DO YOU HAVE A CASE?

 Acts 19:23,26,37

About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way.

But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province!

You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess.

From the beginning Christ told us (believers) that we will have conflict with the world, the reason is not far fetched:

John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.

The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.

They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.

Peter emphasizes it here:

1 Peter 4:14-16

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

So suffering for Christ sake is good and should be expected, we are encouraged to rejoice in that type of suffering. Remember the beatitudes, Christ said:

Matthew 5:11-12

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

How many so called ministers, elders, pastors whatever the title, are persecuted for Christ sake in these times? How many?

Instead they do wrong and when they are corrected, or it is pointed out to them, they become defensive and want to convert it to persecution. Hello, it is persecution when you do the right thing and you are attacked not the other way round.

You live a lavish lifestyle while those you ought to cater for, are hungry or suffering. No you should be beaten with rods.

You abuse people put under your care, you have no part in God's kingdom.

Matthew 24:45-51

“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.

If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.

But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?

The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Sometimes you wonder who these charlatans worship? Of course not the Heavenly Father, they give a bad name to true ministers making their ministry difficult, hey, their end is almost here.

All of us who are believers must maintain good deeds, for it is our nature. We must never be found guilty of doing wrong, NEVER!

So help us Good Lord.

Why are you persecuted?

Is it for good things, or are you calling the wrong case?

Lord keep us on the right part.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher.