Fiery Trials

Fiery Trials

February 15, 2024

For those who think that becoming a Born Again Christian will put you on “Easy Street,” think again. Jesus didn’t come as an escape from life, but as a rescuer to get us through life. If some “preachers” try to sell you on how to gain material wealth by sending them your money, recognize their deceitful ruse. They are not carrying messages from God…

God provides a whole new take on defining wealth as “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Yes. God provides for our needs and necessities by opening doors of employment, for example. He doesn’t provide extravagance.

It might be a hike, alright, but consider the beautiful view when we get there!

Anyway, here is an excerpt from the Bible, Peter writing to Believers:

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:12–18)