Daily Bread 10-12-16

1 Corinthians 4:13-15

13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

ref. - Ro 15:20 - Yea, so I have strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation.

Jas 1:18 - Of his own will he begat us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

When Christ brought this wonderful gospel first to the Jews and then to the gentiles he was mocked , whipped, beaten, imprisoned, laughed at, and eventually murdered for the truth. He was the true example of what someone will go through to get the truth to those he loves. Now, the Apostle Paul was chosen by God and led by Christ to continue this gospel and have the same caring for mankind. He went through many of the same things. He was called crazy, he was counted as mad, the "ones in power" and many of the people labeled him as "one of those crazy followers of Christ." But he kept right on trying to help them and he gave them the truth no matter what the cost to his own personal being. He was not surrounded by friends and family that encouraged him constantly, he mostly traveled alone with one or two of his, what he called sons, helpers. Even they at times made excuse not to go with him. But whether the people wanted him there or not in the synagogues, towns, and hillsides, there he was proclaiming the gospel that Christ had brought to save the world. When the people spoke evil of him, he gave them words and a gospel that would help them anyhow. He kept on in no matter what circumstances he faced. This was truly someone who loved not only this gospel but the people that it was intended for. When the people wanted to revere him and put him on a throne he quickly told them no, the honor and glory goes to God, and got on his way. This is the type of men we need today. Men of perseverance, not conforming to the world but ones who have been transformed by the Spirit. Ones who will go on feeding the world with the gospel of Christ when their world seems to crumble around them. Ones who will never veer from the truth of the gospel even though many fight against it. Ones who will build upon the rock that God established no matter who calls them fools, haters, abusers, etc. There are very very few of these type of men out there who will withstand all the fiery darts of the wicked and still keep trying to help them. Think about this in today's Church. Men are not worried about the gospel, they are worried about the people's feelings and how they will feed their bellies. There are very few that can come to us without begging for bread. These are not God's men, they are beggars who have strayed from the gospel to begging for themselves. These are not fathers who are willing to go without so their children(the ones that God has put in front of them to feed from the gospel and grow) can have, they are foolish men who will starve their own children so their own bellies will remain full. They know what is right and they can push it on others but will not do it themselves. These are instructors but not Fathers. And just as Paul said, this is not to shame anyone but to make us all think. Who will do this for us? They are out there and there are more being called. If they let the seed fall on good ground the tree will spring up and bring forth fruit for a lifetime, flourishing in the worst and best conditions, bringing forth fruit no matter what. This type of leader is one in a million and we need to follow them just as the Apostle Paul told the people to follow him. By doing this we will not only flourish in the courts of our Lord but we, too, may be raised up to be this type of father too!!!! Have a great day!!!