"And we know we are going to get what's coming to us--an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with Him!" Romans 8:17 (Message)
Modern Christianity sadly, in many ways reflects greedy and selfish humanity rather than the awesome and eternal glory of the kingdom of heaven.
Let me explain. We all want a better life. We all want to take the easy way. We rarely want to be placed in a position of being challenged to change thus suffering pain and sometimes even anguish. Some modern Christian philosophers preach an ’easy to handle’ gospel and if it doesn't go your way, give up or run away to find someone who will stroke you whispering, “there, there.”
In the Bible, we see a ‘straight down the line’ Gospel that preaches that we are to share in the sufferings of Christ! But you might say that Christ did that for us. Yes He did but that is His act of saving grace. Now we are called to live the saved life which is not popular, not humanistic and not struggle-free. Jesus tells us in John 16:33 “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." This tells me that If I am to share in the blessings and glory of my Master, I will face tough times in this life.
My caution to you is when you are promised a ‘better life’ in Christ, be sure you find out what that better life is. Any life other than one under the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a mere compromise!
May the Lord bless you,
Love from your pastor, Daren.
Back
