Matthew 10: 34-42
Story & Lessons
You may be puzzled by the statement of the Lord Jesus recorded in verse 34: How could the Prince of Peace who blesses peacemakers bring division rather than peace?
It is because many people hate Christ and His gospel.
A Christian may find that his own family members become his greatest enemies as long as he remains faithful to Christ.
When faced with such pressure, should a believer turn back from following Christ?
No! Our supreme allegiance must be to our Savior who loves us and who gave Himself for us!
Some Christians alienate their families through lack of wisdom and a neglect of duties at home. This should not be!
When a person becomes a Christian, they should become a better husband, better wife, better son or daughter than they were before their conversion.
Jesus said,"He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
Taking up the cross means making difficult choices which may lead to suffering, shame and persecution for Christ and His kingdom.
It means letting go of pride so that we are not ashamed of Jesus.
It means denying ourselves and submitting to the Lordship of Christ.
If Jesus is not Lord of all in our life, He is not Lord at all!
It may appear that we are losing our life with all its freedom and joys, but this is not true.
Self-denial does not bring misery, but great liberation and joy as we follow the Lord.
The world may despise us and any work that we do in Christ's name but the Lord never forgets what we do for Him.
He sees us and He will reward us for seemingly insignificant acts of love and service.
Have we taken up our cross to follow Christ?
If we have not, we are not worthy of the name Christian!
Story & Lessons
You may be puzzled by the statement of the Lord Jesus recorded in verse 34: How could the Prince of Peace who blesses peacemakers bring division rather than peace?
It is because many people hate Christ and His gospel.
A Christian may find that his own family members become his greatest enemies as long as he remains faithful to Christ.
When faced with such pressure, should a believer turn back from following Christ?
No! Our supreme allegiance must be to our Savior who loves us and who gave Himself for us!
Some Christians alienate their families through lack of wisdom and a neglect of duties at home. This should not be!
When a person becomes a Christian, they should become a better husband, better wife, better son or daughter than they were before their conversion.
Jesus said,"He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
Taking up the cross means making difficult choices which may lead to suffering, shame and persecution for Christ and His kingdom.
It means letting go of pride so that we are not ashamed of Jesus.
It means denying ourselves and submitting to the Lordship of Christ.
If Jesus is not Lord of all in our life, He is not Lord at all!
It may appear that we are losing our life with all its freedom and joys, but this is not true.
Self-denial does not bring misery, but great liberation and joy as we follow the Lord.
The world may despise us and any work that we do in Christ's name but the Lord never forgets what we do for Him.
He sees us and He will reward us for seemingly insignificant acts of love and service.
Have we taken up our cross to follow Christ?
If we have not, we are not worthy of the name Christian!
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