THE REAL DEAL | Edwin Christiaan

The Bible says that when a great wave of persecution began sweeping over the first church, many of the believers were dragged out of their homes and thrown into prison and others were scattered throughout the regions. But despite the persecution, they continued to preach the Good News about Jesus Christ wherever they went! (See Acts 8:1-4)

That tells me, that these Christians were the real deal, and not those Jesus referred to as ‘those who hear the Gospel and immediately receive it with joy, but then fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word!’ (See Mark 4:16-17)

WHEN YOU ARE CHOSEN, YOU WILL BECOME LIKE JESUS! By Edwin Christiaan

Jesus said: “You didn’t choose Me. I chose you!” And: “For many are called, but few are chosen!” John 15:16, Matthew 22:14 NLT

“For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son!” Romans 8:29 NLT

And the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He corrects and punishes each one He accepts as His child! (See Hebrews 12:6)

In other words, because God has chosen you and accepted you as His child, He will make you become like His Son! Therefore, God uses the struggles of this life, like pain, stress, persecution, misunderstandings, and financial problems to shape your character, so you end up living right and looking like His Son, Jesus Christ!

For this reason Hebrews 12 verse 11 NLT says:

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way!”

“As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children!” Hebrews 12:7 NLT