--WHATEVER THE COST / DO WE LOVE THE APPROVAL OF MAN MORE THAN WE DO OF LOVING JESUS?

---WHATEVER THE COST ~~

--"They would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear."
---(John 12:42)--

--[Please read JOHN Chapter 12/ verses 27-43 = 'JESUS FORETELLS HIS DEATH' ]

~~~The film Paul, Apostle of Christ takes an unflinching look at persecution in the early days of the church. Even the movie’s minor characters reveal how dangerous it was to follow Jesus. Consider these roles listed in the credits: Beaten Woman; Beaten Man; Christian Victims 1, 2, and 3.

Identifying with Christ often came at a high cost. And in much of the world, it’s still dangerous to follow Jesus. Many in the church today can relate to that kind of persecution. Some of us, however, may feel “persecuted” prematurely—outraged any time our faith is mocked or we do not receive something we think is due us.

Obviously, there’s a colossal difference between sacrificing social status and sacrificing our lives. Realistically, though, self-interest, financial stability, and social acceptance have always been intense human motivators. We see this in the actions of some of Jesus’s earliest converts. The apostle John reports that, mere days before Jesus’s crucifixion, although most Israelites were still rejecting Him (John 12:37), many “even among the leaders believed” (v. 42). However, “They would not openly acknowledge their faith . . . for they loved human praise more than praise from God” (vv. 42-43).

Today we still face societal pressures (and worse) to keep our faith in Christ hidden. Whatever the cost, let’s stand together as a people who seek God’s approval more than human praise.

---ODB/TG~--Yes, we all are sinners saved only by His grace. This song, "Clean" by Natalie Grant explains where we were before He saved us. Only Jesus can make us clean. "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Jesus Christ." We must keep short accounts. When we have sinned the Holy Spirit convicts us, it is then that we must confess / repent (1 John 1:9)= "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." --<https://youtu.be/dqfgjSPMcnc>
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