April 4
“[Paul and Barnabas] returned… strengthening
the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith,
and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations
enter the kingdom of God.’
ACTS 14:22
the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith,
and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations
enter the kingdom of God.’
ACTS 14:22
Our idea of overcoming is to avoid tribulation, not pass through it. We certainly do not connect entering the Kingdom with going through tribulation. We think having the victory means eliminating all tribulation. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In order to enter the Kingdom there must be an increase of Christ and a decrease of Self. This is an ongoing process, and by it we judge how far along the Path we have progressed.
But how is Self decreased? The answer is in our circumstances and trials. They are sufficient to decrease us. We need not do anything but wait for them to come, and see them as our opportunity to have Self decreased and Christ increased.
Source: “The Irresistible Kingdom” by Chip Brogden
Related Posts:
CHIP BROGDEN is a best-selling author, teacher, and former pastor who shares "real, simple, truth" about a Christ-centered faith that is based on relationship, not religion. Learn more »
Hi Chip,
A Truth that is “taught” but not necessarily “caught”…The Self usually does not go quietly; I’ve learned. But it’s such a relief to discover there is a purpose in tribulation…Apostle Paul referred to it as “…these light afflictions”…Not a word of complaint from him….Are we ready to suffer the same “Light Afflictions” as he? Hmmm?
Brenda Brown
Dear bro Chip. Your point is always very accurate. Ve ry true, but only a few will strive to enter the narrow gate. I live close to high mountains in switzerland. Walk is hard to go on the top. You sweat. Your muscles hurt. Your lungs are sometimes in fire. But when you reach the top, all pain is suddenly gone for what you see is breathtaking. Modern christians are not ready to pay the price. They would prefer to reach the top with the lift. But as that lift does not exist, they remain down in the valley of the filth. God always reveals himself on the heights. Be blessed you and your wife. Bro Richard
Oh how true that is, I have not heard of this type of message in all my years of going to church, it is not a popular doctrine, people are frightened of tribulation and if people do come into the tribulation, they think panic! or they get told that they are in rebellion or need something cast out of them, oh my goodness, my mind is spinning
We’re not escaping tribulation completely. It’s all around us, sometimes close, sometimes not. Some believe we will escape all of it. But I don’t see how that can be possible when it is happening to a certain degree now and will only increase as time goes on.
Yes, I feel like Lynne. We too often told us that the torments and sufferings and trials were results of our sins and disobedience to God… But if we have reached our quota of years of suffering… can we have a few years of rest to have a break?
It seems to me based on my own experience that I seek God more and I know His guidance when I’m in the worst place. Its as though I’m clinging to Him like a magnet as He is getting me on the other side. My problem of not knowing the process or the road that has to traveled can be overwhelming. I tend to want to know what’s happening, but God says its not for you to know these things because you are only to follow Me and allow Me to do all things according to my will. Total dependency can cause some grief but circumsizing and crucifying the flesh and self daily is very painful.