When I was in college, evangelical students were fond of asking their fellow students, "If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Oddly, the evangelical answer to their own question often seemed to have more to do with belief ("I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior") than with action (say, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy). How can you have evidence of faith unless that faith is reflected in action?
But the question itself is a good one, and all the more relevant in an age when Christians are once more being persecuted for their beliefs--even here in the United States, and even through government actions, such as the Obama administration's contraception mandate. Do we have the strength of our convictions? Would we be willing to suffer martyrdom to witness to the Gospel of Christ?
Saint Paul, a persecutor of Christians before his own conversion, did just that. And so this week, I have chosen a Prayer to Saint Paul for Perseverance as our novena of the week. As we pray it over the next nine days, let's take this opportunity to examine our own willingness to suffer for Christ's sake.
to the guy who said he is going to “pray to St Paul” i wanted to say that any casual or cursory reading of Paul’s letters & you would conclude that, if he were alive or listening, he would be embarrassed if he thought anyone were praying to him. Paul died a long time ago. He was a man who burned out for Christ. Christ is the mediator, not Paul.Like paul said: “did I die for you???”
I think we all know the scripture that teaches , show me you’re good works without faith and I’ll show you my faith with works. But to contend for the faith in Christ is just as important to doing your good works! The interpretation of the scriptures is the point of why we believe in doing these works. Do we do a good work for Christ to obey his commandment or do you just do good works for some great cause that man says is right?
We should serve Christ out of conviction of knowing the Scripture that teach us right from wrong. The Holy Spirit will show you this and the church should have tought us the ways of Christ too.
Who do you follow? Man’s ways or Christ’s ways?