"The Gift of Suffering for Christ Sake"

Phil.1:29) "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,..." (ESV)

The Apostle Paul reminds the believers in Philippi, there God giving duty as believers in Him, was"to suffer." Paul's message to the church at Philippi is in opposition to the culture we live in today. Most evangelicial churches today do not view "suffering for Christ" as a gift. Most Christians think if you suffer something must be wrong. We have replaced suffering for "Christ's sake" for the health and wealth gospel. In America today we want to be healthy, wealthy, and retire with a large amount of money so we can be happy. By the way do not forget to tag Jesus on the end, we do not want to go to HELL! (Blasphemy)!
How sad to see people fall for the lies of satan. We need to understand persecution is what fuels the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What happened when the early church was persecuted? The gospel started to spread throughout the world. In order for the church in America today to see true revival it will take soldiers coming in burning down our "pretty church buildings" and "cutting our tongues out" (quote from Paul Washer) so we might depned on the True God to bring life to His people.
As I read Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, I am reminded how weak I am. I get offended when someone rejects me or the gospel. May the Lord grant all of us repentance for being afraid to suffer for "His sake."Friends it should not be a surprise to us that if God has granted us the gift of believing in Him, He might grant us the gift of suffering as well. To God Be the Glory!