1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 (KJV) Knowing It, Or Enduring It?

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 (KJV)
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

Paul had been forthright with the members of the new church in Thessalonica. Not only he, but they, would suffer persecution for their faith.

• It had been this way since Cain killed Abel. 
• It was the testimony of the history of the Jews 
• Jesus had been persecuted- and executed 
• So had Stephen 
• So had James 
• Every one of the living Apostles had experienced persecution 
• Paul himself was not new to this trend

There was no reason these Christians, though Gentiles by blood, should expect differently.

But knowing it and enduring it, are two very different things.

Paul was concerned for them.

As a preacher, I witness many times when people in our church endure hard times, often because of their faith. I know, as they do, that this is a part of life on this planet and especially of the Christian living on this planet.

That doesn’t make it any easier.

As their pastor, I feel a sort of kinship with the Apostle who:

• Wanted to know their how their faith was holding up
• Wanted to establish them in their faith and 
• Wanted to comfort them in their faith

Generally there is little more that we can do. But doing this is enough.

To my readers:
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For this and more than 3700 earlier Daily Visits with God visit Marvin McKenzie’s blogger page. There you will find daily visits going back to 2006.

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1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 (KJV) Knowing It, Or Enduring It?

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