The Fifth Seal (Part Two)

Persecution and martyrdom are not popular topics among Christians, but they are facts. The fifth seal shows the cry of the martyrs and God's response.

What Did Jesus Do?

We have all seen 'WWJD?' on bracelets, T-shirts, and the like. Perhaps a better question is, "What *did* Jesus do?" because He left us the perfect example.

Persecution (1993)

Christians have been subject to psychological abuse as well as torture. Peter says that persecution is inevitable and is often triggered by good works

Persecution

Although many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.

Wilderness Wandering (Part Four)

We share in Christ's suffering, realizing that glory follows suffering. It may involve enduring hardship, deprivation, duress, and outright boredom.

The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted

Persecution is a fact of life for a Christian. Jesus Christ says we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake — here's why.

Are You Worthy of Your Calling?

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation, surrender without complaint, ask God for wisdom, and look for opportunities to serve.

Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!

Under the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. Persecution for righteousness' sake is evidence that God's people have Christ's Spirit.

Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)

Christ's suffering was not confined to crucifixion, but also consisted of rejection, humiliation, and the duress of persecution. Glory follows suffering.

The Convicted Soldier

A good soldier must exemplify honesty and self-control, qualities God desires in us. Uriah demonstrated this high standard by refusing to violate his code of honor.

Matthew (Part Six)

The Seven Churches (Part Four): Smyrna

Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches: He levels no criticism! What makes the Smyrnans so acceptable?

To Him Who Overcomes (Part Two): Enduring to the End

Though God gives us His Holy Spirit, we have no free pass into His kingdom, and we will have to endure our share of tribulation.

Knowing Christ (Part 1)

When we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.

Overcoming Destructive Fear

Jesus cautioned His disciples not to have any destructive fear. The worst fear of all is that which would cause us to deny Christ—namely, the fear of man.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna

Christ prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)

The Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.

Where Is Your Ultimate Allegiance?

When the laws of God conflict with the laws of man, civil disobedience is the only correct response, as was patterned by Peter, Paul, and the apostles.

Our Daily Bread of Affliction

We have been de-leavened, but we know we still have sin in us that has to be purified through a lengthy process of sanctification.

Psalms: Book Two (Part Four)

Eight of the psalms of Book Two were not written by David, but by Asaph, the sons of Korah, and Solomon. These psalms have more of a group emphasis.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience

Biblically, patience is far more than simple endurance or longsuffering. The patience that God has shown man gives us an example of what true, godly patience is.

Our Affinity to Christ

Jesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.

Blessed Are the Meek (2014)

In Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.