If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 15:18-19
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Ever had a time where you tried to reach out to a lost person or just tried to share the gospel in public and got a feeling of hate. In fact it probably felt pretty personal either by the words they said or by their expressions. The truth of the matter is, it's not you they fighting against. It is the sin in their lives is feeling threatened by the Holy Spirit who dwells in all true believers. What Jesus was telling His disciples here was don't take things personal they hate who you follow. This message goes the same for the church now that the world doesn't hate us personally,but instead hates who we serve. Why? This world doesn't like being held accountable to anyone for anyone for anything. The thing is all things will be brought into light and into judgment when it's all over.
When I read where it says in the 19 verse how it says you are not of this world. It always reminds me of how we as Christians were bought with a price( 1 Corinthians 6:20 ) and have been separated. Then it also reminds of how there is no fellowship between light and darkness.( 1 John 1:6, Ephesians 5:11 ) So brothers and sisters in Christ be encouraged when sharing the gospel and you are treated harsh do not take it personally. Remember they hate who we serve and instead pray for them. Friends before getting saved I was bad about not wanting to show pity to those who did me wrong. Now my first thought is instead of anger is being sad for them. For if a person does not accept Christ and they die they will spend eternity in hell. Friends that is one thing that motivates me to share the good news of Jesus Christ. So friends I encourage you to share the gospel with anyone who is willing to listen.
For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ).Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). will you choose Him? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will ever make. It is a matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don't wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 ) !
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
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