Crisis and the Kingdom of God
Today’s Focus: Baptism of Fire and Purpose of Trials and Tribulation
Scripture: Romans 5:1-4; 1 Peter 4:12,13
Greetings Kingdom Citizens
Crisis for the sons of God, if they are in the right mindset, is an opportunity for maturity. So believers believe every trial is of the devil. This is not true. The Baptism of Fire is a baptism that the Lord administers to mature you from soul-dependence to Spirit-dependence. Let’s look at these scriptures:
1 Peter 4:12,13: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the FEIRY TRIAL WHICH IS TO TRY YOU, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when HIS GLORY SHALL BE REVEALED, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
So it is not if you will go through trials, it is a matter of when. But look at the scripture it starts with understanding the trials that will try you and it ends with seeing the glory of God revealed. So just as Christ suffered, so shall we. It is a shame that today we do not hear much about suffering in Christ for maturity. We hear this watered down version of the gospel where everything is always o.k. and you never have to trials or tribulation but Christ suffered and because He suffered, we do not have to suffer. Huh? That sounds crazhy but it is being preached. Here is another scripture I want to show you about tribulation.
Romans 5:1-4: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in HOPE OF THE GLORY OF GOD. And not only so, but we GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Now you know you barely here this scripture from the carnal preachers because it tells us that we glory in tribulation. What? Yes, we glory in tribulation. Paul goes on to tells us why. Through tribulation works patience and waiting for the manifestation of the presence and goodness (glory) of God. When we learn patience we gain experience. Experience is good because you can almost guarantee that there is someone coming behind you that will go through the same trial. Finally we see that these tribulations, patience and experience work hope. The hope of what? Romans 5:2 says the hope is the glory of God. What is the glory of God? His presence and goodness extended to us.
So trials and tribulations are necessary to mature and we can see the glory of God in the crisis and have peace while we are going through. In the next message we will be looking at the overall picture of the power and purpose of the House of God in the earth.
Peace, Love and Grace from the Father,
Calvin Calhoun, Jr.
