A life changed by the power of the Holy Spirit is the only one that can hold the ideas of the Kingdom of God.
See the story of twelve ordinary people. At the time when Jesus called them they were neither well-known nor scholarly. Nevertheless, with Jesus’ teaching they shook the entire world with the message of the Kingdom of God. If you allow Jesus’ teaching in your life you will see wonders. Jesus is the greatest teacher of all time.
Jesus did not teach or send apostles out thinking that they would have an easy time. (note disciples means learners while apostles means sent out after learning) He did not deceive them about the difficulties they would meet. Rather, He explained clearly that they must expect to suffer great hardships. See Matthew 10:6–16, Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: The kindom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it, if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust of your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on that day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. See also verses 19–22, But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Jesus prepares His disciples to seek treasures in heaven. What do you see around you today?
Jesus used a story from the Old Testament to illustrate how they must expect some to reject them. Genesis 19 tells the story of Abraham’s nephew, Lot. Two entire cities were destroyed because the people refused to listen to Lot’s warnings, this symbolized the judgment of God upon those who refused the message of the Kingdom of God.
In Acts of Apostles 14:22, the apostles Paul said, "We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" Also see Matthew 10:22, All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Conclusion. How do the kinds of persecution or hardships mentioned in the scripture show themselves today in your life, in the lives of your friends, in the church and in churches in other parts of the world? Hope this Jesus’ teaching will help you most to face hardships or persecution and opposition.
Trust the Holy Spirit. May we be guided on what to do or say when we are confronted by people who accuse us.
May you be assisted by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
See the story of twelve ordinary people. At the time when Jesus called them they were neither well-known nor scholarly. Nevertheless, with Jesus’ teaching they shook the entire world with the message of the Kingdom of God. If you allow Jesus’ teaching in your life you will see wonders. Jesus is the greatest teacher of all time.
Jesus did not teach or send apostles out thinking that they would have an easy time. (note disciples means learners while apostles means sent out after learning) He did not deceive them about the difficulties they would meet. Rather, He explained clearly that they must expect to suffer great hardships. See Matthew 10:6–16, Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: The kindom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it, if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust of your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on that day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. See also verses 19–22, But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Jesus prepares His disciples to seek treasures in heaven. What do you see around you today?
Jesus used a story from the Old Testament to illustrate how they must expect some to reject them. Genesis 19 tells the story of Abraham’s nephew, Lot. Two entire cities were destroyed because the people refused to listen to Lot’s warnings, this symbolized the judgment of God upon those who refused the message of the Kingdom of God.
In Acts of Apostles 14:22, the apostles Paul said, "We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" Also see Matthew 10:22, All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Conclusion. How do the kinds of persecution or hardships mentioned in the scripture show themselves today in your life, in the lives of your friends, in the church and in churches in other parts of the world? Hope this Jesus’ teaching will help you most to face hardships or persecution and opposition.
Trust the Holy Spirit. May we be guided on what to do or say when we are confronted by people who accuse us.
May you be assisted by the Holy Spirit. Amen.