Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Saturday, 30 May 2015 - "Be A Courageous Christian" Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-14

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Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Saturday, 30 May 2015 - "Be A Courageous Christian" Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason, I am reminding you to fan the flame of God’s gift, which you received through s’mikhah from me. 7 For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity, but power, love and self-discipline. 8 So don’t be ashamed of bearing testimony to our Lord or to me, his prisoner. On the contrary, accept your share in suffering disgrace for the sake of the Good News. God will give you the strength for it, 9 since he delivered us and called us to a life of holiness as his people. It was not because of our deeds, but because of his own purpose and the grace which he gave to us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. He did this before the beginning of time, 10 but made it public only now through the appearing of our Deliverer, the Messiah Yeshua, who abolished death and, through the Good News, revealed life and immortality.

11 It was for this Good News that I was appointed a proclaimer, emissary and teacher of the Goyim; 12 and this is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that he can keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound teachings you have heard from me, with trust and the love which is yours in the Messiah Yeshua. 14 Keep safe the great treasure that has been entrusted to you, with the help of the Ruach HaKodesh, who lives in us.

"Be A Courageous Christian" by Author: Kimberly Davidson
Are American Christians being persecuted today? Anti-Christian people will sometimes attack personally, call us names, sue, and lie. Yet the war on Christianity in America hasn’t yet reached the high levels as in other parts of the world. Nevertheless, a battle is being waged. Paul said “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Unlike American Christians, Christians in Paul’s days were arrested and executed for their faith. Paul recruited a young man named Timothy. He struggled with a timid and reserved nature. Yet Paul saw Timothy’s potential. He urged Timothy to carry out his ministry without fear or shame, to boldly use the gift of preaching that the Holy Spirit gave him.
We’re all sensitive to public opinion. When we serve Christ we can count on opposition. Satan isn’t going to give up without a fight. Declaring our faith isn’t always easy. When we do we have a positive effect on others. None of us should be ashamed to speak about our faith in Christ.
Hymn for Today: "COURAGEOUS" by Casting Crowns

We were made to be Courageous,

We were made to lead the way,

We could be the generation,

That finally breaks the chains,

We were made to be Courageous,

We were made to be Courageous,

We were warriors on the front lines,

Standing, unafraid,

But now we're watchers on the sidelines,

While our families slip away,

Where are you, men of courage?

You were made for so much more,

Let the pounding of our hearts cry,

We will serve the Lord,

We were made to be Courageous,

And we're taking back the fight,

We were made to be Courageous,

And it starts with us tonight,

The only way we'll ever stand,

Is on our knees we're lifting hands,

Make us Courageous,

Lord, make us Courageous,

This is our resolution,

Our answer to the call,

We will love our wives and children,

We refuse to let them fall,

We will reignite the passion,

That we buried deep inside,

May the watchers become warriors,

Let the men of God arise,

We were made to be courageous,

And we're taking back the fight,

We were made to be courageous,

And it starts with us tonight,

The only way we'll ever stand,

Is on our knees with lifted hands,

Make us courageous,

Lord, make us courageous,

Seek justice,

Love mercy,

Walk humbly with your God,

In the war of the mind,

I will make my stand,

In the battle of the heart,

And the battle of the hand,

In the war of the mind,

I will make my stand,

In the battle of the heart,

And the battle of the hand,

We were made to be courageous,

And we're taking back the fight,

We were made to be courageous,

And it starts with us tonight,

The only way we'll ever stand,

Is on our knees with lifted hands,

Make us courageous,

Lord, make us courageous,

We were made to be courageous,

Lord, make us courageous

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