08/07/2025
OPIC THE UNHEEDED PROMISE 4
John 16.33
Jesus said the devil is a thief but he will never come as a
1. Burglar: Breaking in at times you aren't aware, not at home or asleep
2. Armed robber With guns at broad daylight and kill at any given opportunity
3. The devil always comes like a pick-pocket... Very difficult to catch... Not knowing the time and the style they use in picking....
Jesus explained in Luke 12:50 how He had a suffering to undertake and could not wait. That suffering was all shame but He said "I can't wait." Compared to Christians today, we hate anything suffering...
Today's Christian seek to dictate to Christ how to live and what to do not what He Christ wants
The Apostolic Witness
Acts 14:22; Philip. 1:29
Paul was speaking to people who have just come to Christ and he indicated that they should know that in Christ and before one get to be with Christ, there will be Many tribulations.
In the book of Philippians, Paul again says we should not only accept that we have not been granted to believe but to also partake in His suffering.
1 Thess. 3:3-4
Here again Paul is telling Christian that it's destined that Christians suffer.
We must all get it right here and then that suffering was part of the promises Jesus gave before departing.... That is why we are told in James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything".