PERSECUTION 101

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)

This week, we've been reminded that Christian persecution has arrived in America.  In the past, we've faced minor forms of persecution, such as ridicule and isolation.  This week, it has been reported that the city of Houston has subpoenaed sermons from five pastors who've vocally criticized the city's gay ordinance and its lesbian mayor.  The legal action taken by the city has invaded the sanctuary of the church and violated the Constitution.  Of course, the action taken by the mayor is an act of intimidation as well as persecution. 

Regardless of the outcome of this outrageous act, we must face the reality that Christian persecution is here.  While the action by the city of Houston has incited heavy criticism from inside and even outside the church, be assured that such action in the future will be more acceptable as our nation continues its downward spiral into a Sodom-like society.

Let me be clear about something.  I don't think the pulpit is the place to endorse political candidates.  However, moral, ethical and spiritual subjects such as gay marriage, abortion and euthanasia need to be addressed.  

The fact is that the moral erosion of our nation is now impacting churches.  As a result, I believe that few are ready for the consequences.  With Christian persecution on the rise in our country, we need to seriously ponder the issue of persecution.  In American, there are few sermons about persecution --- and with good reason.  So far, there's been very little Biblical Christianity to persecute.

The Bible has much to say about persecution.  In fact, here are some facts we need to understand.

1.  PERSECUTION WILL COME.   Paul wrote, "... all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."  Notice that Paul wrote that ALL who live godly in Christ are going to suffer persecution. 

2.  PERSECUTION HAS COME.  Many Christians are already suffering persecution in other countries.  Many are dying because of their faith.  For the most part, the American press avoids this subject. 

3.  GOD HAS NOT PROMISED TO SPARE US FROM PERSECUTION.  Although God can, and many times does spare us from persecution, it is wrong to think that God will always intervene and stop persecution.  Keep in mind that most of the disciples were martyred for their faith. 

4.  PERSECUTION PURIFIES THE CHURCH.  The American church is filthy because of greed, pride, and heresy.  When persecution arises, there is often a separation of saints and pretenders.  The heat of persecution melts away the dross from the pure.

5.  PERSECUTION OFTEN LEADS TO REVIVAL.  Many of us pray for revival in America, but how will it come?  Most of us desire revival to come during economic prosperity and political calmness.  However, most of the time, revival comes during times of desperation.  Keep in mind that Israel grew most when Pharaoh sought to stop their growth.  During desperate times, God's people get intense in their prayers.  God seems to be drawn to desperate, weak people.

Knowing that Christian persecution is here, what should we do?  Most pray for political solutions.  While it is not wrong to pray for the outcome of elections, that should not be our primary focus.  We need spiritual solutions instead of political solutions.  Instead of praying most for our national elections, let's pray for a national revival!  Folks, we need to prepare for persecution.  Here's a few ways to prepare.

1.  KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE.  This is vital.  It is not enough to say, "this is what my church believes," or "this is what I've been taught."  You need to know what you believe.  Read your Bible.  Stay in your Bible.  Know what you believe.

2.  KNOW WHY YOU BELIEVE.  It is important to know why you believe the Bible.  Trying to determine this during hot persecution will be too late.  Find out why you believe right now.  Study the Bible.  Study apologetics.  Have strong convictions that are built upon God's Word.

3.  DRAW LINES IN THE SAND.  Know ahead of time what decisions you will make during persecution.  Determine right now what you will refuse to do.  Determine this moment that you will not compromise your faith.

4.  STAND FIRM.  Right now is the time to stand firm.  If you cannot and will not stand firm in your faith while persecution is light, how will you stand when persecution is intense? 

It would be wonderful if Jesus would come before persecution gets worse in America.  But unless Jesus comes in my lifetime, this very blog message may be used as evidence against me as a "crime against the state." 

It is time for American Christians to prepare for persecution. 

SLEEPING IN CHURCH

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." - Romans 13:11

Have you ever seen someone sleep during church?  Some find it difficult to stay awake during church because of the medicine they are taking.  Others stay up too late on Saturday night, making it tough for them to stay awake during a worship service.  Sadly, some fall asleep during church because there is so little happening during the service to keep them awake.

The real problem in most churches is not an elderly person who nods off during the sermon.  Instead, the real problem is that most church members are spiritually asleep.  It is possible to be wide-awake during the service, yet be sleeping spiritually.

What are the signs of spiritual sleep in a church?

1.  INDIFFERENCE 

First of all, there is indifference.  When a person is asleep, he doesn't care what is going on around him.  When a person sleeps, he is unconcerned about events that are going on.  Spiritual sleep is very similar.  When a person is spiritually asleep, he doesn't care about spiritual reality.  Apathy is a deadly disease in many churches.  Many church members simply come to church because of tradition or for the sake of their image.  They are careless about critical, spiritual issues.

2.  INACTIVITY

Secondly, there is inactivity.  When a person experiences physical sleep, he tends to remain rather inactive.  Spiritual sleep brings similar results.  A sleeping church member is dormant.  Although many professing believers carry a Bible, a notepad and a pen to church with them (which is good), how many are actually practicing the sermons they hear?  Like never before, we have messages available from very gifted ministers.  Furthermore, study Bibles and Bible software are abundant.  Yet how many believers are actually working for the Lord?  We tend to feast at God's table every week, but we are spiritually obese because of a lack of exercise.  Inactivity is a sign of spiritual sleep.  In fact, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between a sleeping person and a dead person, isn't it?  Today, it is often tough to make a distinction between the saints and sinners. 

3.  INATTENTIVENESS

Finally, there is inattentiveness.  When a person experiences physical sleep, he is often oblivious to events going on around him --- even critical events.  Many church members are numb to the dire need near them.  I fear that many church members are unaware of the spiritual decay, eroding freedom and spreading persecution in our world.  So many church members fail to realize how close we are to the Lord's return.  Despite the reality of hell and impending judgment, many church members are insensitive to the fact that souls are perishing.

What is the answer to spiritual sleep?  In our text, Paul writes, "... now it is high time to awake out of sleep."  In this text, Paul is writing to believers.  Believers need to heed God's wake up call.  Adrian Rogers used to say, "We dare not push the snooze button!"  I believe God is sending out the alarm for church members to wake up!  Here's the reason, "... for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."  We are closer than ever to the Lord's return.  Very soon, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  

Eternity is near.  Judgment is coming.  Souls are perishing.  The Gospel is true.  It is high time that believers wake up to reality.  Knowing that souls are at stake, we dare not sleep any longer.

It is time to heed God's alarm --- and wake up!

HINDRANCES TO REVIVAL:  PRAYERLESSNESS

"... ye have not, because ye ask not." (James 4:2)

We need revival.  Yet one of the major hindrances to revival is a lack of prayer by God's people.  Sure, we talk about prayer, sing about prayer, think about prayer, read about prayer and even attend prayer meetings.  But do we REALLY pray?

In the book of Acts, the early Church was a praying Church.  When revival came on the day of Pentecost, believers gathered in an upper room and focused on one thing: prayer.  When intense persecution arose, believers did not hire a lawyer, instead they gathered together to pray.  When Peter was arrested, facing certain execution, the Church gathered to pray.  When Paul and Silas were arrested and thrown into prison, at midnight they prayed and sang praises to God. 

What has happened to churches in America?  Most professing believers would do about anything rather than pray.  Yet the great need of our hour is prayer.

What ever happened to prayer meetings in our churches?  While many churches refer to their Wednesday night services as "prayer meetings," more often than not, they are Bible study classes.  I am convinced that most church members are not interested in prayer meetings.  Prove me wrong.  Advertise and conduct a genuine prayer meeting.  More than likely few will come for the first service and fewer will come as time passes.  Most people are not interested in praying.  Yet without prayer, we have no hope of revival.

Nearly every revival in the Bible and church history began with just a handful of people who came together to seek God.  I believe that revival in America can only come as God's people unite for prayer.

James wrote, "... ye have not, because ye ask not."  What a profound truth!  Many churches are desolate today because of a lack of prayer.

Here's the real problem: most "prayers" are superficial.  It is easy to "go through the motions" in prayer.  Sadly, many believers try to manipulate God when they pray.  If they were honest, many of their prayers are shallow and selfish.  Prayer at church is usually a formality. 

Yet we need a fresh revival of prayer.  Here are two major things we need to do in prayer:

1.  SEEK THE FACE OF GOD.  We need to seek the Lord Himself.  Do we seek Him or only His blessings?  We need Him desperately.  We need to worship Him in our prayers.  We need to adore and praise the One we are praying to. 

2.  SEEK THE GRACE OF GOD.  Secondly, we need to seek God's grace.  We should not confuse God's blessings with God Himself, however we do need His blessings.  We need Him to break through barriers, move mountains and change hearts.  We need Him to restore homes, reunite marriages and bring prodigals home.  We need Him to bring fresh conviction of sin.  We need Him to save lost souls from hell.  We need a fresh touch from God ourselves. 

It is not wrong to have a prayer list.  As a matter of fact, I highly recommend that you use a prayer list.  However, we need to avoid the trap of becoming mechanical in our prayers.  We need to offer heartfelt prayers to the Lord.

I really believe we'd see revival come to our churches if God's people prayed.  God referred to His house as a "house of prayer" (Isaiah 56:7; Mat. 21:13). 

It is time for the House of God to be a house of prayer again!

THINGS THAT HINDER REVIVAL:  EMPTY RELIGION

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8)

Do you long to see God move in our churches again?  Do you yearn to see a great spiritual awakening in our land once more?  I do.  Yet I know that presently, revival is not a reality in America. 

What is hindering us from experiencing revival in our churches?  I believe that there are many things that are holding back God's blessings.  In this message, we are going to explore one major issue that is hindering revival:  empty religion.

There's a huge difference between Biblical Christianity and empty religion.  Biblical Christianity centers on a thriving relationship with Christ, while empty religion is focused on tradition, legalism and ritual.  Biblical Christianity leads to meaningful worship, while empty religion leads to coldness and indifference.

One reason that we are not seeing revival in American churches is because many churches offer nothing more than empty religion.  Sadly, most church members leave church the same way they came:  empty. 

We have substituted ritual for relationship, ceremony for Christ, legalism for life, programs for prayer, and performance for praise.  Genuine worship is missing from many congregations. 

Jesus saw this problem among the religious crowd of His day.  In our text, Jesus quotes from the Old Testament.  Obviously, from the beginning, the devil has successfully caused people to substitute religion for authentic worship.

Too often, churches have a man-centered focus.  Churches are programmed like radio stations; formatted to please a certain audience.  I've heard of "seeker sensitive" churches --- churches that plan their services with the intent of being inoffensive to visitors.  Without being overly critical, the fact is that God is the Seeker.  We need to be sensitive to Him. 

Jesus pinpointed the problem of empty religion:  "... their heart is far from me."  The issue is not the style of music, length of a sermon or denominational title.  The real issue is the heart.  When our hearts seek God, our praise will be genuine.  When our hearts adore Christ, our worship will be heartfelt.  When we begin to see God (by faith) in His beauty and glory, we will experience the awe and reverence for Him that we should have.

I can't help but think that revival would occur in our churches if we would repent of empty religion and come boldly to the throne of grace.  Revival is nothing more than a move of God to transform the heart of His people.  When our hearts turn to Him, revival occurs.  As long as we hold on to dead, empty religion, we continue down the path of indifference and ineffectiveness.

Instead of following after ritual and tradition, let us seek the face of God.  When our worship becomes meaningful, everything else will fall into place.  Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God...and all these things shall be added unto you."  We are not told to seek our own kingdom or even the kingdom of our church or denomination.  We are challenged to seek God and His kingdom.  God promised, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jer. 29:13).  Notice that the heart is the key. 

Empty religion is a hindrance to revival.  On the other hand, authentic, heartfelt worship of God fuels revival fires.

Why settle for empty religion?

REVIVAL BEGINS WITH YOU

"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:15)

During the autumn season, many churches conduct "revival" services.  The intention of many of these services is to win souls to Christ.  While that is a great desire, the focus is on the product of revival instead of the process of revival.  Genuine revival produces fruitful evangelism, but revival itself is about believers coming clean and getting close to Jesus.

For the few saints who understand the nature of revival, there is a growing tendency to shift attention to others.  When you think of revival, whom do you think needs it the most?  Most of the time, we think that "church drop-outs" or compromising church members need revival the most.  We tend to think that someone else needs revival, don't we?

The fact is that revival begins with you.  Revival begins with me.  Instead of pointing the finger at others, let us closely examine our own lives.  Rather than condemning the sins of others, let's get honest and serious about our own sins.

We tend to think that God's blessings are felt most by those who are busy workers in His kingdom.  However, our text teaches us that some of God's greatest blessings are reserved for those who come to Him with a humble and contrite heart.

Humility is a difficult pill for most to swallow.  We don't like to eat humble pie.  Yet humility is a key to revival.  Most professing believers are too proud to acknowledge their sins and even more reluctant to repent of their sins.  It seems that humble pie is most difficult to digest when you must eat it publicly.

Yet the Lord has much to say about genuine humility.  Notice three promises in our text reserved for those who are humble:

First of all, God promises to exalt those who are humble.  Our text states, "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit."  God dwells in a high and holy place WITH those who are contrite and humble.  God exalts the humble.  Jesus promised, "... he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12).

The second promise is linked to the first.  God promises to bless the humble with His presence.  The humble are exalted to be with the Lord.  Many are missing out on the felt presence of God because they refuse to come on God's terms.

Finally, the humble are promised to be revived.   God promises He will "... revive the spirit of the humble, and....revive the heart of the contrite ones."  God brings revival to those who humble themselves.

Instead of waiting on others, God is calling us to experience revival.  Humility may seem like a step down but it is actually an exalting experience that climaxes with a mighty encounter with God.

God has given you the promise of revival.  Do you want to take Him up on His promise or do you prefer continuing to live below your privileges?

Revival begins with you. 

THE NEED FOR REVIVAL

"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" (Psalm 85:6)

Let's be honest about it.  Our nation is in a mess right now.  We must honestly confess that our nation is in desperate need of a spiritual awakening.  While our nation continues to spiral out of control, the American Church is casually practicing religion without power.  These are low days in the church.  It is easy to identify the problems in our nation and government, but we are slow to address the problems in the church.  In my personal opinion, our nation would not be in the mess she's in now if the American church had been clean and close to God. 

We need revival in the American Church.  Most churches will have "services as usual" on Sunday mornings, yet they are making little impact on the culture.  We are far from being like the church in the book of Acts.  The first century church was making a difference in spite of intense persecution.  The American church is suffering little persecution and is not making much of a difference at all.

Let me define a few terms.  When I refer to a spiritual awakening, I'm referring to a widespread move of God to bring multitudes to a saving faith in Christ.  When I write about revival, I'm referring to a move of the Spirit to awaken believers and set them on-fire for God.  Both are needed in America, yet I believe that change must begin with God's people.  Apart from revival, we shouldn't expect a spiritual awakening.

Let me give you four reasons why I believe that we need revival in the American Church:

1.  COLDNESS

First of all, there is apathy and coldness among professing believers.  Most churches are seeing a plateau or decline in attendance and baptisms.  On a given Sunday, many church members will not even attend their own church.  These days, professing believers tend to think that watching a TV preacher or reading something spiritual on the internet is a substitute for public worship.

Even worse, most professing believers are not living out their faith day by day.  They may claim to pray, but their lives are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.  Friends, neighbors and co-workers cannot see an active faith being lived before them. 

Churches themselves have fallen into this trap.  By and large, most American churches are like the church of Laodicea. They are very lukewarm.  Despite the fact that they have impressive buildings, modern technology and numerous programs, they can't honestly claim that they are impacting their neighborhoods like they should.

2.  CORRUPTION

Secondly, there is corruption in the American Church.  We have permitted false doctrine to become acceptable.  I am amazed at the number of people who follow false teachers and quote them on Facebook.  Either Americans are ignorant of the Bible or they simply don't care. 

Most frown upon those who call out these false teachers.  We are told not to judge them.  However, the Bible instructs us to "contend for the faith."  Paul was very blunt about false teaching (Galatians 1:6-10).  We need some old-fashioned, Spirit-filled, Bible-believing preachers who'll simply "tell it like it is."  The American Church won't experience revival while permitting the filth of doctrinal error to spread.

3.  CARNALITY

Third, there is carnality in the church.  Sinful behavior has been allowed to infiltrate churches.  We no longer frown at such behavior.  We are no longer burdened about the sinful acts of professing believers. 

In the name of "love," some denominations embrace lifestyles that are strictly condemned by the Scriptures.  When churches and professing believers embrace the teachings of Oprah or "The View" instead of the Word of God, it is no wonder we are in such a mess.

Simply put, instead of impacting our society, our society is impacting the church. 

4.  COMPROMISE

Finally, there is worldly compromise in the church.  Nearly every church wants to reach more people.  We'd love to see attendance increase and membership multiply.  We'd love to see mass baptisms again.  However, we are enacting worldly methods to accomplish this.  We have forgotten that it is God who gives the increase. 

These days, it is not uncommon for the pastor to be seen as a CEO instead of a shepherd.  The vision of the church is shaped more by business leadership strategies rather than the Word of God.  What has happened to us?

Bold preaching, doctrinal purity and Biblical evangelism are not important to many churches.  We've replaced God's agenda with our own.  We have learned to "do church" without God.  No wonder His hand has been removed from many congregations. 

We need revival in our churches.  We should no longer be content with "church as usual."  We desperately need the Lord.

It is time we quit playing church.     

SOMETHING WE ALL CAN DO:  GIVE

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

For some time, many people have criticized the subject of giving.  Certainly there have been TV evangelists who have used guilt tactics to extract money from well-meaning viewers.  Others have abused the finances they've been entrusted with. 

Despite the abuse of money by a few TV ministers, the subject of giving is one that needs to be addressed.  Every believer should be a giver.  Giving should be an expression of our love for the Lord.  Sadly, many Christians have the reputation of being uncaring because of their stinginess. 

God wants us to give.  Far too many are legalistic with their giving.  Their attitude is summed up in the question, "What is the least I have to give?"  Instead, God wants us to have the attitude, "What is the most I am able to give?"  As recipients of God's abundant grace and love, we should be generous in our giving.

I recognize that many who read this are not financially wealthy.  Some of my readers are on a monthly fixed income and find it difficult just to pay their bills.  I want you to understand that there's more to the subject of giving than money.  As you'll see, giving is something all of us can do.

Giving is a reflection of the heart.  Gratitude, compassion and love should motivate us to give generously.  Let's look at three areas of giving.

1.  GIVE OF YOUR TIME

First of all, you can give of your time.  When a person gives of his time, it shows that he cares.  Some try to use money as a substitute for time.  That is a serious mistake.  When you are raising children, they need your time more than they need an expensive toy or trinket.

Time is the most precious gift you can give.  Think about it.  You can earn more money but once time is gone, it is gone forever.  We have just a limited amount of time left here on earth.  It is imperative that we use our time wisely.

So many need our time.  When you befriend someone who is lonely, you are giving that person a precious gift.  When you take time to listen to a neighbor with a broken heart, you're giving a valuable gift to them.  When you visit a nursing home or someone in the hospital, you are giving them a loving gift.  When you give of your time to volunteer at a soup kitchen, you are giving a wonderful gift to those in need.

Don't underestimate the gift of your time.  You may impress a few people by writing a check, but you impact lives by giving them your time.

2.  GIVE OF YOUR TALENTS

Everyone has unique gifts and talents that God has given for us to use.  He expects us to use our talents for His glory and the benefit of others.  We tend to overlook the value of our talents, but when you give of your talents, it can make a profound difference.

A person does not need to have money to give of his talents.  Cooking a meal for a family that is grieving is a loving gift.  Lending a hand to someone in need can really be a blessing.  Providing free carpentry work for a widow can really make a difference. 

When you give of your talents, you will be a blessing others and you'll find yourself being blessed.

3.  GIVE OF YOUR TREASURES

Financial giving is something that God honors.  Do not think that you must be a wealthy person to give.  Many ministers have publicly given high praise to a wealthy person who donates thousands of dollars.  Yet the Lord looks beyond such superficial nonsense.  He looks at your heart and your capacity to give.  If Jesus recognized and praised a widow for giving just two mites, He will bless when you sacrificially give just a few dollars or even a few cents.

The Lord loves a cheerful giver.  When you give of your time, talents and treasures, the Lord sees it.  He knows why you've given.  Although others may not know about your giving, the Lord does.  Ultimately, He will reward you for your loving gifts. 

I think it is time for Christians to repent of their stinginess.  Since we have received the greatest gift of all ---- the gift of eternal life --- we should show our appreciation and love through generous giving.

It is something all of us can do.