Boldly Living Our Faith

"But the LORD said to me, Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 1:7- 8)

Living in the "land of the free" is supposed to mean that people are free to worship as they please, and speak their minds concerning their beliefs.  Yet, in recent years, Christians have come under increasing examination for what they believe and how they live.  In several recent cases, Christians have been prosecuted for taking a stand against moral issues they felt violated their Christian beliefs.

It's important for us to realize that this isn't a new phenomenon.  The prophet Jeremiah experienced the same challenge in his day.  People weren't happy with what he had to say, and he suffered greatly for his faithfulness to God's Will.  Elijah felt desperately alone in Israel.  He assumed there wasn't anyone left who trusted in God, until God reminded him that He had set aside faithful people to Himself in Israel and then, through Elijah, brought His mighty power to bear on the prophets of Baal. (See 1 Kings 18:30-39)

Throughout the Old Testament we see various accounts of God's people suffering for what they believed.  Even Jesus faced persecution during His time on earth, along with the Apostles and the early Church.

As long as there's Sin in the world (which means until Judgment Day), God's people will suffer for what they believe.  Jesus taught this in the Sermon on the Mount where He said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12)

Living the life of a Christian is filled with difficulties.  We don't leave God at church, nor do we leave Him at home.  Unlike society's idea that God and religion don't belong in the public sphere, Christians know that their faith is integrated in all aspects of their lives.  As God's redeemed children, we live life with the understanding that we take Jesus with us everywhere we go and include Him in everything we do and say.  He is the One who guides our plans and gives purpose to our lives, whether at home, in church, at work, at school, at leisure, in politics, or wherever He might lead us to be witness of God's grace, love, and forgiveness in Christ.  God's encouragement to Jeremiah is also for our benefit as the people of God in this time and place in history.

We are reclaimed from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan by Jesus Christ.  We have the hope and sure promise of the forgiveness of sin and eternal life with God by faith in Jesus Christ.  No matter what happens to us in this world, we are held in the palm of God's hand and have the power of His Word and Spirit living in us, so that we can boldly live our faith in any and all circumstances of life.

We take courage, and have peace and joy, in God's promise to be with us, to support us in our lives of faith, and to shield us from every snare of the Evil One.  In Jesus, we are strengthened each day to live boldly as the people of God, sharing the Word confidently and faithfully, so that others might hear and believe, and be saved.

Are you boldly living your faith?

“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:13)

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Russ Sharrock has been in ministry for 23 years as Pastor, Church Planter, Bible Teacher and Missionary. In 2019 he founded Vanguard Ministries International. Prior to accepting God’s call into ministry, he was a professional photographer, and over the years co-authored three newspaper columns with his wife Alice Taylor Sharrock, a professional artist for over 40 years.

If you have any questions concerning the topic of the post, or about having a relationship with Jesus Christ, you may write to me at: lifesjourney1949@gmail.com.  I appreciate all my readers but give God all the glory for this opportunity to journey through life with each of you.  May God bless you!