John 15
As Jesus continues to speak to the disciples ("The Twelve"), in the "Upper Room" during the "Last Supper", He encourages (v18-25) them to remain strong in their faith, regardless of the external/worldly challenges they may feel.
At least a couple of key points. We belong not to the world but to Jesus and His eternal kingdom (v19). This is where our identity lies and it implies that our lives should express who we are and it should be clear to others who we are. We are to be a light. This includes our response to hate, persecution, and intolerance, as our response should encourage others to seek God (see also v21) - the implication of Jesus' words are that people treat believers with intolerance in part because they don't know God.
Stephen's prayer to God (Acts 7:59-60) upon his stoning is a great example. Perhaps this left a mark on Saul (Paul).
On the subject of intolerance and persecution, although the context of this video is the approaching end times, John Piper We should respond in love. Piper uses 1 Peter 4 and the entire chapter is a great read on how we should respond to suffering and difficulty.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who helps me stand firm in my faith - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of all the blessings You pour out on me. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. v21
As Jesus continues to speak to the disciples ("The Twelve"), in the "Upper Room" during the "Last Supper", He encourages (v18-25) them to remain strong in their faith, regardless of the external/worldly challenges they may feel.
At least a couple of key points. We belong not to the world but to Jesus and His eternal kingdom (v19). This is where our identity lies and it implies that our lives should express who we are and it should be clear to others who we are. We are to be a light. This includes our response to hate, persecution, and intolerance, as our response should encourage others to seek God (see also v21) - the implication of Jesus' words are that people treat believers with intolerance in part because they don't know God.
Stephen's prayer to God (Acts 7:59-60) upon his stoning is a great example. Perhaps this left a mark on Saul (Paul).
On the subject of intolerance and persecution, although the context of this video is the approaching end times, John Piper We should respond in love. Piper uses 1 Peter 4 and the entire chapter is a great read on how we should respond to suffering and difficulty.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who helps me stand firm in my faith - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of all the blessings You pour out on me. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
