The fact that America has seen little persecution of its Christian population belies the fact that persecution is part and partial with living a Godly life.
The Bible says: “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29).
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
This suffering is not the suffering of sickness, poverty, lack and such. It’s the suffering for righteousness sake as we defend our faith. Jesus said this: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:10). So, we see that Jesus expected His body to suffer persecution for His sake (i.e. suffering for the Word’s sake).
This is evidenced in such places as Nigeria where Christians are being slaughtered almost daily for their belief. And, Christians are so hated by the Muslims and atheists, if it were at all legally possible (e.g. as when the NAZI’s killed the Jews), they would have all Christians killed.
“We are called to this hour in the end-of-the-end times. It is not the time to be fearful neither to cower before our enemy, Satan. Be still and know that He is God” ... (Pastor Randy Minnick)
With this knowledge, should we not be ready to “fight the good fight of faith”? Should we cower and run from the enemy? The Bible says: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Pr 28:1).
Should we not stand our ground and cede nothing of our faith to an enemy who was defeated 2,000 years ago?
But, who is the man who prepares for a hurricane when he is in the eye of the hurricane? From at least the beginning of the church age, the Bible has shown us these things approaching. Now, that we are in the end-of-the-end times, aught we not to pay attention and prepare for what (most assuredly) shall come? Should we not prepare for and engage in spiritual warfare as directed by scripture?
“Should we not prepare for and engage in spiritual warfare as directed by scripture?” (Pastor Minnick)
As we see the world that we once knew unraveling into a tyrannical socialist/communist/one-world dictatorship where we no longer have individual rights and/or sovereignty, we must remember a couple of things. One thing is to keep our faith from defilement. We are to “build up ourselves on our most holy faith, we are to pray in the Spirit, and are keep ourselves in the love of God” (Jude 20-21). This is because faith works by (i.e. is motivated by) love.
If we are found rooted and grounded in love (the Lord’s first commandment), we will have no problems walking in faith because we will be “in Him” who is love and we overcome that wicked one (1John 2:14).
And, to be “in Him” is to be in peace because He is also the Prince of Peace. If we abide in peace, then nothing of this world (e.g. wars and rumors of wars) can shake us or our faith.
Beloved, be found in Him.
