If you are a disciple of Jesus, then God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life, just like he did for the first disciples! What kind of wonderful plan?
Well, Peter was crucified upside-down. Andrew, his brother was also crucified. James was executed by the sword. John, his brother was exiled and died of old age. Philip was tortured and then crucified upside-down. Bartholomew was skinned alive and he, too crucified upside down. Thomas was speared to death while praying. Matthew was also killed by the spear. Thaddeus and Simon and the other James…all crucified.
God’s wonderful plan for you is to preach the Gospel and make disciples – just like these men did. It’s why they were killed. The same Jesus who personally called these men has called us to do the same… even if it hurts. (And it might hurt!)
In Acts, chapter five, the disciples were arrested and beaten for preaching the Gospel. When they were let go, they left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Christ. And every day they continued to share the Gospel.
And when they had called in the Apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. They left the presence of the council, rejoicing hat they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that Christ is Jesus. (Acts 5:40-42)
Jesus said that you are blessed when others revile and persecute you and speak evil against you falsely on account of Him. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven!
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad! For your reward is great in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-12)
So God, indeed, has a wonderful plan for those who follow Jesus! (John 15:16, Romans 8:28-30, 1 Peter 1:3-5)
For those who don’t, His plan is to destroy all evil doers who do not believe in His Son. (Proverbs 16:4, John 3:36, Revelation 6:17)
Even in this, God will be glorified. (Romans 9:22-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10)
So you shouldn’t tell an unbeliever that God has a wonderful plan for their life. You should tell them to turn from their sin and follow Jesus. Only His disciples are forgiven their sins, saved from death, and know his ways are wonderful… when we understand the text.
(This video is by WWUTT. Discovered by e2 media network and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not e2 media network.)