Chained But Not Changed!

Paul and Silas were praising God in their prayer even with their backs bleeding and their feet in stocks like some kind of dangerous criminal!

That was Paul!

He said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

He also wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:16–17: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Paul is saying this is worth it! My God is worth it!

I believe that they thought of the words of Jesus in The Beatitudes in

Matthew 5:10–12 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

They didn’t let their surroundings change who they were!

We need to get this church! Our lives take a little turn for the worse and we are ready to turn on God!

How could you let this happen to me God?

Or

Our environment changes – we get around some non-Christians and suddenly we have to use language they use, we have to drink because they are, we have to gossip because they are.

Come on church, isn’t it time we got some backbone and stood strong even when our environment changes around us?

This two timing Jesus thing has to stop!

I mentioned the Website Myspace a few weeks ago and have gotten quite a reaction about it.

Some of you wanting to know if I happen to see your site or not and when did I see it.

Let me make this crystal clear – It doesn’t matter what I saw, I saw plenty to know there is a major problem, what matters is GOD SEES!

This is going to be a revelation to some people, even when you set it to private, GOD CAN STILL SEE!

I mention this because I saw this kind of thing happening there.

When people were talking to other church people they were so nice and polite and encouraging.

But when they got with their worldly friends they changed as well. I was blown away at what people who call themselves Christians would say for everyone to read.

I kept thinking, “If they are going to say that for the world to read, what do they say when the whole worlds not listening?”

Church, we have to quite changing like the wind with our Christianity!

Its time to stand for God no matter where you are who you are with!

If your environment keeps changing you, maybe you need to think about changing your environment!

I believe we need to do what Paul did, and that is look at the big picture!

It’s worth it! I will not waiver in what I believe; I will stand for my God!

We have got some weak Christians out there, we need some more warriors!

Let’s continue verse 26 - 28

The Third life lesson we have to get from Paul is this:

3. Be patient and let God break your chains!