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====To Suffer or Not to Suffer====

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (I Peter 4:1)

There is some funny stuff going on. The believers are being taught they are not supposed to suffer. Can you believe this?

That the believers are accounted as sheep for the slaughter is true of

the old covenant and the new, as the New Testament teaches plainly.

We have heard it said that if the Apostle Paul had faith he would not have had to suffer. Can you imagine? Too bad Paul didn't understand about faith.

The next step probably will be that Jesus Christ would not have had to suffer on the cross if He had faith. Is there no end to the presumption of man?

Suffering is an important aspect of salvation. Suffering turns us away from sin, if received correctly, and also helps demolish the greatest problem we have—self-will. This is why those suffer who will rule with Christ.

The saints who went before us are an example to us of patience in suffering.

God is moving through His churches to select soldiers for His army. Those who refuse to suffer, perceiving all suffering as coming from Satan, will be sent home. They do not know the God of Jacob.

Those who make it into the army will experience much tribulation. The tribulations and suffering that come upon them will purify them. Their faith will be tried in the fire becoming more precious than any gold mined from the earth.

The self-will shall be destroyed from them and they will learn obedience to God just as Christ Himself learned obedience through suffering.

We are saved by suffering. The fiery trials that come upon us are a judgment of God on the evil in our personality. If we profit from our suffering, we will be found worthy of the Kingdom of God.

If we would know the power of Christ's resurrection, we must be willing to share His sufferings.

When suffering comes on you go to God in prayer. If you complain about the tools God uses, whether people or circumstances, you will grow bitter. If you press, press, press into God, you will be formed in the moral image of Christ.

I enjoy writing about suffering but I do not enjoy suffering. I have had my share and wouldn't trade it. I am better for it. However, I am not anxious for more (unless God finds it necessary). How about you?

[[Category:Christianity]]