Fiery Trial

Believe it or not the whole life of ministry or taking up your cross and following Jesus is a life of suffering. Yet we take joy in our suffering. John 21:17 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my sake. John 15:18 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." 1 Thessalonians 3:4 "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation." 2 Timothy 3:1 "This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come, vs 5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 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. Luke 6:26 "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did the fathers to the false prophets."

I wrote these scriptures for your benefit that you may understand that the inwrought Cross in man which should be the Christians purpose and life will be made manifest in you. The divine intention for man is that we fulfill his purpose in our life by faith in his Son. This in itself as we strive to do through the Spirit will bring not only the world against us but also our own family down on us. Luke 12:51 "Suppose ye that I am come to bring peace on earth? I tell you, No, but rather division."

I honestly believe that music can bridge the gap between sinner and Christian and all can come to peace through music. It forms common ground. However this is works which does not justify. When we preach the Word and faith goes out carried by God's Spirit then we see God move in the lives of those who are hearing. Some will embrace this truth and draw closer to God while others who were once partakers of the music will back away and become separated. The Word of God, which is a sword, is a divider of man and cuts two ways.

In saying this for your benefit I would that all who serve the Lord prosper but according to scripture, when people start to embrace you and tell you all good things then you are not using the sword as it was intended. I am not a modern day t.v. Christian who believes every Christian should be driving expensive cars and living in Mansions on earth. I avoid trouble by God's wisdom but I know it will come as long as we preach a pure doctrine of Jesus Christ. The truth will indeed set people free but it will make the bulk of them race back to captivity.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Remember we can do all things through Christ that gives us the strength to do so. Without him, we are helpless, undeserving, unholy, disgraceful and lost. He is all in all!

I am allowing God to do what he wills in this ministry. As I look at this ministry as a cross I must bear I am charged by the Spirit even more to be relentless in preaching faith in Christ through his Spirit with love. Continue to pray for Bride as we move always forward in assurance that Jesus is being glorified and lifted up. We have set his name apart in our lives and have removed ourselves in order that God alone shall have his way. 

There is so much that God longs to share with us. We as born again Christians have been recovered by the work of the cross, my question is…what is your cross? It is time Christians embrace the cross instead of looking at it from afar. It is still the Father's ultimate purpose and intention that he might have a family who embrace the inwrought cross which they have seen reflective from his paternal heart. Our choice, then, is either the cross for me, or the cross in me for God.

God orchestrates are every move and our lives are lived in total obedience and surrender to him as our Father.

We did not stop advancing after redemption. We picked up his cross and he engrafted his word in our hearts and we are compelled to preach Jesus Christ.

I am convinced that music is not enough to win souls, the Word of God must be preached in truth and by the Spirit.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. --Psalm 1:1-2

In Christ Jesus,

Dale Thompson