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Every member a minister. |
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To contact us: |
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Phone:479-521-3410 Fax: 479-521-3710
Email: Larry Culbreath (Minister)- preacherc@earthlink.net Carol Newman (Secretary)- carnewman@earthlink.net
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Larry’s Devo Page |
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GOOD FOR EVIL
One of the true tests of any Christian comes when he is called upon to suffer persecution. Yet from all that Jesus said, and from what the apostles said, persecution will come. The Christian is persecuted because he is a certain type of person and because he behaves in a certain manner.
Of course some people deserve to be persecuted. They act and speak in an objectionable manner, and then scratch their heads and wonder why people don’t appreciate them. It has nothing at all to do with being a Christian. Few people are happy to tolerate an obnoxious fool or bully. We need to make certain that we are not just getting what is coming to us. As Peter said, “ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a wrongdoer, or a mischief-maker” (1 Peter 4:15). The latter part of that verse is translated in the King James Version to read, “or as a busybody in other men’s matters.” If we meddle around in other men’s affairs, we should not be surprised if someone takes offense.
Being righteous, practicing righteousness, really means being like the Lord Jesus Christ. And that, within itself, is enough to provoke the hatred of the world. The servant is not greater than His Master. “Yea, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
When persecution comes the Christian proves that he is different. He does not try to get even with the one who has hurt him, or curse those who have abused him. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth is one of the most ancient laws known to man. But when the Spirit of Christ enters into a man he doesn’t practice tit-for-tat. Vengeance is replaced by the spirit of nonresentment and nonretaliation. In fact, it even goes further than that. Overt good occupies the field as the Christian turns to bless those who have cursed him.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them (Romans 12:14).
Have A Great Week. Larry |
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Larry Culbreath Minister |
