The Blessings of Persecution

“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 exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” - Matthew 5:10-12

Life can be hard and cruel at times. As we seek to please God and make Him known to others, we quickly learn that we are in a spiritual war. The enemy is fierce and dirty in his fighting techniques. As a result, many of the devil's followers are used to inflict us in a number of ways.

Persecution is defined as hostility or ill-treatment received because of a person's beliefs. In this age of “political correctness,” demonstrations, riots and assault, it is becoming dangerous to be identified as a born-again follower of Jesus Christ. In certain circles, such a profession of faith identifies a person as an enemy of popular social and political views. To be rather blunt, there is one Name that is more explosive than Donald Trump and that is the Name of Jesus.

If you want proof that that Jesus' Name is a powerful thing, just mention His Name to a demon-possessed person. Mention His Name in a public setting. Talk about Jesus behind a microphone. You'll soon learn that the Name of Jesus brings hostility.

The growing anger portrayed by our society is deeply rooted in rebellion and hatred against God. Sometimes this anger is veiled by other matters, but the underlying issue is rebellion against God.

As Christians, we normally don't pray for persecution to come. In fact, we ask to be spared from persecution. We'd rather not face the alienation, misunderstandings, prosecution and physical harm that may come through persecution. However, the Bible promises blessings to those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.

Jesus said, “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 exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Notice three positive things that occur when a man is persecuted for his faith in Christ.

1. A PROMISED KINGDOM

Jesus said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” True believers realize that their citizenship is in heaven. We are simply pilgrims and strangers here on earth. Our home is in glory. Persecution exposes this world as being a fallen place. Our roots should not sink deep in this world, because we are not here to stay. While we are here, our mission is to speak on behalf of the Lord. Our emphasis is on His kingdom rather than our own.

2. A PRECIOUS REWARD

Secondly, there is a promised reward. Jesus said, “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 exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.”  As followers of Jesus, persecution will come our way. When it does, be assured that a great reward awaits you in heaven. The pain of persecution, as bad as it may be, pales in comparison to the reward God has in store for those who suffer for His Name's sake.

3. A PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

Finally, we are in good company when we are persecuted. Jesus said, “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 exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” When we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we can identify with the prophets before us who suffered. Even more, we identify with our Lord and Savior, who suffered for our sake.

Sometimes blessings come through unusual circumstances. That is the case with persecution. There are certain rewards that are reserved for those who face the fire of persecution and still go forward out of love for Jesus.

Don't you think He is worth it?

Responding To Persecution

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” - Acts 5:29

Adversity usually tests a person's character. The person we are in secret is often revealed during the trials of life. When we experience the extreme heat of pressure, the polished veneer of our lives tends to melt away and reveals the true state of our hearts.

Persecution tends to separate the wheat from the chaff. The dross tends to melt away in the flames of persecution. Persecution has a way of dividing the genuine from the fake.

Realizing that greater levels of persecution are imminent, how should we respond when persecution comes?

1. FOCUS

American Christians focus too much on pleasing and impressing others. Our focus should be to please an audience of One. We cannot please both God and man. In Galatians 1:10, Paul wrote, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” When persecution arises, it becomes obvious that a person must compromise severely in order to please men.

When the disciples were commanded not to preach the Gospel, they refused to compromise. Instead, they said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Their focus was on pleasing God. They kept their focus clear. So should we.

2. FAITH

Secondly, we should live and walk by faith. Persecution has a way of awakening fears and anxiety. Yet the One who has led us safe thus far will continue to lead us. The road may get rougher. The times may get tougher. Ultimately, God takes care of His own. He will take care of us. Persecution may cause you to lose your job, lose possessions and alienate you from friends and family. Yet God is still in control. You can trust Him. During times of adversity and persecution, the Bible is such a valuable resource. In the pages of Scripture, we find God's promises to help us through turmoil. We should stand on the promises of God. In the end, we'll be glad we did.

3. FAITHFULNESS

As our text indicates, the disciples said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Persecution forces us to take a stand, either for God or against Him. God requires His servants to live in obedience. Samuel once said, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” The cost of obedience may be steep. The cost of disobedience is far greater.

If we focus on pleasing only God, trust Him through every experience, and obey Him regardless of the cost, we may not please anyone but God. But it is better to please God and no one else than to please everyone except God.

Ultimately, we must stand before God. Our faithfulness will be under careful scrutiny. May He find us faithful in that day!

Preparing For Persecution

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

- 2 Timothy 3:12

I am not a prophet. I do not claim to have visions or divine insight concerning the future. Yet it seems rather obvious that our nation is heading in the wrong direction. We are seeing things happen in our country that I never thought I'd see happen in my lifetime.

One thing that seems rather apparent is that the American Church is at a crossroads. Either American Churches must compromise with the world or be persecuted by the world.

As I write this, there are churches in California that are facing overt governmental intimidation, legal consequences and financial ruin by worshiping publicly in their own sanctuaries. In the name of “public health,” the governor of California has violated the U. S. Constitution in prohibiting churches from worshiping indoors. Some would argue that outdoor worship is permitted under the right conditions there. But here is the problem. When believers are ordered by the government if, when and where they can worship, it is a violation of the Constitution. Furthermore, if the government can use a pandemic to make such rules, it gives them the freedom to practice the same tyranny at other times. When we give up our freedom in any way, we never regain that freedom and it gives tyrants the opportunity to expand their control and rob us of more freedom.

I don't believe that the issues in California are to be treated lightly. The ungodliness of California always spreads across our land. Presently, Christians are often labeled as judgmental, hypocritical, intolerant, narrow-minded, and even bigoted. More and more, our society views born again believers as being uneducated, naive fools. Some have even labeled Christians as a hate group. This is the state of things in our nation right now.

It is wrong for us to expect tyrannical leaders and ungodly courts to always come to the aid of Christians. We have just One source of help in such times. We need to rely upon God and His Word to lead us. Yet we need to prepare for increased levels of persecution, ridicule and intimidation.

On one hand, it is impossible to know how a person may react to persecution … until it comes. Yet there are some things we can do to prepare for persecution.

1. CHECK YOUR CONVERSION

First of all, make sure you are saved. Persecution has a way of separating the wheat from the chaff. Many have a dose of religion or church membership, yet they do not have a real relationship with Jesus Christ. We should not be shocked when we hear of apostasy. Apostasy reveals that some who profess faith never really possessed faith in Jesus. The “falling away” predicted by the Bible reveals that some were never in the way to begin with. 1 John 2:19 says, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” Make your calling and election sure. This is the time to make sure that you know are saved. Only the righteous can stand in the time of persecution.

2. COUNT THE COST

Secondly, count the cost. What if you were required to compromise your faith in order to keep your job? What if you faced financial ruin if you refused to give in to governmental pressure? We need to know, up front, whether Christ is really precious to us or merely a means to an end. Do we love Jesus or merely like Him? The Bible indicates a future time when people will not be able to buy or sell, eat or drink without yielding to governmental tyranny and denying Christ. We are headed in that direction now. In the Bible, the disciples felt that Jesus was worth living for … and worth dying for. Paul gave up everything to follow Jesus. It cost him his position, power and prestige. Ultimately, it cost him his life. He counted the cost and found that Jesus was worth living for and worth dying for. We need to count the cost right now.

3. CONFIDE IN CHRIST

Finally, we need to trust God with our future. As persecution increases, pressure intensifies and intimidation multiplies, we can trust Him as we walk through the fire. The future may include isolation from family, unemployment, imprisonment, impoverishment and possibly even martyrdom. If we can trust Him with our eternal future, can't we trust Him with our remaining time here on earth?

We are not promised a life free of persecution. Instead, we are told to expect it. Some may object that I am overacting to our times. I can't help but think that the American Church has already compromised too much and has given up far too much territory to the enemy.

It is time for believers to be strong and bold for Jesus.

STANDING IN THE GAP

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” - Ezekiel 22:30

The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel during a spiritual low-point in Israel's history. Similar to our day, people turned their back on God and rejected His Word. Ezekiel chapter 22 was a scathing indictment upon the people of Jerusalem. God specifically listed His complaint against the people. Their sins included idolatry, violence, dishonoring of parents, extortion, oppressing the poor, sexual sin and much more.

The indictment against Jerusalem consisted of sins that closely mirror our society here in America. Due to the ongoing overt sins of our nation, eventually even church members get accustomed to the dark times in which we live. It shouldn't be that way, though. True believers should never consider wickedness normal or acceptable.

Judgment was about to fall on Jerusalem because of their sins. At this critical point the Lord said, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”

There was a huge gap between God and the people. Sin created the chasm that separated the people from God. Despite the fact that people consider themselves to be “spiritual” today, sin has separated people from God right here in the United States.

God sought someone --- anyone --- who would bridge the gap. Sadly, he found no one. There wasn't a righteous person in the land of Israel who could stand in the gap and prevent judgment from coming.

What about America in 2020? Can God find anyone who will stand in the gap today? I believe Christians are being called to rise up and make a difference by the power of the Holy Spirit. How can God use us to stand in the gap?

1. OUR PRESENCE

First of all, we can stand in the gap through our presence. God will use anyone that is surrendered to Him, living a holy, righteous life. Jesus instructs us to let our light shine in this dark world. Our wicked society is aggressively intimidating believers to have only a secret faith. It is time for Christians to be vital and visible followers of Jesus. The first century believers risked their lives as they boldly stood for Jesus. What is keeping us from standing for the Lord?

2. OUR PRAYERS

Secondly, we stand in the gap through our prayers. We need prayer-warriors to intercede with God on behalf of this sinful land. In this year with a critical Presidential election, we need to intercede on behalf of America and her future. While it is imperative for believers to vote in November, it is even more important for us to pray. Pray for our nation. Pray for the election. Pray for the Church. Intercede on behalf of lost souls.

3. OUR PROCLAMATION

Although our society is using intimidation to keep Christians silent, we need to boldly speak the truth of the Gospel. There has never been a time when the Gospel is needed more than right now. The Church has been quiet too long. We've allowed our freedoms to vanish … and yet we weren't very faithful in utilizing these freedoms while we had them. Spread the Gospel. It is the message that will change lives and alter the course of our nation. Stand in the gap and proclaim the Gospel.

The Gospel is the only hope for America. I'm glad that Jesus came and stood in the gap for sinners when He died upon the cross. There on the cross, suspended between heaven and earth, the Messiah bridged the gap between heaven and humanity. Through repentance and faith, individuals experience spiritual life through Jesus Christ. Aren't you glad He bridged the gap for us?

Right now we need to stand in the gap as Ambassadors of Christ. As His followers, we are called to stand in the gap for our neighborhood, our nation and the world. Despite the belief of most skeptics, America needs Christians like you and me. Even a casual reader of the Bible would have to agree that America is on a collision course with God's judgment. Like in Ezekiel's day, it may be that God is looking for someone --- anyone --- who will stand in the gap, possibly holding back the tide of judgment. God is looking for someone to stand in the gap for America.

Will you be that person? 

WHEN THE WORST HAPPENS

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” - Job 3:25

When we face uncertainty, we are prone to think of a “worst case scenario.” Often, this scenario does not occur. We tend to fret and worry over events that only occur in our minds. Yet occasionally, the “worst case scenario” becomes reality.

That happened with Job. In a short period of time, Job lost nearly everything. Worst of all, Job couldn't seem to hear from God. The line of fellowship with the Lord seemed broken.

There in the ash pile Job suffered. His friends hurled slanderous accusations against him. His wife wasn't supportive. Job had been known as a man of integrity. Now his integrity was being called into question. There seemed to be no good news on the horizon for Job. There in his pain, Job uttered the words, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” The worst-case scenario had become reality.

We are not promised that the worst-case scenario will never occur. Sometimes it does. A baby dies in a crib. A tornado expectantly destroys an entire neighborhood, killing many. A child is killed as he chases a ball into the road. A teenager is diagnosed with terminal cancer. A test result reveals a life-threatening disease. These kind of situations actually occur, devastating many.

What can we do when the worst happens?

1. KEEP TRUSTING IN GOD

First of all, keep trusting in God. God is still sovereign, even when the worst possible catastrophe occurs. We can trust Him regardless of the circumstances.

When we need Him most, God is available. God can be depended on. We can trust in His promises.

Job didn't understand what was going on. Often we don't either. God never promised that we would understand everything in this life. However, we can trust Him even when we don't understand why we are suffering.

2. KEEP LIVING FOR JESUS

Secondly, keep living for Jesus. Continue obeying God. Continue to pray. Be faithful in the things you know to do. God is worthy of our praise at all times. Whether our circumstances are good or not, we know that He is good. Keep living for Him. Continue to follow the Lord. Every day, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus.

3. LOOK UP

Finally, we should look up. Look for the Lord's return. Look ahead beyond this world of pain. Realize that there is a better place waiting for the children of God. The pain and problems of this life may continue to get worse. Wickedness may continue to increase in this sin-infested land. Fewer people may stand for God and right. In spite of all this, realize that your redemption draweth nigh. Our trials will soon be over.

God turned things around for Job. Soon He will turn things around for us, too. One day, the worst-case scenario will be replaced with the best-case scenario. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Child of God, even if the worst-case scenario unfolds in your life today, be assured that a better day is yet ahead! 

AMBITION

“And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye? And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel? And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.” - Judges 18:18-20

Ambition is a powerful tool. It can be used to accomplish incredible things. However, more often that not, ambition leads to destruction. Our society applauds the ambition of young people. We admire the ambition that leads some to financial prosperity. We respect those who have political ambition. Yet the things we praise are often a facade. We fail to see beyond the superficial.

The difference between good ambition and destructive ambition often lies with the motive behind it. Selfish ambition is celebrated by many, but ultimately leads to ruin. Selfless ambition, especially ambition driven by a desire to glorify God, can be used to bring about powerful, positive results.

Spiritual ambition may also be driven by the wrong motives. In our text, Micah hired a priest to be his spiritual leader. Yet when he was given an opportunity for a larger ministry, the priest abandoned his promise and loyalty in pursuit of greater numerical success.

Strangely, many ministers fall into this trap. They will quickly leave a small church for a larger church, simply because of the increased salary or greater visibility. The only reason a pastor should leave a church for another is when God leads him to. An opportunity for financial or numerical success does not automatically mean that it is a God-opportunity.

Before making decisions, our ambition needs to be examined carefully, honestly and Biblically. Our selfishness can be very deceitful. Our motives need to be constantly challenged.

Our job is not to impress or please a crowd. Our motive should be to please an audience of One. If that drives our ambition, we'll be on a collision course with the world and the devil. Leonard Ravenhill used to say that he wanted to be on the devil's most wanted list. Mr. Ravenhill knew that it was one thing to be a popular minister, but it is something different to be a God-pleasing, Spiritually-anointed preacher of the Gospel.

We do need people with the right ambition. We need God-fearing people who seek nothing but the glory of God.

Why can't that person be you?

The Furnace of Affliction

 THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION

“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” - Isaiah 48:10 

It seems that some people suffer more than others. I've known some who suffer for decades while others their age seem to have little or no problems. Pain and suffering are real issues that we must face in this life.

Despite teaching to the contrary, becoming a Christian does not give a person immunity from suffering. Many people suffered in the Scriptures. Job suffered greatly. Paul struggled with a thorn in the flesh. Jesus was nailed to a cross.

As a Christian, I know that pain and purpose often go together. Although God is not the source of suffering, He does permit it. Our human limitations keep us from appreciating this truth.

I am not attempting to give a reason for each incident of suffering. God permits suffering for various reasons. However, I do want to focus on one reason for our suffering. There are times God uses suffering to refine His people. Suffering is an excellent way to melt the dross away from the saint. God often uses the trials of life to filter out the impurities of our lives. God said, “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”

If you're like me, suffering probably drives you to pray for relief rather refinement. We want instant deliverance and immediate healing when suffering arises. There are times God graciously allows this to occur. At other times, we must endure the harsh reality of pain by God's grace. It could be that in these times of endurance that God refines us.

Refinement has a way of deepening our faith, strengthening our resolve, and cultivating empathy for others who suffer. When God refines us, we grow to fuller depths of maturity. We tend to humble ourselves in such situations and, as such, make ourselves more useful in the hands of the Potter.

We would know far less about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego if they hadn't gone through a fire. The Christians you respect most are those who've probably endured the fire of affliction.

God never promised us that life would be free of obstacles, trials, pain and suffering. His ultimate goal is our spiritual maturity, not financial security or physical health. Although happiness is not a wrong feeling to desire, God wants us to desire holiness first. Holy living will bring joy --- which is a far better experience than mere happiness.

The good news is that believers will only endure the furnace of affliction for just a short period of time. Afflictions all end at death. Glory awaits beyond the grave.

If you are going through the fire, I encourage you to live by faith. The fourth man who showed up in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is there with you during your affliction. You can trust Him with your life and your future.