Romans 8:36
Romans 8:36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."Christians have been persecuted and killed since Christ walked on this earth. From the days of the old Roman Empire right up until the present, Christians have suffered persecution and death for faithfully following Jesus Christ. Even here in the United States, which was founded on the principle of religious freedom, Christian liberty is being eroded on a daily basis in the name of tolerance. Christians who oppose the decline in moral behavior in America in many forms are being accused of being the problem due to their intolerance of immoral behavior. One famous Hollywood personality said recently, “I hate it when people tolerate intolerance.” Translation: Deviant behavior should be tolerated, but opposing deviant behavior should not be tolerated. Don’t be fooled by thinking the secular culture is for universal tolerance. With even an ounce of discernment, it is obvious that tolerance is selective and the leaders of the secular culture intend to do the selecting for us all. Christian beliefs, activities, writing, and speech will not be included in what is to be tolerated. Therefore, Christians should be prepared to face persecution right here in the United States as the early stages have already begun.
Praise God that even persecution that leads to death is done for the sake of Christ and the gospel, which we are to proclaim regardless of the dictates of Caesar. While Christians will be regarded as sheep to be slaughtered, it will indicate their unity with Christ and the glory to come. The victory is secure.
9 comments:
"Christians should be prepared to face persecution right here in the United States"
I hope not. Not so much for me, but for my grand kids.
I think you may be a prophet here however.
This verse makes me look back to verse 18.
People make up their own morals. The believer in Christ looks to the Bible, the whole of God's truth.
Thanks for these good thoughts.
Amen Jazzcat!
The stronger you walk with the Lord the stronger the persecution grows. The world hates our Lord and the more you present the gospel the more the world hates you. That's why these seeker friendly churches are hurting the church and we need to pray more for the leaders of these churches and the followers.
They are growing in bounds and that should open our eyes to see it as a big problem. If the world hates us so much, why are these churches growing so big as they are? What kind of gospel are they preaching and teaching....
John 15:18-21 "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. (NAS)
Like Sandman, I have mixed feelings about this. I certainly don’t enjoy pain and suffering, and would not wish it upon my kids and future grandchildren, but then, you look at how God was glorified, and the church expanded through first century persecution, not to mention the Bible’s words…
Don’t think me a coward that I wince at the thought of it, but trepidatiously, I declare: bring it on!
I don't see any way around it. Those who hold to a Historic Premill position believe that the church will go through the great tribulation. That is my current position. Trials are in the western church's future. It is already going on in places like Columbia where pastors are quite often hauled out of the pulpit, never to see their families or congregations again. Central America is also very dangerous place for Christians; not to mention China or Cuba.
Jazzy,
I liked your translation...it revealed with clarity what the speaker was really communicating.
Have you seen where the Traditional Values Coalition is suggesting that new legislation (H.R. 1592) might be laying the groundwork here in the U.S. for what's taken place in other countries regarding the freedom of the church (or lack thereof) to speak freely to issues like homosexuality, cross dressing, etc.?
"If the world hates us so much, why are these churches growing so big as they are? What kind of gospel are they preaching and teaching...."
An excellent point, Baptist Girl...
The only thing that will bring the American church out of it's lethargic state is persecution--this also would expose the professers but not possessors of true saving faith. How quick would Joel Olsteen or some big shot preacher prevalent in TBN circles deny the Lord to save their own lives? The servant is not greater than his Master so with Thomas I say "Let us also go, that we may die with Him"
Great comments by everyone. I am on a little trip, so have been unable to respond before now.
Swordbearer,
We have really got get you an avatar to go with that great handle. Maybe a Blue Angels four ship with your photo right in the center.
Take special notice of the comment from Swordbearer. This is a very dangerous precedent and this is the way it will begin. Pastors who refuse to comply will first lose their standing with the government as clergy and will then face possible prosecution. Churches who will not comply will first lose their not for profit status and then face prosecution. I've been waiting for something like this for a long time and now it looks like it is finally rearing it's ugly head! What will we do? Will we stay and bear witness? Will we try to find a place where we can worship freely like the Puritans did?
Great post!
Dave Moorhead
Thank you Dave....
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