Peace in Suffering - Sunday, July 21st, 2019

2nd Timothy 2:1-13
So, my child, draw your strength from the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Take the things you heard me say in front of many other witnesses and pass them on to faithful people who are also capable of teaching others.
Accept your share of suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Nobody who serves in the military gets tied up with civilian matters, so that they can please the one who recruited them.  Also in the same way, athletes don’t win unless they follow the rules.  A hardworking farmer should get the first share of the crop.  Think about what I’m saying; the Lord will give you understanding about everything.
Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news.  This is the reason I’m suffering to the point that I’m in prison like a common criminal. But God’s word cannot be imprisoned.  This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This saying is reliable:+
“If we have died together, we will also live together.  If we deny him, he will also deny us. If we are disloyal, he stays faithful because he can’t be anything else than what he is."