Acts 15:25-26, "It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I am like most American Christian's enjoying all the comforts the Lord has blessed us with.  However, we should not allow the comforts of life to negate our willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ.  Barnabas and Paul were men who "hazarded their lives" for Christ.  The word "hazarded" means to deliver over to be scourged, tormented, or put to death. 

Paul was attacked in Lystra, Acts 14:19 states, "And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead."  Paul didn'tquit, as a matter of fact he didn't even run from his persecutors, he went back into the city.  He continued to preach the gospel and teaching people. 

Will you cling to your comfort or are you willing to get out of your comfort zone?  Jesus suffered for us, we should be willing to hazard our lives for Him.  "...if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16).

Have a great day serving the Saviour!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  I’m sure you haven’t yet “hazarded” your life because of witnessing, but would you? What might cause you to be silent?

2.  Why do you think Paul, after having been stoned in Lystra, went back the next day to the very same city?

3.  How would you describe your comfort zone?  Are you willing to get out of it to become a more effective witness for Jesus?

4.  Is there any shame in suffering as a Christian?  How does 1 Peter 4:16 say we should respond to that possibility?