Testify to Love

   So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . . but join in the afflictions of the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. II Timothy 1:8-10

 In this time of mounting persecution, Paul told Timothy to expect suffering for the gospel. And Timothy, like Paul, would be imprisoned for preaching the gospel (Hebrews 13:23). But Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer. Even when there is no persecution, it can be difficult to share our faith in Christ. Fortunately we, like Timothy, can call on the Holy Spirit to give us courage. Don't be ashamed to testify. In these verses, Paul also gives a brief summary of the gospel. God loves us, called us, and sent Christ to die for us. We can have eternal life through faith in Him, because He broke the power of death with His resurrection. We do not deserve to be saved, but God offers us salvation anyway. What we must do is believe in Him and simply accept His offer. God loves you. Period. There is nothing in this life that you can do to make God love you any more or any less than He already does. Now the question is: what are you going to do about it? God Bless you, J.H