Tag Archives: protestant reformation

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Receiving Christ’s Wounds

1 Comment

John MacArthur

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me” (Matt. 5:10-11).

Savonarola has been called the Burning Beacon of the Reformation. His sermons denouncing the sin and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church of his day helped pave the way for the Protestant Reformation. Many who heard his powerful sermons went away half-dazed, bewildered, and speechless. Often sobs of repentance resounded throughout the entire congregation as the Spirit of God moved in their hearts. However, some who heard him couldn’t tolerate the truth and eventually had him burned at the stake.

Jesus said, “‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Sinful people will not tolerate a righteous standard. Prior to Christ’s birth, the world had never seen a perfect man. The more people observed Christ, the more their own sinfulness stood out in stark contrast. That led some to persecute and finally kill Him, apparently thinking that by eliminating the standard they wouldn’t have to keep it.

Psalm 35:19 prophesies that people would hate Christ without just cause. That is true of Christians as well. People don’t necessarily hate us personally but resent the holy standard we represent. They hate Christ, but He isn’t here to receive their hatred, so they lash out at His people. For Savonarola that meant death. For you it might mean social alienation or other forms of persecution.

Whatever comes your way, remember that your present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory you will one day experience (Rom. 8:18). Therefore, “to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing” (1 Pet. 4:13).

Suggestions for Prayer: When you suffer for Christ’s sake, thank Him for that privilege, recalling how much He suffered for you.

For Further Study: Before his conversion, the apostle Paul (otherwise known as Saul) violently persecuted Christians, thinking he was doing God a favor. Read Acts 8:1-3, 9:1-31, and 1 Timothy 1:12- 17, noting Paul’s transformation from persecutor to preacher.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Mighty Motivator

Leave a comment

ppt_seal01

In Latin, the word “sola” means “alone” or “only.” During the Protestant Reformation, five solas outlined the fundamental beliefs of the Reformers: Sola scripture (by Scripture alone), sola fide (by faith alone), sola gratia (by grace alone), solo Christo (through Christ alone) and soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone). But some are confused when it comes to faith alone…pointing to Scriptures that say faith without works is dead.

Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works.

Titus 3:14

Dear friends, works do not provide salvation. Rather, they are evidence of saving faith. When faith is real, its source…Jesus…is the mighty motivator for every good work. Because He loves you so, it is impossible not to share it. How? With works and sharing His truth and love. Paul’s entire letter to Titus is about Christian behavior. He’s not suggesting that the Cretan Christians “fake it ‘til they make it” with works, but that their devotion to the Lord swell out of them in the form of actions that benefit others.

In a nation that needs more random acts of kindness, pray for yourself and others to be more like Christ in doing good for others. Intercede for the powerful in government to obtain that same mindset through their own personal faith.

Recommended Reading: Titus 3:1-11  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

Uncategorized

John MacArthur – Receiving Christ’s Wounds

1 Comment

 

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me” (Matt. 5:10-11).

Savonarola has been called the Burning Beacon of the Reformation. His sermons denouncing the sin and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church of his day helped pave the way for the Protestant Reformation. Many who heard his powerful sermons went away half-dazed, bewildered, and speechless. Often sobs of repentance resounded throughout the entire congregation as the Spirit of God moved in their hearts. However, some who heard him couldn’t tolerate the truth and eventually had him burned at the stake.

Jesus said, “‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Sinful people will not tolerate a righteous standard. Prior to Christ’s birth, the world had never seen a perfect man. The more people observed Christ, the more their own sinfulness stood out in stark contrast. That led some to persecute and finally kill Him, apparently thinking that by eliminating the standard they wouldn’t have to keep it.

Psalm 35:19 prophesies that people would hate Christ without just cause. That is true of Christians as well. People don’t necessarily hate us personally but resent the holy standard we represent. They hate Christ, but He isn’t here to receive their hatred, so they lash out at His people. For Savonarola that meant death. For you it might mean social alienation or other forms of persecution.

Whatever comes your way, remember that your present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory you will one day experience (Rom. 8:18). Therefore, “to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing” (1 Pet. 4:13).

Suggestions for Prayer:

When you suffer for Christ’s sake, thank Him for that privilege, recalling how much He suffered for you.

For Further Study:

Before his conversion, the apostle Paul (otherwise known as Saul) violently persecuted Christians, thinking he was doing God a favor. Read Acts 8:1-3, 9:1-31, and 1 Timothy 1:12- 17, noting Paul’s transformation from persecutor to preacher.