When I was first saved, everything about the Christian life was brand new. Church three times a week? Sure! Witness and outreach? Of course! Give tithes and offerings? Why not! Answer an alter call? Almost every service!
Time moves on in life. I am not a teenage new convert anymore. I have seen things, and done things, and experienced things that some of you have not even thought of. And through it all, I'm still here. Still saved. Still serving. Still hopeful.
It's those who endure to the end who are saved, not those who are excited with new convert enthusiasm or zeal. Enduring is something only done by those who have been around a long time. Enduring is done by those with both victories and defeats on their resumes. You are not enduring without testings and trials and battles and losses. Anyone can be saved when everything is coming up roses. But when you have endured the dark clouds and storms of life you have enduring faith. When your prayers are answered you rejoice. When you pray and nothing changes, you endure.
"I have been young, and now am old..." Psalm37:25
"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many shall grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved." Matthew24:12-13
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