
In I Peter 3 and 4 Peter writes a lot about Christian suffering. It is a topic that is not very popular in many circles today. Why is it that Christians have to suffer? Since we belong to the Lord, wouldn't it make sense that He would keep us from suffering? Yet that is not what He does at all, in fact He tells us that we should expect to suffer as believers.
The fact is, suffering in relation to our Christian walk actually serves to shape and purify us, as we read in I Peter 1:6,7 "In this you greatly rejoice though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Yes we are tested in the flames of suffering at times, but these things only refine our faith, making it shine all the brighter in the darkness of the world in which we live.
Getting close to the end of the New Testament, Revelations is just around the corner! Really looking forward to reading the book that promises a blessing to all those who read! How about everyone else?
Well, it looks I missed a chapter on the New Testament portion of our reading for this week. You can either add it yourself now, or wait for me to add it to next weeks reading. We'll be doing six chapters in the New Testament next week so that we stay on track.
In I Peter 3 and 4 Peter writes a lot about Christian suffering. It is a topic that is not very popular in many circles today. Why is it that Christians have to suffer? Since we belong to the Lord, wouldn't it make sense that He would keep us from suffering? Yet that is not what He does at all, in fact He tells us that we should expect to suffer as believers.
ReplyDeleteThe fact is, suffering in relation to our Christian walk actually serves to shape and purify us, as we read in I Peter 1:6,7 "In this you greatly rejoice though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Yes we are tested in the flames of suffering at times, but these things only refine our faith, making it shine all the brighter in the darkness of the world in which we live.
Getting close to the end of the New Testament, Revelations is just around the corner! Really looking forward to reading the book that promises a blessing to all those who read! How about everyone else?
ReplyDeleteWell, it looks I missed a chapter on the New Testament portion of our reading for this week. You can either add it yourself now, or wait for me to add it to next weeks reading. We'll be doing six chapters in the New Testament next week so that we stay on track.
ReplyDelete