The path with Christ to glory runs through sufferingJohn Farley
Pastor-Teacher Sunday, July 12, 2015 Basic Training Bible Ministries is led by Gene Cunningham with his wife Nancy as his support and companion. Their mission includes evangelism and the training of pastors and workers in remote regions of the world. Gene has been instrumental in establishing Bible schools in Africa, India and Papua New Guinea. Nancy holds classes for the pastors' wives. She has also developed Bible schools for children in both India and Papa New Guinea. They also conduct missions training camps in North America and Australia to train others to do the same. The path with Christ to glory runs through suffering. Rom 8:16-17
How do we handle the suffering that we undergo for the sake of Christ? 1 Peter tells us what to do when we share the sufferings of Christ. Being slandered by unbelievers you come in contact with, including former friends (1Pe 2:11-12; 1Pe 4:3-4) The ignorance of foolish men (1Pe 2:13-15) Unreasonable bosses (1Pe 2:18) Unbelieving husbands (1Pe 3:1) Joh 15:18-20 Here “the world” is simply the society of unbelievers. 1Jo 3:13 How do we handle these things? Arm yourself with the same purpose that Christ armed Himself with when He was suffering for us. REDEMPTION! The redemption of the very people who are slandering and persecuting us! In 1 Peter, the setting is suffering for the cause of Christ, but … the commands are to display the qualities of Christ: love, obedience, patient endurance, kindness, humility, self-control. 1Pe 2:19-20 When you suffer abuse and do not retaliate, you may open a door in the hearts of unbelievers to hear you out. This is the purpose behind God allowing you to suffer in this way for the cause of Christ! 1Pe 3:8-18 We just keep our eyes on the ball of doing what is right. God will take care of the rest. 1Co 4:11-13 2Th 1:3-10 1Pe 4:7-19 Rom 8:16-17 Suffering SO THAT. Suffering with Christ has a RESULT. Suffering with Christ is a necessary prelude to glory with Christ. The path with Christ to glory runs through suffering. Rom 5:1-5
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