Bible Verse of The Day – 4-20-20

John 12:42-43 (NKJV) 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

As the time drew near for Jesus to be crucified, many people confessed their faith in Him.

Even some of the Jewish religious leaders believed. Sadly, though, they were intimidated by the Pharisees, and they chose to keep their faith to themselves, for fear of being kicked out of the synagogue and being ridiculed or punished.

The desire for the praise of men can be very powerful in the lives of some. We all wrestle with this to some degree at some point in our lives.

For some of us it can be a huge obstacle to growing our relationship with God. This is especially true when it comes to being outspoken about our faith.

Let’s face it. It’s easy to quietly have faith in God. It’s yet another thing for us to be outward about our faith.

But here’s the thing that we often overlook. Demonstrating our faith outwardly is about more than just our words. It is also about our actions.

Not everyone is created to be an evangelist or a public speaker. But each and every one of us can walk out our faith in the things we do each and every day!

And, as Jesus said, if our faith is genuine, we should not be afraid of what people think of us.

Matthew 10:32-33 (NKJV) 32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Remember, it’s not just about what we say, but about what we do also. And the desire for people’s praise should never outweigh the desire for God’s commendation.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

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