2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

 

The Apostle Paul wrote much of what we know as the New Testament. He suffered great persecution during his 35 years of ministry. In his many letters, he reflects on these times and makes sure the reader knows that through it all, God never left him. On the contrary, the Lord delivered him from danger time and time again.

 

The delivering Power of God is a huge part of Paul’s testimony. To young Timothy, he wrote, But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:10-15)

 

People today who are truly living for Christ and preaching the true Gospel of Christ, are coming under great persecution. As the Apostle Paul wrote, there are many false apostles out there and we must use our Gift of Discernment and test every spirit. But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of Righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

 

We too will suffer persecution when we take a strong stand for Christ. Satan sends his demons to try to destroy us and take our ministry away. but like Paul, the Lord will deliver us when we keep our eyes fixed on Him and His Finished Work on the Cross.

 

Please read these words of Paul again: But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

Continue in the Word. God is about to…..…….turn the tide!

 

Standing strong and trusting the Lord,         Doreen

 

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