Reformed Presbytery in North America Unknown

The persecution of God's faithful people by Antiochus Epiphanes was a great trial for them, but an-even greater trial was the betrayal of fellow Jews at that time who turned against the faithful. It is expected-that there will arise those who despise faithful Christians who stand without compromise for Jesus and His-truth. It is especially painful when those who profess to be Christians turn against faithful Christians because-they will not be moved from the truth found in God's Word.-Our faithful forefathers in the faith suffered in Scotland because they would not acknowledge that the-king had lawful authority from Christ to rule over the church or that the king had lawful authority from Christ-to destroy a faithful covenant made by a nation and its church with Almighty God -the Solemn League and-Covenant-. The rulers and a majority of the people in Scotland -who were not atheists-they professed to be-Christians-, and yet they hunted faithful Covenanters down like animals to imprison-kill them. That's painful--yet instructive.-Let us not think that God has called us as faithful Christians to an easy, carefree life in following Jesus in-this world -Acts 14-21-22-. We face a constant battle in standing for Christ and His truth -but it is worth it-. For-in so doing souls are saved, believers are encouraged, the Christ's kingdom grows, and we shall be given a-crown of life in heaven to come.

The world is looking for someone-something to believe in. Sadly, what the world believes in is that-which changes, that which is temporary, that which passes away -whether we believe in ourselves, our-children, our bank account, the economy-. What we truly need to believe in is someone that is almighty, that-loves with a perfect love, that does not change, that is eternal, that takes away the fear of death and gives a-certain hope in this world and forevermore. He who we need to believe in with all our heart is the God that-created us and has sent His Son -Jesus Christ- to save sinners chosen and loved from all eternity. There is-within us a restlessness to find that someone in which to believe that is ever faithful, loving, just, true, and-almighty, and is able to change our life for good both now and for all eternity. That restlessness to find such a-One in whom to believe only ceases when we find our rest in Jesus Christ.-To disbelieve and not receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is at its very core a refusal to receive the-love of God in Christ and a refusal to submit to the authority of Christ and His Word. And this refusal will-continue even in the face of the most powerful evidence to believe in Christ until He graciously-miraculously-opens our spiritual eyes to see and gives us faith to embrace Him and His truth.