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The Word

2 Corinthians 4:14 (The Message)

13-15

We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. 

Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe.

And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!

Romans 8:28 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 4:12

 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

James 1:3 

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 2:5

 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Hebrews 12:2 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:3 (The Message)

Discipline in a Long-Distance Race 1-3

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on?

 It means we'd better get on with it.

 Strip down, start running—and never quit!

No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.

 Study how he did it.

Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.

And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

These are trying times. Times when the slogans come to mind, "Tough times don't last, tough people do. 

When the going gets tough, tough people get going."

Apostle Paul knew this.

2 Timothy 3:11 

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

2 Timothy 3:11 (The Message)

Keep the Message Alive 10-13

You've been a good apprentice to me, a part of my teaching, my manner of life, direction, faith, steadiness, love, patience, troubles, sufferings—suffering along with me in all the grief I had to put up with in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra.

 And you also well know that God rescued me!

Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there's no getting around it.

Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith.

They're as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse. 

2 Peter 3:3 

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Luke 21:28 

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

2 Peter 3:8 

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Isaiah 6:3 

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

2 Peter 3:14 

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Romans 6:6 

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Hebrews 6:9 

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

3 John 1:5 

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

3 John 1:2 

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.