|
 advertisement
|
"For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us safely home to God…." (1 Peter 3:17-18).
"Some women, through faith, received their dead loved ones back again from death: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection. Some were laughed at and their backs cut open with whips, and others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning and some by being sawed in two; others were promised freedom if they would renounce their faith, then were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in dens and caves. They were hungry and sick and ill-treated- too good for this world. And these men of faith, though they trusted God and won His approval, none of them received all that God had promised them; for God wanted them to wait and share the even better rewards that were prepared for us" (Heb. 11:35-40).
"Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, you must have the same attitude He did; you must be ready to suffer too" (1 Peter 4:1).
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified" (1 Peter 4:12-14)
"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter 4:16) "So, if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you" (1 Peter 4:19).
The Lord said "…there will be a time of special persecution…..for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony (But as a result, the Messiah will be widely known and honoured" (Luke 21:12-13).
