Fiery Trials

​The anti-Christian climate of our current culture is very concerning.
Christian faith is mocked. Christians are being marginalized. Ridiculed. Discriminated against. Cancel culture strategically targets Christians, Christian organizations and Christian activities. Non-biblical liberal legislation and fabricated mandates are purposely and craftily designed to silence Christian thought, Christian voices and the church community.
If you confess to be a Christian, your and my biblical convictions, beliefs and moral standards are under unrelenting, unapologetic, vicious attack. America is becoming increasingly anti-Christian, anti-religion, anti-conservative, anti-morality and anti-decency.
Suffering and persecution for Christian faith is on the horizon of your lifestyle and mine.
Sadly, there are many places in our world where our brothers and sisters in Christ are imprisoned, beaten, tortured and executed simply for their faith in Jesus.
Do not be naïve my fellow Christians. “Fiery trials” are here. They have always been and only increase with time as faithful Christians await Christ’s glorious return. If you don’t think so, your head is in the sand. You are as blind as a bat.
The anti-Christ, anti-Christian spirit is alive and well in our nation and world.
The New Testament church experienced “fiery trials” while it was being established. In I Peter 4:12-19 the apostle Peter, the first leader of the New Testament church, outlines how to handle “fiery trials”. I encourage you to read this passage for yourself.
Bottom line: When the world is persecuting Christians who follow Jesus Christ, born-again believers are sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
Peter’s Wise Words For Successfully Handling Fiery Trials
Do not be surprised by fiery trials. Do not say “I can’t believe this is happening to me.” Trials happen. To every Christian. Trials try and test our faith. God would have us to pass the suffering test by standing strong in faith. (Verse 12).
Keep on rejoicing when you share in Christ’s sufferings. The unbelieving world hates Jesus and hates His followers (John 15:18). Jesus said they persecuted Me and they will persecute you (John 15:20). Count it a joyful thing to suffer for your Lord and Savior. (Verse 13).
When you are reviled and ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed! Why? Because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (Verse 14).
Do not suffer because you are an evildoer. If you do evil and suffer for it, you are reaping the harvest of sowing seeds of sin, not sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Carnal Christians who choose to sin can never say they are suffering for the Savior. (Verse 15).
Suffer because you are a Christian. You bear His name. Do not be ashamed. Instead, glorify God as you experience trials and suffering in the name of Jesus. It is an honor to endure and overcome “fiery trials” because of your love for Jesus. (Verse 16).
Judgment is coming. First to the house of God. Secondly, to unbelieving sinners in the world. The world is in big trouble when it rejects the Lord Jesus Christ and persecutes His faithful followers (verses 17-18).
If you suffer for Christ doing His will, entrust your soul to God. The Lord, our Creator and Redeemer, is faithful. Endure. Persevere. Stand firm in faith. Rejoice in suffering for Christ’s name by continuing to do what is right in the sight of God. (Verse 19).
So how do you feel about “fiery trials” and “sharing in Christ’s sufferings”? If you start your day by jumping out of bed and saying “I cannot wait to have my faith tested today and suffer for Jesus.” You might consider seeing a counselor!
My brothers and sisters in Christ: The heat of “fiery trials” testing Christians is being turned up. Hotter and hotter is the temperature significant segments of our godless culture is putting on believers in Jesus. It will not cool down any time soon or ever for that matter.
This is not a time to be discouraged or depressed. Not a time to run and hide. Not a time to bury our heads in the sand. Not a time to worry about and fear the future. Not a time to throw in the towel, to give in or give up to the godless forces that stalk our nation and world.
Be encouraged. The hotter the “fiery trials” become, the closer Christ’s return is! It is time for God’s people to look to the Lord with great faith. To entrust our lives and the lives of those we love to Him and His good, acceptable and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).
The New Testament Church thrived through fiery trials and turned their unbelieving world upside down (Acts 17:6). Why not follow their example in the book of Acts and be part of winning those who persecute Christians to the Lord’s side?
 Rejoice! Fiery trials make you and me more and more like Jesus!
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is perishable; even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:6-9
A Word For Your Week: Life’s fiery trials mature and perfect our faith.