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Kim Davis Jailed for Faith! Courtesy CBS News |
The Apostle Paul spent a lot of time in prison. Surely he had ample time to think seriously about his relationship to God and whether the chains he found himself in meant anything of real worth. Do you think Paul thought it was it really worth it? Why didn't he just QUIT?
In one epistle and as a minister of the gospel he recounts his painful and trying service for Jesus to those false teachers who liked to boast in their exploits for their own glory (cp. 2 Corinthians 11:18-20). He states that if he were to stoop to their level of boasting he could say:
"...in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?" (2 Corinthians 11:23-29 NKJV)
But notice why Paul stood:
1) His deep concern for all the churches
2) To get the truth out so new believers would not stumble in deception.
In all things Paul knew he had to make a stand for Jesus. It's just what true believers do.


12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. Philippians 1:12-18

To God be the Glory. "The Sifted Generation" continues...
Soon Jesus will be coming. When He finds you would you rather be found in jail for standing for Him or on a couch eating potato chips while watching the filth on TV????
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