"So," they say, "nobody's perfect!"
But the Vinedresser won't buy that.
Given the opportunity, He will trim the unproductive suckers and shape the branches so each one will bask in Sonlight.

Friday, March 08, 2013

“Christian”

Christianos means "Christ-follower." How the use of that word has changed since Luke first used it in Acts 11:26. Now it is largely a generic term for anyone associated, however loosely, with the religion of that name. Far be it from any "Christian" to suffer for that name today, as we have become a religious country-club rather than extensions of God's power for salvation.

That is exactly why Christians have historically suffered for Christ’s name; the world doesn’t want to be saved, and would rather kill anyone who stands between them and perdition.

Would I be willing to suffer or die for Christ’s Name? I’d like to think so, but as I’ve seldom even been ridiculed for it, I honestly don’t know. Personally, I’d prefer to avoid even viewing pictures depicting Christians suffering and dying for their Lord, but that’s a preference of my residual fleshly nature, which, I pray, my Savior will eventually eradicate as He continues my sanctification. If that process takes me toward torture and death, I pray for His Holy Spirit to uphold me through it.

One thing I know with certainty: God is faithful.

 

 

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