By
Coach Dave Daubenmire
April 10, 2014
NewsWithViews.com
Everybody wants to follow Jesus until they find out where He is going.
He is going to a cross. And He asks you to pick up yours and follow him. Daily. Luke 9:23-26
What has your faith cost you?
Christianity American Style comes on the cheap. We live in one of the few nations on the planet where you can serve a God who wants to “bless you.” American Style Christianity would not be able to be marketed in most places on the globe.
In fact, in many countries around the world Christianity is dangerous business. It is likely to cost you your life.
But should we be surprised? Isn't that what Jesus warned us? “For whosever shall save his life shall lose it. But whosever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Lose your life? Are you kidding?
So much for “Your Best Life Now.” Only in America can that message be sold.
What has your faith cost you?
I just googled Christian persecution around the world. Here is what I came up with. Spend some time searching these websites.
Those poor Christians around the world. If only they had been smart enough to be American none of this would have happened to them. They didn't understand that God had not appointed them unto wrath.
American Christianity is sweet...loving...prosperous. How could the rest of the world have gotten it so wrong?
I don't mean to bore you with Scripture, but for those who might be curious here are a few verses you might want to consider in regards to your own purpose driven life.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor. 4:8-11
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. John 15:9
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matt. 5:10-12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12
I know...I know...I wish they weren't in the Bible as well.
But here in the good ole U S of A we think persecution is when your co-worker says something mean to you...or when we can't put a manger scene on the courthouse lawn...or when they make you take down your picture of Jesus in your cubicle at work...or when your credit card is maxed out...or when Obama forces you to pay for birth control...
Really, now, what has your faith cost you?
Give the book of Acts a good read. The New Testament Church was birthed out of conflict. The preaching of the Gospel was a costly venture. Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament...most of it from jail. The Gospel cost all of the Apostles their lives...except for John. He merely got boiled in oil.
What is your faith costing you?
All across America Christians are calling for God to intervene in this sinful nation. Unborn babies are being slaughtered. Pornography is the most lucrative business in the world. Marriage is under attack. The Gay Mafia is bullying their way to power. Jesus is thrown out of the schools. Chrislam is the new religion. The Federal Government is the most un-Christian corporation in America. “Conservatives” support the killing of the innocent in the name of “democracy.” Our dollar is worthless. Our President is the Son of Satan. Lies rule the day.
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WWJD? In His day He took a whip and cleared the temple. He spoke out against the religious leaders. He died standing up for what He believed.
What did Paul do? Why he followed Jesus' example. He spoke the Truth. He rebuked the leadership. He loved not His own life. He became a bondservant of Christ. It cost him everything. He urged us to do likewise.
“Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ,” he exhorted us.
“Preach the Word. Be instant in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift your voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgression...”
WWJD? He would send you.
What has your faith cost you?
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� 2014 Dave Daubenmire - All Rights Reserved
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