June 4, 2006

An Expensive Gospel

To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. —Philippians 1:29

On a teaching trip at a Bible institute in another country, my colleague and I were saddened to hear of legislation before the parliament that sought to outlaw the evangelical church. We shared our fears with our students that though we had come to train a generation of pastors, we might instead witness a new wave of persecution. We then joined with the students in prayer and worship to God about the matter.

After we concluded, one of the students said to me, “Thanks for being concerned for us, but don’t worry. We’ve learned that it’s not enough for us to preach the gospel or live for the gospel. It is necessary that we suffer for the gospel.” His words were not flippant but honest. Living for Christ often exacts a price.

Paul, writing from prison, said, “To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29). His statement is daily lived out by believers around the world who experience hardship and persecution for no greater crime than living openly for the name of Jesus.

Let’s pray for God’s blessing and provision for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are paying an expensive price for embracing a salvation that is free. —Bill Crowder

O for a faith that will not shrink
Though pressed by many a foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe. —Bathurst

Those who live for God can expect trouble in the world.

Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 21-22; John 14