Realizing Your Reward

by John MacArthur

"Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12).

The sacrifices you make for Christ’s sake in this life will be abundantly compensated for in Heaven.

God's promise for those who are persecuted for His sake is that their reward in heaven will be great (Matt. 5:11). Jesus said, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life" (Matt. 19:29).

Focusing on that promise instead of your present circumstances is how you can experience happiness amid suffering. That was Paul's great confidence even as he faced certain death. In 2 Timothy 4:8 he declares, "In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Another source of joy in trials is knowing that you share the fate of the prophets themselves (Matt. 5:12). Those godly men suffered untold hardships for proclaiming God's message. That's a noble group to be identified with!

One final word of encouragement from Matthew 5:11: persecution will not be incessant! Jesus said, "Blessed are you when. . . ." The Greek word translated "when" means "whenever." You won't always be persecuted, but whenever you are, you will be blessed. In addition, God will govern its intensity so you will be able to bear it (1 Cor. 10:13). He knows your human weaknesses and will supply the necessary grace and peace to get you through. That's why you can rejoice when otherwise you might be devastated and filled with grief.

If you are willing to make sacrifices now, you will receive incomparable rewards in the future. How shortsighted are those who protect themselves now by denying Christ or compromising His truth rather than sacrificing the present for the sake of eternal blessing and glory!

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank God for the example of the prophets and others who have suffered for Him.

For Further Study

Matthew 21:33-39 and Hebrews 11:32-38.

Read From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993.

Sunday, April 29

Missionaries to Thailand

Dan & Laurie Fuller

in  Adult Sunday School at 9:45

and 10:45 Worship Service

After that, we'll be sharing a multiple choice lunch with

these precious folks at 12:15 pm.

Contact and other information on the Fullers is available at

https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/dan-and-laurie-fuller

EYEGLASSES FOR THE PEOPLE OF THAILAND

We are happy to report that we have collected

over 105 pairs of used glasses

and/or new reading glasses for Dan & Laurie

to take back with them to Thailand.

Thank you for your contributions!

Thursday, May 3

1:30 - 3:30 pm and 6:00-8:00pm

The purpose of this yearly event is to focus prayer by believers on the nation itself. The “Seven Centers of Influence” of our nation which will receive prayer attention this year are: Government, Military, Media Arts, Business, Education, Church, and Family.

To respond to this year’s opportunity, we are scheduling two time periods at the church building for prayer. Each two-hour period will include prayer both for these “Centers of Influence” and for our church family.

You are welcome to come whichever hours you are available during these times.

We also recognize that some in our church family may have difficulty coming to the church building at all during these times. Because of that, if you would like to receive the printed material to assist with prayer which will be distributed at church, please make your request to Pastor Bill at wgfc@hotmail.com early in the week. Thank you.

Sunday, April 15

Sermon by Danny Toma

Grace + Faith – Works = Salvation 

Ephesians 2:1-10

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, April 22, 5 PM: Bible Study Flock

Sunday, April 29: Missionaries Dan & Laurie Fuller from Thailand (A triple header: They join us for Sunday School,

Worship Service, and Multiple-Choice Dinner)

Please remember they'll be collecting eyeglasses to

take back to Thailand. If you have any unused eyeglasses,

bring them to church. There's a box in the foyer just for this purpose.

Thank you in advance!

National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is always held on the first Thursday of May. So, this year, the date is May 3.

The purpose of the event is to focus prayer by believers on the nation itself. The “Seven Centers of Influence” of our nation which will receive prayer attention this year are: Government, Military, Media Arts, Business, Education, Church, and Family.

To respond to this year’s opportunity, we are scheduling two time periods at the church building for prayer. Each two-hour period will include prayer both for these “Centers of Influence" and for our church family.

You are welcome to come whichever hours you are available during these times. The doors will be open from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, and from 6-8 PM. Printed materials will be available to assist with prayer focus.

We also recognize that some in our church family may have difficulty coming to the church building at all during these times. Because of that, if you would like to receive the printed material to assist with prayer which will be distributed at church, please make your request to Pastor Bill at wgfc@hotmail.com. Thank you.