Jesus and the apostles gave the early church 3 promises:
- God’s Presence
John 14:16, 18 “the Father will give you another Helper, to be with you forever… I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you”
Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always” - Unspeakable Joy
John 16:20-24 “your sorrow will turn to joy. When a woman is in labor she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy. In that day you will not ask Me anything. “I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Endure Hardship
John 15:20; 16:33 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master’. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you… In the world you will have tribulation.”
2Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
1Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you…rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings”
Today’s church has the same promises. Hardship and worldly pressures against Christianity are not letting up anytime soon, and perhaps will increase much like the early 1st Century Christians. We must hold onto these promises with our head, heart and hands.
Growing Godly Generations 