ARE YOU REALLY PERSECUTED?

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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.


Yesterday we looked at persecution against believers and we can say that many of us believers are not really experiencing persecution.


How do we know this?


We ask ourselves, what exactly have we suffered because of our faith? There lies our answer.


We saw also from scriptures that we cannot say we are persecuted when we suffer from doing the wrong things, NO! It is the recompense of our actions, we hold no one responsible for that but ourselves. That lie must be taken off our minds.


So does it mean we are not serious in our faith and service to God? Not really, it only implies that we have the grace to enjoy walking with Him with less hindrance than for others. This then means that we have no excuse not to live the faith life and be a good example.


Understand that up till this time, many are yet persecuted for their faith. Some have been restricted from many benefits, some are physically assaulted, some imprisoned and others killed. All because of what some of us can freely practice based on where we reside.


It is our duty to remember those brethren in prayer day after day, not just praying for mundane and carnal things for ourselves and our families but to intercede for our brethren who are not privileged to enjoy freedom to serve God where they are.


So we are inexcusable, if we do not serve God and live examplary lives.


Christ said:


Matthew 5:13-15

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.


Some have left the important things to worry about what to eat and what to wear. Christ said:


Matthew 6:25,27-28

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,


Let us come to our gatherings. If there was persecution do you think all these prosperity and carnal preachers would still have a relevant sermon or gathering. Because there is no persecution that is why they do not teach the word of God anymore but hype people about wealth and material things and some go as far as doing fake miracles. No, don't fall or be trapped under this foolishness.


Listen dear ministers, you are not persecuted when you are asked to account for money you received or for actions you have done that is not backed up by scriptures. Neither are you persecuted when you give false prophesies or teach unscriptural messages and you are called to order. You can also be called to order if you do wrong, God is no respecter of persons. Who exactly are you? Can we stop all that nonsense!


We in the comfort zone should be supporting those in difficult regions that they may not lose faith but be encouraged as they face persecution because of their faith. Instead we are competing among ourselves about size of meeting areas, number of members and who is greater than the other. This is foolishness.


Look at how Paul ran ministry,


He told the church who had plenty to help those who were in need.


2 Corinthians 8:13-14

Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.

Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.


We must get this right, else we will keep numbers but no true believer. Selah


So brethren, what is stopping you from serving God, from having a good relationship with Him and being a good example wherever you go? Are you being persecuted? The Lord is watching over you, don't give up, don't lose faith, you are not alone.


Are you being mocked for your faith, don't give in, those who mock you are those to be pitied.


Are you being lied against and set up for evil because of your faith, know that He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. You will win.


Victory is sure for the believer. 


Glory to God.


PRAYER

Loving Father keep me strong and faithful to You no matter what comes my way. I know You are there for me so I will not be afraid. You will strengthen me for myself and also for other believers. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher.

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