Responding to the World of Unbelievers

The hatred of the world toward believers is not an excuse or reason for the believer to hate the world. The believer is commanded to never pay back evil with evil to anyone. The believer has the example of the life, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ as the pattern for facing times of hostility, opposition, hatred, and violence. Responding to those bringing such circumstances means not reacting in ways that are natural to our flesh and feelings but rather submitting to the Spirit of God indwelling. The Lord will deal with those who oppose in His way and His time which will include our testimony of Christ as we respond in His likeness, whether for salvation or for judgment. Faithfulness as a pattern of life and faithfulness with the matters of the day at hand will prepare and equip us for what comes tomorrow. This makes our response and our living godly today of utmost importance.
A brief discussion follows the message regarding the question of the nature of the time for the believer between physical death and bodily resurrection.