09-10-2007, 12:00 PM
Sorry I missed posting this yesterday ... :blush: :post: forgive ...:confused::love:
Text Scripture John 15:20 ...
''If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.''
Watchtower comments ...
''Satan resists the preaching work in any way he can, and human rulers do not acknowledge Christ's God-given authority. (Ps. 2:1-3, 6-8) Christ's followers, therefore, find themselves in a spiritual warfare that puts their loyalty to a test. (2 Cor. 10:3-5, Eph. 6:10-12) Nevertheless, subjects of God's Kingdom remain loyal to their invisible King without disrespecting human authorities. (Titus 3:1,2) Jesus stated: ''Pay back Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God.'' (Mark 12:13-17) Christ's subjects, therefore obey governmental laws that do not conflict with God's laws. (Ro. 13:1-7) However, when the Jewish high court went against God's laws by ordering Jesus disciples to stop preaching, they firmly but respectfully said they had to ''obey God as ruler rather than men.'' They provide a fine example for Christians today in facing similar tests of their loyalty.'' --Acts 1:8; 5:27-32. w/5/06 15,16
My quick thought ... for I have to put up 'today's' ya know ... :P :read:
It isn't 'just' because of the 'preaching' work that Christians are persecuted IMHO ... it is because they ARE 'Christians' ... that they identify themselves with God and Christ as well ...
Someone who seeks to serve God by trying to live by BIBLE principles can be laughed at ... scorned at ... and even persecuted in the 'physical' sense ... some to the sad (and yet happy) point of having their life taken away TEMPORARILY ... just as Jesus was persecuted by all three means as well ...:(:crybaby:
Jesus loved :heartbeat: his heavenly Father SO MUCH and he loved :heartbeat: US :grouphug: SO MUCH ... he was willing to go through ANYTHING to prove this love ... knowing the BEAUTIFUL RESULTS :rose: far outweighed the temporary pain be it physical or emotional ...:(
May we strive to have the 'mind of Christ' ... may we see it as a cause for REJOICING ... a PROOFING of our love and devotion to God and Christ ... and may we come off victorious just as he did!!:thumbsup: :peace:
Love to all ... :heartbeat::grouphug:
Now I will try to put up today's text ... :post: :giverose:
a sheeepish ... :redface: BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:
Text Scripture John 15:20 ...
''If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.''
Watchtower comments ...
''Satan resists the preaching work in any way he can, and human rulers do not acknowledge Christ's God-given authority. (Ps. 2:1-3, 6-8) Christ's followers, therefore, find themselves in a spiritual warfare that puts their loyalty to a test. (2 Cor. 10:3-5, Eph. 6:10-12) Nevertheless, subjects of God's Kingdom remain loyal to their invisible King without disrespecting human authorities. (Titus 3:1,2) Jesus stated: ''Pay back Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God.'' (Mark 12:13-17) Christ's subjects, therefore obey governmental laws that do not conflict with God's laws. (Ro. 13:1-7) However, when the Jewish high court went against God's laws by ordering Jesus disciples to stop preaching, they firmly but respectfully said they had to ''obey God as ruler rather than men.'' They provide a fine example for Christians today in facing similar tests of their loyalty.'' --Acts 1:8; 5:27-32. w/5/06 15,16
My quick thought ... for I have to put up 'today's' ya know ... :P :read:
It isn't 'just' because of the 'preaching' work that Christians are persecuted IMHO ... it is because they ARE 'Christians' ... that they identify themselves with God and Christ as well ...
Someone who seeks to serve God by trying to live by BIBLE principles can be laughed at ... scorned at ... and even persecuted in the 'physical' sense ... some to the sad (and yet happy) point of having their life taken away TEMPORARILY ... just as Jesus was persecuted by all three means as well ...:(:crybaby:
Jesus loved :heartbeat: his heavenly Father SO MUCH and he loved :heartbeat: US :grouphug: SO MUCH ... he was willing to go through ANYTHING to prove this love ... knowing the BEAUTIFUL RESULTS :rose: far outweighed the temporary pain be it physical or emotional ...:(
May we strive to have the 'mind of Christ' ... may we see it as a cause for REJOICING ... a PROOFING of our love and devotion to God and Christ ... and may we come off victorious just as he did!!:thumbsup: :peace:
Love to all ... :heartbeat::grouphug:
Now I will try to put up today's text ... :post: :giverose:
a sheeepish ... :redface: BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts: