Anyone who is a believer knows that when you speak in the name of Jesus, people will object. The bible says that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and tongue confess that He is Lord of all. We all know that the devil hates this and prods people to object to the name of Jesus. It is unfortunate that we will receive objects from other believers. This is where persecution comes into play.

In the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus said that we will be persecuted. He said that we are blessed when we are. And that we are to bless and not curse the person when they do. So, Jesus is saying that we, as believers, will suffer persecution. And the converse is just as true. If we are not using the name of Jesus, which God commands us to, we will not be persecuted. The devil does not fight against anyone that is not living and doing God’s word. But that is a trap in itself. If you shy away from living out God’s word in your life, you will not succeed in the kingdom of heaven.

God said to follow Him wherever He led us. He says that we are to renew our minds and hearts through the His word. God’s word says that we are more than conquerors through Him who strengthens us. And that we are to take up His armor to protect ourselves against the wiles of the devil. God’s armor is the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, shod, shoes, with being prepared by reading the gospel, the bible. And lastly with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

In Matthew 7:21-23, the bible says that Jesus will turn away people from heaven, who didn’t pursue Him even though they were believers in the church. The reason is that they never did get to know Him. Our relationship with Jesus is how we enter into Heaven. There is no other way. Follow Jesus and pursue Him with all your heart.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com