Jesus calls everyone to learn what it means to follow Him. You must deny yourself and take up your cross to follow Him. Jesus Himself has blazed the trail for us to follow in His footsteps.
The apostle Paul begins his letter to the Philippian church with gratitude to God for them. He identifies them with the Holy Spirit by calling them "holy ones" in Christ Jesus. This singular identification among every Christian unites us all to be set apart for God's purposes. In effect, all Christians are united by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result of this unity, Paul was specifically thankful for their participation in the Gospel. His appreciation was naturally filled with joy. Our joy should blossom in the same way as Paul’s did namely, from a Gospel centered unity in the church that leads to every member's participation.
After a delay of a half an hour, the judgments of God prayed for previously (6:10) come upon those who dwell on the earth. These are extraordinary and supernatural plagues not unlike those of Egypt. But even as Pharaoh did not repent at the sight of all the miraculous signs of his day, so those during the tribulation do not repent either. One exception exists of those who were in Jerusalem at the resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses. But the overwhelming testimony of Revelation is that those who are tormented in the tribulation still refuse to fear God, repent, and worship the Lord.
Jesus calls the crowd and His disciples to follow Him. Do you wish to come after Jesus? You must be ready to give up your life in order to follow Him.
Gospel ministry defines our participation with one another. It occurs within the framework of the church, specifically in close and unified relationships.
Set in contrast to paradise at rapture, there will be a great deal of pain for those who dwell on the earth who refuse to repent.
Jesus died not only to redeem us from sin but also to transform us into people who are eager to do good works that glorify God (Titus 2:14). While salvation is a free gift of grace and not earned by works (Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9), God delights in our good deeds when they serve others and meet real needs (Titus 3:14, Hebrews 13:16). Through Christ, we are empowered to live passionately for God’s glory, letting our actions shine as a testimony of His goodness (Matthew 5:16, 1 Corinthians 10:31).
Jesus died to reconcile us to God, restoring the relationship that sin had broken. Our sins separated us from Him, making us His enemies (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 8:7-8). Yet, while we were still lost, God removed His judgment by sending Jesus to suffer in our place (Isaiah 53:5-6). Through His death, we are no longer under God’s wrath but are made right with Him, and through His life, we are assured of our future salvation and eternal glory (Romans 5:9-10).
Jesus gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the deception of this present evil age. Satan blinds people to the gospel, using the world’s lies and temptations to keep them in sin (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). But Jesus’ death was His victory over Satan, breaking his hold and freeing us from sin and the fear of death (John 12:31-32, Hebrews 2:14-15). As believers, we must reject the world’s false wisdom and follow Christ, whose cross brings true freedom and salvation to all who believe (1 Corinthians 3:18-19, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24).
On the day that Stephen died, a great persecution towards all Christians began. Christians who were in danger scattered and shared the gospel with all sorts of people. Many heard the gospel but how did they respond?
What are some things you think are important? What are some things God says is important?
The first believers in Jerusalem had practical love for one another. But, not everyone in their midst was like this. God dealt severely with two individuals who lied about their giving.
