PowerPoint - Apr. 24, 2008
April 24, 2008
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…
The Christian life has always been a high-risk life.
Barnabas and Paul were “men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). And today in many countries, Christians are still risking their lives by following Jesus.
In our culture, you may not run the risk of being killed for your faith… but you will run the risk of having your faith rejected by others.
Sometimes that is enough to make Christians silent. They are afraid of rejection, so they choose not to reveal their Christian convictions.
I believe we need to be men and women with enough courage to take a stand for our Christian faith—even if that will invite rejection at times. We have to be prepared to take a few knocks for what we believe!
Paul said of his sufferings for the sake of the gospel, “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed…” (2 Timothy 1:12). When you are convinced of what you believe, you can handle the opposition that will inevitably come.
Don’t let the fear of rejection silence you. Be prepared to take a risk… to speak up about your faith… even if it does invite rejection!
TO FOLLOW CHRIST, YOU RISK REJECTION.
BUT REMEMBER THAT HE WAS REJECTED TOO… FOR YOU.
