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Youth Today, March 6
Heroes for God
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
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Corinthians 16:13
Christ told His disciples that in the world they should have tribulation.
They would be brought before kings and rulers for His sake; all manner
of evil would be spoken against them falsely, and those who destroyed
their lives would think they did God service. And all, in every age, who
have lived godly lives have suffered persecution in some form.... They
have suffered every indignity, outrage, and cruelty which Satan could
move upon minds to invent.
The world is as much opposed to genuine religion today as it ever
has been....
The spirit of persecution will ... be aroused against the faithful
ones, who make no concessions to the world, and will not be swayed
by its opinions, its favor, or its opposition. A religion that bears a
living testimony in favor of holiness and that rebukes pride, selfishness,
avarice, and fashionable sins will be hated by the world and by superficial
Christians. Marvel not, then, my youthful Christian friends, if the world
hates you; for it hated your Master before you. When you suffer reproach
and persecution, you are in excellent company; for Jesus endured it all,
and much more. If you are faithful sentinels for God, these things are a
compliment to you. It is the heroic souls, who will be true if they stand
alone, who will win the imperishable crown....
The way to eternal life is straight and narrow, and you will have to
press through many difficulties; but by persevering effort you may win
eternal life—the future, immortal inheritance. And the rest, the peace,
the glory at the end of the journey, will a thousand times repay every
exertion and sacrifice that you can make.
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