Freedom Comes on the Other Side of Desperation

The title of this episode comes from a quote I heard from Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church ( https://wochurch.org/ ).  I was listening to one of his sermons when he mentioned how the church, in his opinion, has not done a good job of preparing us for desperation.  The statement has been with me ever since.

Christianity in much of the world, more and more of it each day, is being looked down upon with hostility toward it growing.  Most Christians in the world know and accept this treatment particularly because they are following in the steps of the LORD JESUS, who HIMSELF was treated with contempt and hostility.  Most Christians do not have the freedoms that the western church, epically those in the United States, have and enjoy.  Because they have "skin" in the game the blood of JESUS is so much more precious.  Sadly that means we who live in the western church and especially the United States have become apathetic towards the idea of suffering or being desperate for the grace of GOD to sustain and carry them.  We have indeed turned our backs on GOD and HIS SON JESUS.

This episode we take a hard look at being desperate to be with and in the presence of JESUS CHRIST the LORD.  Are you seeking the freedom that awaits on the other side of this life with JESUS?  Are you desperate to run this race following in the steps of CHRIST?  Are you prepared/made a firm decision to follow CHRIST regardless of the circumstance?  With all my being....you should!  Are you the unbeliever desperate to flee from the wrath to come and be with and in the arms of your Great GOD and Savior JESUS?  Then watch and listen to find out how.

 The Scriptures that are mainly used for this episode are:  John 16:33, Romans 5:1-9, 1 Peter 4:12-19, 1 Peter 5: 8-11


    12      Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 
          13      but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 
          14      If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 
          15      Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 
          16      but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 
(1 Peter 4:12–16)

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.  Amen.