The Joy of Christianity

Yes, Christians are persecuted, and yes Christians suffer, mourn and grieve. But, there is joy of serving Jesus our Lord. Now, I am saying these not from my own lips but Jesus himself told these to encourage Christians on keeping the faith ‘til the end. “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!” Although, Jesus told this not only to encourage, but because it is simply what God promised.

Earlier, I met with a family friend and were discussing about persecution and he agreed of what I said that there is no real Christian that is not persecuted. As it was written in the scriptures in Matthew 24:9 that everyone will hate you because of me as Jesus was saying to his disciples. I believe that if you are not persecuted then you are not a real Christian. In saying this, people will frown or shake their heads in disagreement, but we must remember that while we were living on this world, the world and Christian belief are deemed foes always in constant battle within us and around us. Therefore, what should be our reaction to friction and opposition? We should work for peace for Jesus said, “Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them His children!”

People might call Christians insane since Jesus is saying for us to be happy in spite of harsh persecution, but Jesus said these things for us to know that in the face of trials, God will give us a reward in heaven. Matthew 5:12.

Christianity Is Impossible?

     I’ve been a Christian since the dinosaur age, and I think we’re hunted down to extinction. Trying to live a normal life in this world is everybody’s nightmare even for non-Christians. In reality, it’s unimaginably hard to follow Jesus’ footsteps, for we always lose, in our hearts and mind. Jesus said to give to the poor and the needy. Well, I’ve tried that, and I’ve been duped. Jesus said to be humble and be a slave to all, and yes, I tried that and got bad-mouthed. Jesus said to be like a child, so I got treated like one. Following Jesus could even get you kidnapped, hurt and killed as in the news. So, what’s the point in struggling, and doing what Jesus would do in this God-forsaken world? Jesus got one thing right, which is there will be persecution. Yeah, it wasn’t like the Roman days when Christians were fed to lions or lighted like a torch, but today it is the battle inside our minds and hearts. Before, it’s from the outside in, and now it creeps out from the inside out. We may not be missing a limb, but our heart is bleeding. Love is what remains. Love is what makes us getting up, going to work, commuting for days, listening to bosses, planting trees, feeding the pet, cleaning the house, studying, learning and living. For it says: Love never gives up. A promise Jesus made to all His followers that whoever holds out to the end WILL BE saved. Matthew 24:13. Posible! :)

About Giving

     Just recently, I was meditating about how much we should give to the church monetarily. There was this argue about giving 10% tithe or else you will be committing a sin. On their defense regarding this, they would turn to their bibles and show Hebrews 7 where it says about the Order of Melchizedek and giving that King of Salem a tenth of Abraham’s wealth. On the other hand, a believer opposes to this and told about 2 Corinthians 9:6 that we should give according to our hearts desire and not out of sense of duty, and therefore you can cheerfully give any amount your heart dictates.

     There was a boy who came to a shop to purchase something. “Sir, I would like one Jesus Christ please?” The owner told the boy that it is worth about 10% of your entire income.

     Another similar situation is this:

     The boy came up to the shop owner to buy something. “Sir, can I have one Jesus Christ please?” The owner asked him how much it is worth for him and the boy answered, “That item is very precious to me that I would give my entire fortune for that!”