Pastor's Weekly Pen
August 18, 2024
SUFFERING FOR HIM
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear
their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in you hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,
yet with gentleness and reverence...
1 Peter 3:14-15
Peter speaks here of the possibility of persecution because of the Name of our Lord Jesus. That
is, if you are doing what is right in His sight and people question, then you may find yourself chided, scolded, or even ostracized. But, Peter says, we are not to be intimidated. This is what the
enemy wants, for the people of God to be intimidated and afraid. He wants them to be fearful and hesitant to speak up for Christ!
But, we must be bold to speak out! Peter says to sanctify Christ in our hearts. Sanctify, set
aside as holy, is the process and/or action of of putting Christ first. We must know Him as Lord in our lives. When we do so, then we will not be troubled. We will overcome and respond to those who
want us to be silent.
We are to speak up and give an account of the "hope that is in our hearts." We are to share
Jesus as the Christ who will save us! But Peter tells us to do so with gentleness. We are not to put down or to be judgmental, but we are to give a response which will bring life to the hearer of the
word we have been given!
Apostle James
WORSHIP
You may see some things in our worship that are different. Listed below are a few of these things and their scriptural references.
Singing In The Spirit:
1 Cor. 14:15, Psalm 149:1,
Eph. 5:19
Lifting Up “Holy Hands”: Psalm 63:4, Psalm 134:2,
1 Tim. 2:8
Prophecy or Interpretation of Tongues:
1 Cor. 12:10, 1 Cor. 14
Word of Wisdom or Knowledge:
John 4:17, 1Cor. 2:11,12,
1Cor. 12:8
Being “Slain In The Spirit”:
2 Chron. 5:14, Matt. 28:4,
John 18:6, Acts 9:4
Flags and Banners:
Psalm 20:5, Ex. 17:15,
SS 2:4
Christian International
Leadership
Bishop Bill Hamon.
Founder of Christian International Ministries. A Prophet for over 60 years.
Apostle Leon Walters
Central Heartland Regional Director
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