DEAR SMYRNA: KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING (2 OF 7)
by Bob Ingle
Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11
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Dear Smyrna: Keep Doing What You're Doing (2 of 7)
Series: 7 Letters
Bob Ingle
Revelation 2:8-11
Turn to Revelation 2. Let me ask you this: What is the worst thing that's ever happened to you because you are a Christian? That's probably an odd question for many of us, and a difficult question to answer because we don't think in terms of what has been done to us because of Christ and our faith. We tend to think about what Jesus has done for us, not about what He's cost us, right? But the bible makes very clear in lots of ways that if your Christian faith isn't costing you something it's probably because it's not worth anything.
2 Timothy 3:12 says, ''Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.''
In some ways, the evidence of your Christianity is not what it pays you but what it costs you. Persecution isn't just for those in China and North Korea. It's not reserved for pastors and missionaries. It's part of the overall Christian package. When you buy a new car, it has both standard equipment and options. In the Christian life, persecution isn't an option; it is standard equipment. Real Christianity has persecution purposely built into it. So, if you are not experiencing any pain or persecution in any way for being a Christian it's probably because you aren't doing it right.
A reporter once asked former Cowboy quarterback Roger Staubach how he could keep playing despite all of his injuries. Roger Staubach said, ''If you're not playing hurt, you're not playing football.'' Listen, if you are not suffering to some degree or hurting in some way for your Christian faith then you must not be posing much of a threat to Satan and his purposes.
Listen, Jesus didn't preach a prosperity gospel; He preached a ''persecution gospel.'' Matthew 5:10-12, ''Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of e ...
Series: 7 Letters
Bob Ingle
Revelation 2:8-11
Turn to Revelation 2. Let me ask you this: What is the worst thing that's ever happened to you because you are a Christian? That's probably an odd question for many of us, and a difficult question to answer because we don't think in terms of what has been done to us because of Christ and our faith. We tend to think about what Jesus has done for us, not about what He's cost us, right? But the bible makes very clear in lots of ways that if your Christian faith isn't costing you something it's probably because it's not worth anything.
2 Timothy 3:12 says, ''Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.''
In some ways, the evidence of your Christianity is not what it pays you but what it costs you. Persecution isn't just for those in China and North Korea. It's not reserved for pastors and missionaries. It's part of the overall Christian package. When you buy a new car, it has both standard equipment and options. In the Christian life, persecution isn't an option; it is standard equipment. Real Christianity has persecution purposely built into it. So, if you are not experiencing any pain or persecution in any way for being a Christian it's probably because you aren't doing it right.
A reporter once asked former Cowboy quarterback Roger Staubach how he could keep playing despite all of his injuries. Roger Staubach said, ''If you're not playing hurt, you're not playing football.'' Listen, if you are not suffering to some degree or hurting in some way for your Christian faith then you must not be posing much of a threat to Satan and his purposes.
Listen, Jesus didn't preach a prosperity gospel; He preached a ''persecution gospel.'' Matthew 5:10-12, ''Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of e ...
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