Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
I officiated a memorial service for Lois, a believer who followed hard after Jesus. One word that described her entire life was “service.” Not long before she died, her daughter-in-law took several of Lois’ great-grandchildren to visit her in a care facility. They became worried when she was not in her room and began searching for her. Finally, they found Lois at the end of a hall in her wheelchair, reading to a person who could not see.
Becoming a Christian is a free gift of grace. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. It is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. We were dead in our sins, and God breathed spiritual life into us. Salvation is of the Lord. But growing as a believer involves the power of the Holy Spirit in us and our personal commitment, desire, and ongoing discipline to grow.
I can hardly imagine the emotions of believers who are persecuted. While countless believers have been put to death throughout the ages, and many are dying for their faith throughout the world, American Christians don’t give persecution a second thought. But Peter is writing to those who may well die for their faith. Take in his solemn instruction.
Our passage today reminds me of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Let’s read the verse and review his story.
1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
