Login





  

Why Tribulation?

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." - Philippians 1:29

Home  More Pastoral Messages...   More Web Articles...

By: J. Surmi
6/22/2014 12:00:00 AM


Is there a suffering that is according to the will of God? Persecution against the people of God is proof that their lives are being made holy and that the Spirit of Christ is resting mightily upon them. To be a church that is filled with the life of Christ is a costly endeavor. That which is of great value comes at great cost. Is knowing Christ of such value and worth to you that any suffering in this life is really but a momentary and light affliction? Words are cheap. Our love for the Lord must be and will be tested in order to prove what we truly value.

When we value Christ with such passion, then tribulation and persecution become something we aspire to - it becomes our calling - and we find great joy because in the end we gain Christ. This part of the gospel has been ignored and undervalued. Many in the church have forgotten that "...unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29). Suffering for Christ is a great calling that belongs to every believer that has truly confessed Christ as Savior and Lord.

We will only overcome in these last days if we have learned to truly love not our lives unto the death. May this message help and inspire you unto that end. Amen.

Click the Download Message link above to download this audio message as an MP3.




Home  More Pastoral Messages...   More Web Articles...