Pastor's Corner
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TEACHING TO REACH DEEP INTO THE HUMAN SPIRIT

One of the most challenging ways that Jesus taught was to reach deep into the human spirit. Let us consider how He taught people to be unafraid of suffering.

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you,
And say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward
In heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were
Before you." Matthew 5:11-12

1. Obstacle: Persecution and pain

This is a very real and deep fear. Many people are afraid of pain and suffering, and they automatically shy away.

2. Overcoming fear

How does one teach people to overcome their deepest fears? Let us look at the way Jesus dealt with this problem.

a) Speak positively of being blessed when persecuted
What a powerful and positive way to face the problem of tribulation in life.

i) There is every blessing in the present

ii) There is future blessing in heaven

b) Speak powerfully of identification of fellow-sufferers

i) The prophets of God had to endure much suffering

ii) Jesus Himself had to endure much opposition

iii) The disciples would be in good company if they were to face suffering

3. The spirit of the believer

What Jesus sought to do here, even as He taught His disciples was to help them cultivate a strong and resilient spirit.

a) Let us do more than provide Biblical information to our students

b) Let us help our pupils cultivate a strong and courageous spirit

i) This spirit should be one that is unafraid of hard times

ii) This spirit should be one that is able to understand and embrace eternity!