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NASB | Acts 8:2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 8:2 ¶ Some devout men buried Stephen, and mourned greatly over him [expressing a personal sense of loss]. |
Subject: The Suffering of the Church |
Bible Note: Dear Mike, The Bible tells us throughout it's Holy text that the discipline and suffering of the saint's decreed by God is for our good. The story of Joseph rings out this truth in his reply to his brethren when they were frightened of his reproach for their evil deeds. Mans intentions are evil. God in his sovereignty, disciplines us for our good. " But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? "As for you, you meant evil against me, [but] God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." Gen 50:19-21 Joseph learned this lesson well, as should we. And again the writer of Hebrews says: "and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom [his] father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Hebrews 12:5-8 Not that it says: "HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES" There are many, many such texts throughout the Bible that teach us about God working in the lives of His own through suffering. Though suffering comes our way -by God's sovereign decree and perfect decisions- God does not do evil. This concept of all suffering being evil that you have is of man, and not God. Where did you learn these things? The Bible in no way teaches us that suffering received from God is evil. And He is indeed in charge of all things. To say otherwise diminishes His sovereign power, disparages Christ, and elevates man. John |