Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…..
Romans 5:1-6

War on ChristiansEvery time I listen to the news, read a newspaper, use social media have a chat on a street corner, I can’t avoid hearing of all four corners of the global being in war or turmoil. The super powers posturing at each other, but more specifically religious factions fighting and oppressing other religious groups. In particular, atrocities to the Christian community. Executions, genocides and  physical and mental persecution . Throughout the world it is becoming politically incorrect, even dangerous, to proclaim Jesus. I was reading an article by the Vicar of Baghdad requesting prayer because of the beheading of Christians. And just for split second, no longer, I wondered why is God allowing his “Church” to be persecuted, and perhaps diminished.

So what does it say in the scriptures. “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:8) – God’s Church will prevail, so no matter how it looks, even with Hades worst scheming, God’s Church will prevail. Not forgetting Jesus said “It is finished” (John 18:30) Jesus has already won against Satan, and these are just the dying grumblings of a defeated foe, who is bound (Rev 20:2) and can only whisper lies at us, as he is the king of lies. And we glory in our suffering for we know hope does not disappoint us (Romans 5:1-5 (ish)) So is our response is to stand and praise God for his sovereign blessings to us! After all Jesus told us to expect things like these (Matthew 24:1-16), but his victory is no less sure. Praise God!! and be sure no-one deceives you.

So I say again do we glory in our suffering! YES! Jesus has won the battle for us. We, who believe in him, are ultimatley safe and have eternal life with Jesus at the right hand of God, no matter what the world throws at us. Eternity with God is our hope and hope does not disappoint us. So yes we can glory in our suffering, because of Jesus’s death and resurrection. Praise him.

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