Stand Firm

Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
 
ONE reason Jesus established his church was to form a confident body of determined, faithful people who would strive together to learn, to live and to preach the gospel. The church’s main purposes include worship and discipleship, growing the kingdom of God throughout the earth. Jesus certainly knew that a church united in their faith in HIm would be a powerful, world-changing force. That meant in Paul’s time and throughout the centuries the church would need to stand firm against constant opposition. Mankind’s sinful nature would attempt to destroy the church just as people attempted to destroy Jesus.
    Are we, the church, standing firm or feeble? The fact that there is a church today expanding across the globe tells us many of God’s people are firmly with Jesus. From generation upon generation, across the globe, countless attacks have threatened the church. But in God’s power, Jesus’ passionate and purposeful disciples have firmly stood against these persecutions. The church worships and disciples God’s people to the nations.
    Sadly, though, there have been and are too many circumstances where churches have become feeble against the opposition. Or worse, threats from within the church have been very destructive. When Jesus is no longer at the center of his church, mankind’s ways, the church has declined and even disappeared.
    What happens? In short, Jesus is put aside. Too often, it seems, there is too little expectation and desire to experience God’s power in our daily lives. We spend very little time understanding the Bible. Short study time – if any – and short sermons are preferred. “Let’s get it done and go on.” is a mindset that limits our lives to disregard much of what we read and hear. We find ourselves focused on too many things that take us away from Jesus’ pathway. One cannot stand firm when he walks on sandy ground. Matthew 7:26-27 “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
    Standing firm, then, begins with taking time to know an receive the Bible’s teachings. Knowledge of God leads to faith in God. Faith in God in all circumstances – even severe persecution – leads to strong stands for the Lord God Almighty.
    Stand firm. Boldly live and declare Jesus’ gospel to defeat sin. Pray that your church is firm for Jesus. Pray that you are firm and will faithfully live for your Lord.
 
Joy Link: Firm begins with faith.