03/10/2023 - WE HAVE THE FIRST FRUITS

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And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8.28

Since the resurrection of Jesus and the consequent grace of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, our brothers and sisters of the past had the first fruits of the Comforter. We know that the first fruits of the Holy Spirit empowered the fearless. Despite the sanctions imposed by Judaism – such as being kicked out from their homes and from fellowship in the synagogues, culminating in death, as it happened to Stephen – the Christians of that time did not back down (Acts 6.8-7.60).

In many countries, this barbarism still occurs today, even leading to the death of children and other family members, if they abandon the official faith of that nation. Martyrs have not stopped appearing all over the world, and many, even knowing the sentence they would receive for accepting Jesus as their Savior, marched on, believing that it is better to die for Christ than to live away from Him (Philippians 1.21). The Scriptures are not silent on the possibility that we may be put to death for the Lord’s sake.

The Bible warns that creation groans waiting for the sons of God to appear (Romans 8.22), to show everyone how good it is to be saved and to have the assurance of eternal life. It is sad to hear that someone has gone back on his commitment to the Master. By doing so, he becomes a defendant in the eternal fire: Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him (Hebrews 10.38). Woe to him who go back from his decision to side with Jesus, for the eternal Father will no longer take pleasure in him. Run to the arms of the Savior!

You need to ask the Lord to show you where and how you can be His instrument to save the lost. God has decided that He would use men just like you and me for His work to be done. So, never be carried away by the enemy’s deceptions. Those who turn away from Christ take long steps towards perdition. It is necessary to feel labor pains on behalf of those who have strayed from the Gospel.

As the first fruits of the Spirit, we can be used through the gift of faith, certain that we will not perish when we confess Christ as Lord of our life, even if we are threatened. To do the work or suffer for it, stand firm on the Word, for He said: But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak (Matthew 10.19).

While we await the redemption of our body, which will take place at Jesus’ return, trust in the Lord, being touched by the opportunity to cry out on behalf of those who are not yet mature enough to serve God with joy. Even when facing difficulties, never give up. If the Almighty allows you to go through the hardships of the persecutors, it is because He has prepared a better time for you.

Sooner than we think, the last trumpet will sound, and we will go up to meet our friends who have already died. Together we will sing a new song on the Day of our complete redemption (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18). To Christ the Lord be glory, honor, and power forever! Prepare yourself and look forward to that day with the certainty of your victory!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares