Having looked at the front of one of my well-used Bibles [a small NKJV (4X6 inches) bought in April of 2004] I ran across some notes in the front of it. At the top of the page, I saw the phrase “tested by fire” taken from I Peter 1:7. (The Greek word “tested’ indicates a continuous, repeated action). Bethel Colony gives thorough training to prepare students for the fire. I like to say that graduating from Bethel is the equivalent of “ranger training”. A paratrooper myself, I was drafted November 15, 1966, at 21 years old during the Vietnam War. I was recruited for airborne training in February while attending a military intelligence class in March 1967 at Fort Holabird, Maryland. After graduating, a fellow student and I got orders to Ft. Benning for Jump School. All the other students in our class got orders for Vietnam. After graduating from Airborne School and earning paratrooper wings, I received orders for Ft. Bragg NC at the 218th Military Detachment Unit of the XVIII Airborne Corp. After serving my tour of duty, I exited out in September 1968. I re-entered SIU and completed a School of Business degree in 1972. Eight years later l wanted to re-enter the military and was accepted in August 1976, being 30 years old. I asked to go to an Airborne unit, and the recruiter sent me to Panama. When I got to Panama, I discovered there was no airborne unit in Panama at that time. Go figure! I received my jungle training as an MP with the 193rd Infantry Brigade, completing a two-year assignment. The insignia of the 193rd Infantry Brigade which we wore on our sleeve, was “No Ground to Give”. A good slogan for Christian soldiers! The slogan is on the back of Bethel’s newly printed T-shirts with the scriptural reference (Ephesians 6:10-11). Bethel Colony’s logo is printed on the front. The cross that breaks the chains of bondage. Bethel Colony is equipped to disciple students to be good soldiers of God. (II Timothy 2:3-4) “You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
The apostle Peter writes to his disciples to endure persecution and trials, establishing a Christ-centered witness in the fires of tribulation which all us will have to endure. This will reveal testimony of the validity of one’s faith. “— who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation to be revealed in the last time. In this you, GREATLY REJOICE though now for a little while, if need be, you have BEEN GRIEVED by VARIOUS TRIALS, that the GENUINENESS OF YOUR FAITH being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is TESTED BY FIRE, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 1:5-7) This fire is a refining fire. “A biblical metaphor for a purifying that tests and refines a person’s faith and character, removing impurities like sins of lusts, greed, rebellion, and pride. The dross of the soul to make them more holy. This purification is often accomplished through trials and suffering, but unlike a destructive fire, it is a purposeful, loving process where God is actively making believers more like Christ.” (St. Benedict Classical Academy)
All are facing the heartaches, bruises, and hardships of life. Those of us who are in Christ must remain faithful in the storms of life. The waves are high and turbulent but He has engraved you on the palm of His hand. “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:16) Multitudes are wandering in the deserts of despair having abandoned God. Dysfunctional in the mind, emotions, and abuse of the body the fire of trials has consumed them, having no faith. If they have a god, it is a god of their own understanding handling the Word of God deceitfully, perishing in their darkness. “But even if our God is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” (II Corinthians 4:3-4)
You say what shall I do? If you’re lost, come to Christ, as the Philippian jailer did when he brought Paul and Silas out of the jail. “And he brought them out and said,’Sirs what must I do to be saved?’ So, they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31) Refer also to Romans 10:9-10.
Peter’s disciples have evidence of an efficacious faith. “— your faith and your hope is in God. Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit —.” (I Peter 1:22) Therefore, they are kept by the power of God through faith. (I Peter 1:5) An introduction to the saints in the letter of James in my NKJV Bible says it clearly about being kept by the power of God through faith: “Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance.” Those who have a lack of knowledge of scripture, are out of fellowship with the saints and the Lord Jesus Christ, and are living the faith in name only will experience the devastation of their lives. If you identify with the latter, it is time to get serious with your life with Christ. Get back in the Word, the fellowship of your local church, pursuing the Lord, and prove you are a disciple of Christ. “But you, O man of God, flee these things (temptations, harmful lusts, love of money) and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith —.”
(I Timothy 6:11-12) Acknowledge that your faith may be tested by fire. Train well as a good soldier.
Where the Grace Blows