L.L.A

Our world is getting darker everyday. Lines between right and wrong are blurring to shades of grey, and the Biblical truths we hold on to as Christians look stranger and stranger to society. 

But this world is not our home, our citizenship is in heaven.

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."

1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)

When we uphold God's word as our guide we will be called intolerant by people who want to go their own way.  We may begin to experience kinds of persecution that we in America have not been exposed to before. 

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kids of evil against you because of Me."

Matthew 5:10-11

And we aren't just blessed because of persecution, as we see in these next verses.

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved- and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him."

Philippians 1:27-29

Suffering for Christ while we are on this earth is a gift. That's certainly not a mindset we're used to having. Our time here on earth is so brief, and our true home is in heaven.  None of our temporary sufferings compare to what Christ has suffered for us.

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8