Times have changed, but we must not lose the essence of Christianity.
In the past, becoming a Christian was synonymous with losing everything. Assuming a faith in the Lord Jesus would immediately be a reason for suffering persecution, humiliation and insults from non-believers, as well as losing possessions, being imprisoned, tortured and even facing death.
To die for having faith in the Lord Jesus was an honour.
When Peter was being crucified, he asked for it to be done upside down. This was because he did not think himself worthy of being crucified in the same way as the Lord Jesus.
Christians were pleased with being tortured, and suffering for the love of their faith. As it is recorded in the Holy Scriptures:
“Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented — of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.” Hebrews 11:36-38
When someone gives their life to the Lord Jesus and assumes their faith in Him, they are, in reality, dying to this world while their lives go on to be concealed in Him.
Their life in this world no longer makes sense, except to serve God and do His will.
“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
Have you approached the Lord Jesus with a readiness to lose everything or have you approached Him in order to gain everything?
What is the quality of your faith?
Do you have the faith to let go?
When we participate in the Lord’s Supper, as we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we are declaring our covenant with the Lord Jesus.
This cup means to assume the faith and be ready to suffer, to lose and even to die because of a life based on His teachings.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalms 116:15
This understanding cannot be in words or knowledge alone, but has to be part of our lives.
We have to live true Christianity.
Bishop Eduardo Bravo
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