Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | The body, and the Head of the body | Col 1:24 | Makarios | 45046 | ||
Greetings Cheryl, Did you read my Answer in which I posted the list from Thompson's Chain Notes? I believe that those notes will lead us into a better understanding of what is meant by Biblically suffering for Christ. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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2 | The body, and the Head of the body | Col 1:24 | LuckyCharm | 45061 | ||
I did read most of those references, Makarios. Which of them in particular do you feel bring to bear on this question? --Cheryl |
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3 | The body, and the Head of the body | Col 1:24 | Makarios | 45065 | ||
Well, this does happen to be your question! :-) Did you perceive that most of the Scripture references in the Thompson's Chain Topics supported all of the examples that you have previously cited? For me, for me to "suffer for Christ", it is much different. I do not perceive losing a job or the consequences of my own sin as being included in the sufferings or afflictions of Christ. Most of all that has to do with my own stupidity and flaws as a human being. But I do know that whenever I am perceived negatively or rejected on the basis of my Christianity, then yes, I see that as a bit of what we are talking about. But I cannot and will not hold Christ responsible for my own shortcomings and for those things that I knew better than to do. Christ is not responsible for my sin, I alone am. And I must truly humble myself and say the same thing about my sin that He does. And since I have sworn complete allegiance to Christ, then I must also endure the spite of Satan and this world, which, in turn, causes Christians to be wary, even though Christians are not directed to offer spite in return for these 'sufferings.' These and other thoughts of mine help me to better define what suffering for Christ is and how that should be separated from that which I have brought upon myself, all by myself. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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4 | Suffering for Christ's sake | Col 1:24 | LuckyCharm | 45071 | ||
Thank you, Makarios, for your further thoughts. So, one could not legitimately suffer "for Christ's sake" the following ills: 1) A serious illness 2) Death of a family member 3) Natural disaster Since all of these cannot be suffered in holiness, must we then rant and rail against them? --Cheryl |
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5 | Suffering for Christ's sake | Col 1:24 | Biynah | 45075 | ||
A serious illness, the death of a family member, and natural disaster are all perils that we face as a result of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. To rant and rail against them is of no good consequence. If you are saved under grace then you are a member of the Kingdom of God. You are dead to the things of this world (of whom the prince of this world has power) therefore the prince of this world no longer has power over you. The only reason the prince of this world (satan) no longer has power over you is because your hope is in the New Kingdom you are now a part of. Whether we live or die, whether in sickness or in health, whether we suffer a natural catastrophe our hope lies beyond these things and have eternal consequences. If we rant and rail against these things how does this glorify God? God alone gives us peace through these ordeals. He gives us strength. And when the non believers see the peace and strength provided by God in us -- they desire it -- and you are therefore a testimony unto them. but if you rant and rail against it -- what better are we than they? We demonstrate there is no hope just as they feel hopeless. The answer is to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Can you feel sorrow, ofcourse. Can you feel pain, naturally. But God alone gives the peace that passes all understanding. And here is the key to that peace. We know what our end shall be -- eternal life with Christ our King. | ||||||