A LIving Sacrifice

If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are NOT of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. . . . If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. . . . (John 15:18-20)

The more we love God and His ways, the more awkward the world becomes. Beginning with Jesus' own ministry, rejection, ridicule, isolation, hatred, false imprisonment, and yes, even murder was a common place for Christ followers. Many, in some cases as with the apostles, most were brutally hunted down and killed. It is no different today in many parts of the world. As my students research present-day persecution of CHRISTians for a bible assignment, it is my prayer that they not only pray for these fellow believers, but begin to grow deeper in their love for the Lord. One question I have been asking: If persecution would take place in our city, would we be found guilty of being a Christ-follower? I ask the same of you . . . As we get closer to the Coming of our Savior, I desire to become closer and closer to Him. What joy it would be to give my life for His cause as He gave His life for my salvation. What about you? Do you really, Really, REALLY love Jesus enough to LIVE and DIE for Him?