Where does it say that suffering
is part of a Christian life? Throughout the New Testament, actually. What are we to do when we are rejected for believing in Christ? How are we to respond when in spite of our loving heart and gentle spirit, we endure suffering? Francis Chan spoke about this during a November 29, 2015 service. He begins by sharing how much it means to be thankful that he is part of a body that lives and loves as the early, New Testament church did, and then he discusses the dilemma of many western, United States Christians: we don't live the faith, we don't put ourselves in positions that might cause us to be rejected or face difficulties. A powerful sermon about what it means to be a Christian. Below is the passage that Chan discusses during his talk.
1 Peter 4:12-19
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,[a] which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.[b] 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?”
19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
