MATURE AND COMPLETE, WITHOUT FEAR

April 21         Mature and Complete, Without Fear                                       2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”    (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Troubled, oppressed, tormented and harassed, with the “Truth,” far from our sight, while the evil of this present age, continues to, seemingly, flourish, so what are we to do?  We are challenged, as we continue to witness and to be the Bright Light for the cause of Christ.  Dear friends, the environment is not going to suddenly get better, until Jesus returns to claim His own, so, do not be discouraged and do not be in despair!  As Paul proclaimed; “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”  We are to hang on and keep looking to Jesus, to deal with the insanity of the present age and to be true and effective witnesses for Jesus!  Listen to the words of James:  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials, of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”          (James 1:2-4 NIV)  We have to remember that THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME, WE ARE JUST PASSING THROUGH!!!  When you see this world, through the perspective of God’s Holy Word, it is chaotic and evil and makes no common sense!  Friends, keep looking to Jesus and keep claiming His Promises and Power and His Amazing Grace!  I cannot change the way that things are, in our present day, however, I can make a difference, one soul at a time!  You see, I know that there is coming a day when the proclamation of God’s word will be a criminal offence and the sharing of Jesus and His Grace will be an offence to the prevailing evil that will be in control.  I envision, in days to come, that God’s Holy Word will be considered “Hate Speech,” because it sheds a bright light on the evil activities of the age.  Am I fearful, as the day approaches?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  I AM THE SON OF THE KING, WHO IS NOT MOVED BY THIS EVIL AND SINFUL WORLD. FOR MY GOD IS WITH ME AND HE GOES BEFORE ME, I DO NOT FEAR BECAUSE I AM HIS!!! Keep Growing, Keep Sharing, Keep Believing and NEVER, EVER, stop serving!!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND UNDENIABLY, YET TO BE!!