Things Happen.

A Mini-Sermon by Bro. C. Emerson Strain

Many times, things will happen in your life that makes you wonder, "They shouldn't have acted that way, they are Christians." or "You just sound exactly like a sinner." or "Your a Christian, that shouldn't have happened."

Well, here is what the Bible says.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. I Peter 5:8-9

People think that everybody will handle every situation perfectly. They believe that you will say each and every word perfectly and all your thoughts will be totally Christ like. That is a very difficult task for you to live up to, let alone you expecting every other Christian to be that perfect, too.But the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Even Paul the apostle had these difficulties, but he understood the purpose of these divisions and short comings.

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. I Cor 11:18-19

The way that each and every person responds to the situation, it gives a chance to see which person's actions are approved. Your true character will shine through. It is easy to be a Christian on a deserted island.

I heard of a story of a man stranded on a deserted island for 20 years. One day he spotted a ship in the distance. He quickly lit his signal fire that he had ready for years and caught the attention of the ship.

As the ship pulled up to his island, the man ran to the captain and told him. "You are an answer to prayer, I have been stranded on this deserted island for 20 years."

The captain noticed a beautiful house on the hill side and asked the man what that was.

The man stated, "We'll, I have been here for 20 years, so I built me a home."

The captain noticed a building next to his home and asked what it was.

The man stated, "Well, I love the Lord, so I built a Church. I have Church Sunday morning, Sunday night and on Wednesday night, I have Bible Study ."

Supprised, the captain noticed another building down the road. He asked the man. "What is that building?"

The man answered. "Oh, that's my old Church. I don't go there any more!" :-0

Paul went on to say: Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 2 Cor 13:7-8

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:16-18

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