First Generation - 1 Peter 4:19

1 Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (NIV)

The First Christians must have been a very strong, faithful generation. They persevered through times of unjust persecution and cruel suffering in order to maintain the Church. We are the heirs of their endurance, but are we worthy of such a blessing?

When I read of Christians supposedly being persecuted in our country, I know it is exaggerated. We complain vehemently when we are challenged or inconvenienced because some of us aggressively want things to happen according to our beliefs, our standing, and in our time. It makes me wonder if the First Christians are looking down on us from Heaven and shaking their heads. They would consider our complaints paltry compared to what they had to endure.

Faith, during truly hard times, can comfort us but it was and is never meant to make us comfortable. As C. S. Lewis once wrote: “I didn't go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don't recommend Christianity.”

Application: How uncomfortable is my faith?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us the truth about ourselves and make us more aware of the hardships that having faith implies. Keep us from complaining about trivial things and constantly remind us of the sacrifices and suffering of Your people in the past. In your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship each Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings based on Christ’s teaching. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Cross.

A Great Sacrifice - Hebrews 7:27

Hebrews 7:27 Unlike the other high priests, Christ does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself. (NIV)

Most of us make sacrifices for our loved ones whether they be our partners, parents, children, or friends. We give up something important to show how special our loved ones mean to us. This is exactly what Jesus did when He sacrificed Himself on the Cross at Calvary. You see, for centuries, God’s people had relied on animal and grain sacrifices to appease God’s anger and receive His mercy. But because the people constantly sinned, they had to constantly keep sacrificing.

When Jesus sacrificed Himself, He gave His people the greatest gift of all, for who could top the sacrifice of God’s Holy Son? And this wonderful blessing was expanded and shared with the entire world for all of history. This means that we also can have our sins forgiven and be reconciled to God no matter who we are or what we have ever done.

Application: Think about the worst thing that you have ever done. Ask God to forgive you in Christ’s Name. Receive God’s grace through Jesus and begin your life with His love again.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the Cross. We can never repay the debt that we owe You, but we can praise You forever for doing this. In Your Sacred Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship each Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called ‘Heaven Came Down.’. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Heaven.