Enough to convict?

Enough to Convict?

Revelation 2:10; II Corinthians 6:4-5

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Rev. 2:10)  “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;” (II Cor. 6-4-5)

If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  Are you living your life in such a way that no one can doubt your Christianity?  Or, is your Christianity a mockery, bringing shame and reproach upon the name of Jesus?

Imagine yourself on the witness stand, hearing the following questions.  How would you answer?

• Guilty or innocent? – Are you living for God and being an imitator of God?

• Guilty or innocent? – Are you living in love, which means giving of ourselves sacrificially for the benefit of others, just as Christ has done for us?

• Guilty or innocent? – Are you forsaking filthy talk, flippant chatter, and unkind joking with communication rooted in thanksgiving to God and affirmation of others?

• Guilty or innocent? – Are you forsaking selfish pursuits?

• Guilty or innocent? – Are you bowing out from situations where evil is the agenda?

• Guilty or innocent? – Are you teaching others about Christ, either by verbal teaching, or simply by the way you live?

The answer to each question should be a resounding GUILTY!  This is the one time you should be proud to plead guilty.  And this time, there is no punishment for the plea of guilt.  Instead, there is only a sweet reward, eternal life with Christ.

Again, I ask you, if you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?