30th Mar 26 | 13:54
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Luke 21 10-19 WATCH AND PRAY II 05 Luke 21 12-13 The crown awaits the persecuted church
📖 Luke 21:10-19
15May2021 - *The crown awaits the persecuted church* - _Luke 21:10-19_ - WATCH AND PRAY II (5) – Bible reading: _Revelation 3:10-11_
The Lord is preparing the church for the end times when there will be an increase in persecution and troubles upon the church. The Lord is always with us even as we go through these difficult times and He will strengthen us, just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego as they were cast into the fire.
We must seek God for boldness and freedom in Christ, in this time of trial, that whatever happens, we will remain faithful to Jesus.
Some of us may have to lose our lives for Jesus but let us be prepared and ready that what awaits us is the glory of God that rests on us and we will spend eternity with Christ.
_Luke 21:12-13 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. (13) But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony._
Apostle Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church and Timothy was sent to them with a specific mission to encourage them as they go through trials.
_I Thessalonians 3:2-4 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to *establish you and encourage you concerning your faith*, (3) that *no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this*. (4) For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that *we would suffer tribulation*, just as it happened, and you know._
_Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "*We must through many tribulations* enter the kingdom of God."_
One of the wonderful outcomes is that the church will come together and there will be great love for one another in the body of Christ. This will happen because of the persecution upon the church, which today is so divided.
_II Thessalonians 1:3-5 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and *the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other*,_
Paul is very happy that the Thessalonian church had stood strong in the midst of all the trials that came upon them. He now writes to appreciate and applaud them for their courage, in the centre of the prosecutions.
_(4) so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for *your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure*, (5) which is *manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God*, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
Through the trials to the church, the manifested testimony will be the righteous judgement of God. When God will judge the world and the world will stand guilty before Him because of the persecution inflicted on the church. They will know that there were prophets among them, to whom they did not pay heed.
_Ezekiel 33:33 And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them."_
_I Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; (13) but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (14) If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
The glory of God will rest on the church, when the church is persecuted, which will be a testimony of God to the world.
_Revelation 2:10-11 *Do not fear* any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and *I will give you the crown of life*. (11) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. *He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death*." '_
Some of us may be put to death. *The Lord will give us the crown of life* and we will not be hurt by the second death.
_Revelation 3:10-11 Because you have kept My command to persevere, *I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world*, to test those who dwell on the earth. (11) Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown._
This is a time of test and trial for the world when the Lord is giving the world the opportunity to return to Him.
_Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, (28) and *not in any way terrified* by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
Our lack of fear, but boldness, in the face of adversity is the proof of our salvation and proof of their perdition.
*Thought to ponder*
```Tears begin to flow as we see the hurting world with the heart of God.```