"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth". (Romans 1:16a-b.)

"But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets". (Acts 24:14.)

And for my faith and belief in the Word, I have suffered greatly, being sorely hated and rejected by those who are ashamed of the Word of Truth.

And I have been kept in this my financial imprisonment these past few years (unto the time of this writing hereof) for my obedience unto God, for preaching the gospel, for teaching the Word of Truth. Yes, even my necessity has been neglected (this grieves me to report) by even those who would not otherwise be ashamed. But "the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the laborer is worthy of his reward." (1_Timothy 5:18.)

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1_John 3:17.) (Was the rich man rewarded well for neglecting Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31? No; let that parable be read again.)

"What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?" (1_Corinthians 14:36.) Has not "the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel"? (1_Corinthians 9:14.) "I speak to your shame." (1_Corinthians 6:5a.) "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." (Philippians 2:21.)

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things ((which I have truly lost)), and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (Philippians 3:7-8.)

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (1_Peter 4:16.) And indeed, for my faith and belief in the Word, for preaching the gospel, for teaching the Word of Truth, I have suffered much hatred and rejection, even tribulations.

But I know and am comforted "that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22c.) "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:3-5.)

Therefore, "Whosoever believeth... shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11[b].)

© June 4, 1997, The Standard Bearer
P.O. Box 765, O.O.B., ME 04064

<--Previous    Next-->