When the apostles were first beaten for preaching in Christ’s name, “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41). The Spirit inspired them and they were compelled in their minds to speak the words of God. Their attitude of rejoicing for suffering shame for Christ is remarkable. Is this attitude in us, that whatever bad thing happens to us because of our dedication to God we count it as joy? Let’s use the example of the apostles suffering for His name and apply it to ourselves.

Andy Diemer

Associate Pastor, United Church of God

Andy Diemer is the associate pastor serving the congregations in Ft. Lauderdale and Vero Beach, Florida, and in Freeport, Bahamas. He served as the pastor of the churches in New England from 2014 to 2021. He was baptized into the Church in 1981 and ordained as an elder in 2011. He holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Cleveland State University. He had a thirty-year career in manufacturing before being hired by the UCG in 2014.