Standing Strong in Difficult Times

 In the midst of dark times, it is essential that the people of God stand together. 

The courage to stand firm in difficult times comes from counting the cost and seeing that Jesus is worth it. 

The people of God are to stand on the truth of the Word of God and share that truth with others.

The characteristics of faithfulness are contrasted with the cowardice of those who fall away in the difficult moments. 

Soldiers, athletes and farmers all achieve their desired results by enduring through difficulty. It is often very similar with the people of God.

In His sinless life and sacrificial death, Jesus is the ultimate example of endurance.

Though we may be faithless at times, believers are secure in Christ.

Christians are to avoid fruitless discussion and attend the fruitful business of rightly dividing the Word.

Vessels of honor are secure and satisfied in serving the King of Kings, having no appetite for the applause or approval of the world.

Scripture demands that Christians be wary of those who are spiritual without a desire to be Biblical.  

Christians have and will face persecution...but the joy of our salvation is surer and sweeter than the bitterness of our suffering.

The Bible is the Holy Spirit inspired Word of God. As such, the people of God have all they need for life and Godliness in the pages of Scripture.

Christians are called to proclaim the Word of God with clarity and boldness.

When we realize that in death "mortality may be swallowed up by life" we can stand for the Lord through any amount of hardship and persecution.