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NASB | 1 Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name. |
Subject: How Far Are We To Suffer For Christ? |
Bible Note: "True it is," said the bishop, "that death is bitter, and life is sweet; but alas! consider that the death to come is more bitter, and the life to come is more sweet." -- http://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/fox116.htm And then not long after speaking those words, John Hooper spent near 45 minutes in the fire before he would finally yield his life. He trusted in Jesus to the end because he knew what was to come. What he suffered here and now couldn’t compare to what he looked forward to and knew. Our trust, our faith, is to be in Christ, not our riches. Your friends need to know that money or wealth is not necessarily the bad thing, unless in fact they set it up as an idol which from your description seems evident, or of course they are obtaining it through sinful measures. Continuing to do that and refusing to abide in Christ has consequences far more dire than simply having a ruined life here in this world. Wouldn’t you agree? Much rather to suffer here than eternally. Have you spoken of the grace of God with your friends? Have you informed them what riches are in store for them with faith in Jesus? Have you pointed them to the Word that actually has the power to help them? They just need turn to Him. Now is that time. Mark 10:23 -30: 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” Stand in His grace, WOS |