Blessed.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakes, for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

If the gospel you preach is powerless, if it brings no reproach, if it is not offensive, it is not The Gospel of the bible.  The True Gospel of the bible is offensive.  It always brings persecution to the bearer of the Message.  The True Gospel bore a cross to Jesus and bears a cross to His disciples.

Christianity is no different today, as it was in biblical times.  

Christians hate the things that Christ hates, do you?

Are you offended and grieved by sin?  Are you vexed in your soul by these things?  By wickedness?  By perversity?  By violence you see in movies?  By jokes that blaspheme the holy God?  By the constant blaspheming of His name in the media today?  Do you hate sin?

Has it cost you anything to follow Christ?

Does the Word of God condemn you?  Does it confirm you?

Have you experienced joy unspeakable from His Spirit?

Have you been counted worthy to suffer shame for His name? 

Do you obey God rather than men?

Can you see God's holiness?

Have you been given a new heart by His Spirit?

Have you been born of God? 

Do you see fruit in your life and heart?

Do you have a testimony?  Of when God came and confirmed you?

Does your walk with Christ line up with the bible or is it off at all?  

Do you have the same Spirit as the disciples were given at Pentecost?  

Can you see the cross?  Has He brought you to the Cross?

Do you bear the cross and the reproach of Christ?

Beloved, this is a serious matter, this is no light thing.  Please don't take it lightly.  Ask yourself these questions, in humility, ask God to examine your heart, to show you the truth about your soul.  He desires to do this.  He desires one worship Him in spirit and in truth.  

When Jesus was on the earth, they all accused Him, hated Him.  All who have His Spirit in them bring this same offense, just by His presence.  His Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.

You are blessed if you bear the reproach of Christ.