Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Comments by Joan Boney
The righteous go through many troubles on this present earth. Each trial causes the righteous to be conformed to the image of Christ as God brings the righteous through that trial in HIS own way, recreating the righteous as he deals with the problem.
By the trials of this life, we learn to turn to God. If there was never a problem would we turn to God? We learn to trust God by those things we suffer. We are even conformed into the image of Christ in the suffering, made like unto HIM by doing the will of God in the problem.
Thus Paul says ...
Romans 5 ... 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
When I was born again, I went through so much tribulation. My best friend at that time said, "Jonie, now that you are a Christian you aren't supposed to go through so much trouble." But she was wrong.
I Thess. 3:3 ... That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
I Peter 4 ... 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Some church people try to sell unbelievers a false Christianity where all is well on this earth if only you accept Christ and become Christian.
This is not true. It is a fleshly conversion approach and will not bear good fruits of God. It is like the way people try to bring people to God by lifting up famous people who say they are Christian. This is all fleshly, not correct salvation.
We don't sell Christianity like we would go about selling a loaf of bread.
Instead we speak truth and show truth by doing what God wants and God saves whom HE will.
Thus Paul says ...
I Cor. 1 ... 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
I once dated a man who worked for a Christian book publishing company. Bob was not born again. He observed and told me: "Have you noticed how many Christians are really very ugly people." (not desirable in the flesh so you would want to be around them)
Isa. 53 ... he (Jesus) hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Just look at some of the examples of THE WORD:
Mt. 5:32 ... Jesus said ... and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Is this a desirable message? "You men who marry divorced women commit adultery." Will this increase the attendance at your church group?
See how the Word is not a drawing card.
But many fleshly church groups try to make people come to them by withholding certain parts of the word of God and offering more attractive things to the flesh of man.
But man is not saved by the flesh ...
Nor is man saved by man.
Acts 2:47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
I can't image a person who really understands the cross wanting to wear a cross around his neck.
Phil. 2 ... 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.