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Appointed unto Afflictions |
Dear Brethren,
Jesus Christ said that as we near the
very end-time, religious persecution, family betrayal, spiritual deception, tribulation
and falling away from the love of God would be the norm, rather than the exception.
Years ago, when we were first called, did any of us expect that we would get to the year
2011 before Christ returned? Why has this age gone on for so much longer than we
expected? Why have we had to see the Church dwindle to a small flock? There
must be a reason. What has God been accomplishing during these twenty-five years –
the period between Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong's death and now? What are we to be
learning?
It seems that it was not so difficult
to live our faith when we were first called and first believed. True, most of us had
to deal with work issues, relatives and friends who thought we were foolish for
joining an organization that met on Saturday and rejected their holidays. But after
that, we were surrounded by like-minded brethren and we could see the tangible results of
The Work. We did not know it back then, but God knew there were many among us who
had not put Him and His Way first.
Many people who attended with us were
coasting or were never really with the program. Jesus told His disciples that there
would be an end-time sorting out. "Let both the wheat and the tares grow together
until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye
together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into
my barn." (Matthew 13:30) That time of testing is now. Jesus Christ
needs to test each of us, individually, to see where we stand. We still have more
spiritual battles to fight.
Have you encountered the sentiment
among some of God’s people that if you get sick or have a trial in your life – it must be
because of a hidden sin in your life? Does God send trials and afflictions on His
people because they are evil? Let’s understand that our chastening is an act of
God’s love. Our God is a loving God. He is a loving Father, and as such
He withholds no good thing from His children (Psalm 84:11). And, as a loving
Father, He is raising us up in the way we should go. Behold, I have refined thee,
but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”
(Isaiah 48:10)
Paul quotes Proverbs 3 when he says:
You have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My
son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art
rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges
every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Like many early Christians who died
for their faith, are you willing in these last days to face poverty, persecution, prison
and even martyrdom for the sake of His Word? (John 16:2-3) Are we willing to suffer
affliction, or do we always have to have it good? Paul spoke of those faithful
Christians who were, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the
people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” (Hebrews 11:25)
...We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience.”
(Romans 5:3)
As we study through the epistles, we
see this theme of trials and afflictions played out over and over in the lives of the
early Church brethren. Let's admit that our pains and sufferings of today pale
into insignificance when we compare them to the afflictions that the early Church
endured – we have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin as they
did (Hebrews 12:4). Look at these references that Paul makes to the Thessalonians:
"You became followers of us,
and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of
the Holy Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 1:6) "But even after that we had
suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye
know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much
contention." (1 Thessalonians 2:2)"For ye, brethren, became followers of
the churches of God in Judaea, which are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have
suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [the brethren in
Judaea] have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets,
and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all
men." (1 Thessalonians 2:14-15)
Do not think that it is out of place
when we suffer afflictions – especially, when they come about as a result of putting our
faith into practice. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery
trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But
rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be
revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Let's understand that Christians are
not called into a life of ease - we are appointed unto afflictions:
"That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know
that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we
told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to
pass, and ye know." (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)Those who stand for God and His
Truth, the righteous, will be hated, persecuted and sometimes killed. All who
live righteously will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
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Sermon: "Appointed unto Afflictions"
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