Persecution vs Betrayal!!

Persecution and Betrayal are both different words. First let's discuss of each word separately, then we'll understand both.

1) PERSECUTION:

Persecution will vary from place to place, from time to time, from individual to individual. Sometimes it will result in physical sufferings, sometimes it will mean facing dislike and discrimination. But all godly believers will face it in some measure at some times in their lives.

Christian persecution is to be expected: the apostle Paul warned that “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution". 2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV.

"Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you". John 15:20 NKJV. 

Jesus made it clear that those of the world will hate Christians because the world hates Christ.

Christians must learn to recognize the value of persecution and even to rejoice in it.

Keypoints:

First, the persecution of Christians allows them to share in a unique fellowship with the Lord.

Second, in all truth, Christian persecution is good for believers.

"He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly". 1 Peter 2:23 NLT.

Third, Christian persecution enables believers to better value the support of true friends.

Hardship can stimulate the Lord’s people toward a greater resolve to love and comfort one another and lift one another to the throne of grace in prayer.

Even in the face of Christian persecution, we can thank God for His grace and patience with us. We can express gratitude for those whom we love in the Lord and who stand with us in times of distress. And we can pray for those who would accuse, misuse, or abuse us.

"Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes". 2 Corinthians 11:24 NLT.

2) BETRAYAL: 

Betrayal is a gross violation of trust and can be one of the most devastating forms of pain inflicted upon a human being. The suffering of betrayal is often magnified by a sense of vulnerability and exposure.

David was no stranger to betrayal: "It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God." Psalms 55:12‭-14 NLT

Jesus knew the pain of betrayal firsthand. The worst, most treacherous betrayal of all time was Judas’s betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. 

"Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me." Psalms 41:9 NLT

But Jesus did not become vindictive, bitter, or angry. Just the opposite. After receiving the traitor’s kiss, Jesus addressed Judas as “friend” (Matthew 26:50).

Despite the pain, there is a way we can overcome betrayal. The power comes directly from God and the strength of forgiveness.

Keypoints:

The first key is to cry out to God. Though we may want to strike out at the betrayer, we need to take our cause to the Lord.

"Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing." 1 Peter 3:9 NLT

Another key in overcoming the pain of betrayal is to remember Jesus’ example. Our sinful nature impels us to “repay evil with evil,” but Jesus taught us otherwise: “Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. . . . Pray for those who persecute you.”

Tit for tat is not a solution my friends.

"But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also". Matthew 5:39 NKJV

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44 NKJV

Another powerful key in overcoming the bitterness of betrayal is our God-given ability to forgive the betrayer. The word forgiveness includes the word give. When we choose to forgive someone, we actually give that person a gift—the freedom from personal retaliation. But you are also giving yourself a gift—a “grudge-free life.”

Jesus taught that “loving our neighbor as ourselves” should be proactive: “But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Without a question, it is enormously difficult to forgive a person who’s betrayed our trust. It is only possible with God.

Lastly, my friends, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." Romans 12:14‭-‬16 NKJV

Persecution is another level, first you'll face betrayal among friends, family and colleagues. In that situation you'll be feel to not to believe anybody. But, I say to you, we all have commonly one good and really close friend, Jesus Christ, Amen!!

How to know that someone is filled with Holy Spirit?

For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. Acts 1:5 NKJV

“Baptized with the Holy Spirit”– four different expressions are used to describe what the disciples received on the day of Pentecost – here:

“baptized with the Holy Spirit”

v 8: “when the Holy Spirit comes on you”

2:4: “filled with the Holy Spirit”

10:47: “received the Holy Spirit”.

All four references speak of the same event described in Acts 2:1-4. It is important to see this. On that day Christ gave them God’s Spirit in a new way. 

This was like immersing them in the Spirit, or pouring the Spirit on them (Acts 2:33; 10:45), and the result was that their whole inner being was filled with the Spirit, and they received power to live the Christian life and to witness and serve God as they ought. 

They began to live and move in God’s Spirit, to be inspired, motivated, and controlled by God’s Spirit. From that time to this, individuals receive God’s Spirit when they believe in the Lord Jesus. 

If they have not received Christ’s Spirit, Who is the Spirit of God, they do not belong to Christ; that is, they have not really believed in Him or been born from above.

According to 1 Cor 12:12-13 every believer has been baptized with God’s Spirit into the Body of Christ (or baptized “by” or “in” God’s Spirit – the Greek word can mean any of these, and the same word is used there that is used here in Acts). 

This too happens when they receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. They no longer have to wait for this as the original apostles had to wait for God’s appointed time for the coming of the Spirit. 

God had chosen that day of Pentecost to begin this era of the Spirit, this age of grace, this new work in the earth. Now, since it has begun and has been going on for these many centuries waiting is no longer necessary.

After receiving the Holy Spirit by receiving Christ, and, at that same time, being baptized by the Spirit into Christ’s Body, every believer should earnestly seek to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). 

There is only one baptism of the Holy Spirit, but believers may be filled again and again. And recognizing that we have the Spirit living in us, that we have been baptized with the Spirit, if we have reason to think that we are not filled with Him, we should seek the fullness of the Spirit with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. Eph. 5:18 NKJV

“Filled with the Holy Spirit”– this is God’s will for every believer. God does not tell us to do something or to have something which is not His will for us. This fullness of God’s Spirit is the same thing seen in Paul’s prayer for believers in Eph 3:19. 

Since this is God’s will we know that we can have this fullness (1 John 5:14-15; Luke 11:13). We can have it by going directly to the heavenly Father and receiving this by faith, without the involvement of any human being. 

“Be filled” means to be constantly filled, to receive the fullness and remain in that condition. God wants this to be the normal state of all believers. This is the Christian life as we should live it. 

How else can we deny ourselves as we should and live as we should and serve Christ as we should? To be constantly filled means, on our part, constant obedience, submission and trust. 

What does “filled” mean? 

A person drunk on wine is under the influence and control of wine. A person filled with God’s Spirit is controlled by God’s Spirit. But this does not mean he loses control of himself (1 Cor 14:32-33. A fruit of the Spirit is self-control – Gal 5:23). It is a conscious, loving obedience to the Spirit and a joyful fellowship with Him.

"Self-control”– this is a fruit of God’s Spirit (Gal 5:23). We “add” it by yielding to the Spirit and walking in the Spirit and using the strength the Spirit gives to bring our thoughts and desires and actions under control.

Can a person know he is filled with the Holy Spirit if there are no accompanying signs? 

Certainly. He can know by faith (1 John 5:14-15), faith based on God’s promises. And his experience afterwards will confirm that he is filled with the Spirit – he will have power for holy living and for witness and service.

Heavenly language? What language will we speak in heaven? Biblically

There is some hypothesis as to whether there is such a thing as a “heavenly language.” Is there a language unknown on earth but spoken fluently in heaven? If so, is it possible for someone to learn to speak this mysterious/cryptic language? Is it possibly a gift of the Holy Spirit?

For many think that if they use any Idiome, it is Hebrew, because that was the first of all, and came from heaven, and was before the confusion of languages in Babylon, in which the Law was given by God the Father, and the Gospel was preached by Christ the Son, and so many prophesis were given to the Prophets by the Holy Spirit.

Yet, a language will be spoken in heaven, and if we accept that the multiple languages we experience on earth are all imperfect representations of reality, none of them can be the language we will speak in that perfect place. 

Although the Bible does not address this directly, there are three passages that imply both the use of language and a significant improvement upon it. 

".....You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name". Isa. 62:2 NKJV

“....To him who overcomes I will give .... him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it". Rev. 2:17 NKJV

"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God.... And I will write on him My new name". Rev. 3:12 NKJV

Each of these passages indicates a "new" naming system, and a very special one at that.

For me, I think, the creator of multiple languages can understand it and able to reply us. God is omnipotent, He knows what to expose to His people and what not. Some times God does it with intention. If there is not a separate language in heaven, not to worry, God still knows what you want to express or say.

Keeping your Vows/Oaths, Biblically.

A little background information is helpful in understanding Jesus’ words here. The religious leaders of the day advocated keeping a vow if it was a public vow using God’s name; however, if the vow was made in the course of everyday conversation, referencing only “heaven” or “earth” or “Jerusalem,” it was not really binding. People had a loophole. They could lie or exaggerate in their conversations and lend themselves an air of credibility by saying, “I swear by heaven that this is true!” They could not be held to account because they did not specifically swear by God’s name and the vow was private. Jesus countered that idea. If you swear something, it had better be true, He says. In fact, all you need to say is “yes” or “no.” Your word should be good.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He  has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. Eccl. 5:4‭-‬5 NKJV

If a man makes a vow to the Lord , or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Num. 30:2 NKJV

Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord,

Num. 6:2 NKJV

6:2 The Nazirite was either a man or woman who dedicated himself or herself fully to God for a stated period of time. Parents could dedicate their children as Nazirites for their whole life. This was done in the case of Samson, the only person in the Bible mentioned by name as being a Nazirite (Judges 13:5). It is possible that Samuel was one, judging from his mother’s vow in 1 Sam 1:11. Certainly he was dedicated to the Lord for life (1 Sam 1:27-28). There were other Nazirites too but we are not told any of their names (Amos 2:11-12). It is said of John the Baptist that he would drink no wine (Luke 1:15), possibly indicating that he was to be a Nazirite. In this Church age all believers are to fully dedicate themselves to God (Rom. 12:1-2), they are to be spiritual Nazirites – which has nothing to do with not eating grapes or having long hair.

Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’  But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne;  nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.  But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Matt. 5:33‭-‬37 NKJV

5:33-37 “Swear”– refers to the voluntary (and often very careless) use of oaths in every day life to convince others that one is telling the truth. Jesus tells us to be men of our word, absolutely truthful in all we say and promise. As Jesus’ disciples we must never say yes when we mean no, or say no when we mean yes. Lying and deception are hateful to God and have no place in God’s kingdom. And as God’s children we should never take God’s name in vain or use it lightly, but show proper reverence for His name and all that pertains to Him (Ex 20:7).

The principle here is clear for Christians: be careful about making vows, either to the Lord or to one another. Further, the informal vows we make (“I swear by all the angels in heaven!”) are completely unnecessary. Our word is our bond.

Baptism and being Baptized.

Why Baptism?

The purpose of baptism is to give visual testimony of our commitment to Christ. 

Baptism confirms our position “in Christ” and affirms the blessings of the Father on us as his children. Baptism is a symbol. It’s meant to show the world that that you love, trust and have put your hope in Christ. 

Baptism is a Public Declaration:

Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life.

We bury the “old life” and we rise to walk in a “new life”. 

Baptism is like the outward symbol of our commitment which we made in our heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.

Origin of the Word:

The word “baptized” comes from the Greek word “baptizo”. A famous Greek-English dictionary gives its meaning thus: “Dip, immerse...plunge, sink, drench, overwhelm.

John’s baptism signified repentance and the forgiveness of sins, but it did not produce them. 

No water ceremony of any kind or in any place can take away sin or change men’s hearts. Only God can do so. And He does so when men receive His Son by faith.

Meaning of Baptism:

"Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead". Col. 2:12 NKJV

We were therefore buried with Him through this immersion into death”. “Immersion” would thus mean immersion into Christ, not in water. It would indicate union with Christ, entering into a special relationship with Him, being made members of His body by the Holy Spirit.

Going into the water speaks of death and burial with Christ. Coming out of the water speaks of resurrection with Christ. 

Who and When should be baptised?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.

As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he/she can be, and is encouraged to be baptised.

Does Born Christian have to take Baptism? YES.

"Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". Acts 2:38 NKJV

Peter’s meaning here seems very clear – “Change your mind about Who Jesus is, turn from your wicked rejection of Him as the Lord from heaven and the Messiah. Being baptized as an open declaration of our faith in Him, and as a sign of the forgiveness of sins which He freely gives to those who believe in Him”.

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned". Mark 16:16 NKJV

Baptism is not essential for salvation, but those who trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour should be baptized and publicly acknowledge their faith. 

Notice Jesus does not say “whoever is not baptized” will be condemned, but “whoever does not believe”. “Condemned” here must mean condemned to hell.

If a person says he believes Christ, and yet refuses to be baptized we have reason to doubt the genuineness of his faith.

A Man Born Blind Receives Sight. True Vision and True Blindness. John Chapter 9.

Whenever we see God makes a miracle, it's pure purpose is to bring glory.

Now, here we see a person who is blind from birth. In those days among the Jews it was a common thinking that a person’s own sins were the cause of any sickness or disability that might come to him. The disciples were trying to understand if this applied to a person born with some defect. Was the man’s blindness a punishment that came because of his parents’ sin? or did the man somehow sin himself before he was born?

Jesus says that the man was born blind for a much higher purpose that the disciples imagined. A mighty work of God was about to take place in the man, and glory and honor would come to God through it. 

God may have the same purpose in any sickness, disability or defect that brings suffering to us. It may be that a similar work of God will be revealed in us. Or a different work which will also glorify Him – a work in the heart that will make us humbly, faithfully, joyously endure any kind of suffering for Him.

Remember, to receive any miracle in our life, God checks that if you are eligible to receive it or not. To receive it, you must contain the dareness and willing to give thanks to the Lord for doing such a miracle.

Here in this story, we'll see that the God makes a mud and paste it on his eyes and says to wash it in a pool. In those days or some pools have steps, this Blind person goes alone to wash his eyes without anybody's help. This maybe a dare I guess. 

We can see that some of God's miracles are taken place on Sabbath Day. Here, Jews/Pharisees are against it. They follow the Moses law book. 

Pharisees, ofcourse doesn't like Jesus, after this miracle took place they start interrogate the healed person, asking him: How does Jesus did this wonder? The Healed person answers them more than 3-4 times and gets frustrated, and asks them that maybe they are willing to become Jesus's disciple. 

When we receive any miracle or wonder, most probably we don't give thanksgiving or worship God, if some of you does, then it's great. After hearing that blind person was exiled by the Jews and his parents, Jesus here visits that healed person and sees whether he is misusing his vision or sharing the miracle.

In few vesres Jesus teaches something amazing to those people, which is useful to us in now-a-days. HE is saying that HE is the Light of the World, with Him we can receive light and able to see the things, the things which are in darkness with the light of the Lord we can see very clearly.

And Jesus said, “For judgement I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”

In this verse Jesus is obviously speaking of spiritual blindness and sight. When He says those who “see will become blind”, He means those who have light, who think they see and even pride themselves on seeing, will be made completely blind. This was a judgement they brought on themselves by refusing the light of Christ.

Men are responsible for what they do with the light God gives them. 

In other words, we can say that light as salvation, having the salvation and doing wrong things would bring judgement on them.

Whenever we seek God's help, try to receive it humbly by praying and reading Bible. And after receiving the miracle/help/wonder try to say thank you Lord (thanksgiving).

If God wants you to add dareness in receiving the miracle, then don't hesitate, what will others think and what this world will say. As this Blind person dared to receive the vision and after being exiled by the Jews and by his parents, he believed in the son of God, and started telling to others How Jesus healed him when he was blind by birth.

Notes:

“Pharisees”– a strict, conservative, very religious sect among the Jews. They emphasized the law of Moses and the religious traditions that had come down from previous generations. Many of them were very self-righteous and separated themselves from others, thinking they were holier than anyone else (the name “Pharisee” came from the Hebrew word “pharash” which means to separate or set apart). But their deeds did not match their words and Jesus severely condemned them for their hypocrisy. In the New Testament they are usually seen in opposition to the Lord Jesus.

Moses was their accuser. He meant that the God-inspired writings of Moses (the first five books of the Bible) condemned them. This was because they did not really believe what he wrote (though they may have thought they did) and did not practice the truth he recorded.

How to kill negative thoughts? How can I overcome negative thinking?

Chronic negative thinking, depression, anxiety, and similar disorders are on the rise all over the world. 

When a Christian’s thinking is primarily negative, anxious, or doubtful, it’s a sign of a serious lack of faith. 

Those who struggle with negative thinking should do the same thing they would do with any other sin—confess it (agree with God that negative thinking is wrong because it reveals a lack of trust) and make every effort to change the behavior.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are  noble, whatever things are  just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are  lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there  is any virtue and if there  is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

“Meditate/Think on these things”– our mind, our thoughts are exceedingly important in the spiritual life. To a large extent they will determine our actions. 

• Believers should have minds made new – Rom 12:2. 

• They should set their thoughts on heavenly things – Col 3:2. 

• They should keep their thoughts on the things of God’s Word. 

• Sinful things, worldly things, evil things are attractive to the sinful nature in us – Gal 5:16-17. 

If we let our thoughts dwell on such things we may be overcome with the desire for them. If our thoughts are always on true, pure, and excellent things we will be better able to reject and subdue sinful desires. 

So we should be very careful what we read, what things we watch, what kind of music we listen to, where we allow our imaginations to take us. If we fill our minds with things unworthy for believers in Christ we may soon be living lives unworthy of Christ.

• Prayer is a key part of overcoming negativity. Jesus taught that prayer should include praise to the Father and a focus on His holiness (Matthew 6:9; see also Psalm 95:2). As we pray “with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6), we focus on the blessings we have received and leave no room for negative thoughts. The Holy Spirit will be faithful to help the repentant believer overcome negative thinking (Matthew 7:7–11).

• Daily Bible reading, particularly studies that focus on the promises of God, are of great help in overcoming negative thinking. It’s helpful to remember that, no matter how dismal the present circumstances, Christians have been promised God’s love and victory in Christ (Romans 8:37–39; 2 Corinthians 2:14).

Christians must think about what they’re thinking about and not allow their minds to have free rein. In our spiritual warfare, we’ve been given the helmet of salvation—spiritual armor for the mind.