Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which
suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
(Hebrews 13:3 KJV)
(Hebrews 13:3 KJV)
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| From http://idop.org/web/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IDOPnew-e1470997858461.png |
Twenty years ago the International Day of Pray for the Persecuted Church
started—it is generally focused on the first Sunday of November (and occasionally
the second Sunday of November per my research, see http://idop.org/web/ for more information). Since the reality of Christian persecution is
very real—a daily reality in many parts of the world; I cannot ignore it—thus why
I am spending two weeks on this difficult but important topic. For last week’s post, please click here: Christian Persecution.
If you are interested in hearing a five minute testimony of what persecution
looks like, I encourage you to watch this year’s Voice of the Martyrs’ video Hannelie. It is worth the time it takes to watch. May Hannelie’s testimony encourage you as it
did me.
Only let your
conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and
see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in
one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
And in nothing
terrified by your adversaries: which is
to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
For unto you it is
given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer
for his sake;
Having the same
conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
(Philippians
1:27-30 KJV)
Our brothers and sisters in Christ in many areas—Asia (North Korea and
China to name two), Africa, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union—need our
prayers daily. They are paying a
steep price because of Jesus; they have counted the cost and paid the
price. They see it as an honor to suffer
for Christ. What does it look like for
you to count the cost of following Jesus?
What have you forsaken; what have you left behind?
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue
that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
(Isaiah 54:17 KJV)
(Isaiah 54:17 KJV)
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| From http://idop.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IDOP-slider-21-400x300.jpg |
But what things were gain to me, those I counted
loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for
the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win
Christ,
(Philippians 3:7-8 KJV)
It seems to me that people who accept Jesus in areas where
to do so means a death sentence know what it means (in a way that we cannot not
begin to truly understand) to count the cost of following Jesus. Keep in mind, the cost of following Jesus is
real even without persecution. I have posted on this topic in the past,
please see Counting the Cost.
And we know that
all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28 KJV)
Learning, early on, to cling to Jesus—to abide in Him and He in us; to abide in
the Word and to allow the Word to abide in us (memorization) should be helpful
when persecution comes (or even just opposition) for following Jesus. Like Daniel (1:8), we must decide now what we
will do when persecution comes. Where will
you place your allegiance? Will you pledge
allegiance to the Lamb or will you pledge allegiance to the world?
Beloved, think
it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall
be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
If ye be
reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of
God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he
is glorified.
But let none of
you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in
other men's matters.
Yet if any man
suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this
behalf.
For the time is
come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us,
what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
And if the
righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Wherefore let them
that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to
him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
(1 Peter 4:12-19
KJV)
In studying the Scriptures earlier this year, I noticed that
Scriptures seem to indicate persecution will
happen, if we live for Christ as we
should.
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| Personal Photo |
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| Personal Photo |
And who is he
that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But and if ye
suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their
terror, neither be troubled;
But sanctify the
Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man
that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Having a good
conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be
ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
For it is better,
if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For Christ also
hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to
God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he
went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometime
were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of
Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were
saved by water.
The like figure
whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth
of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Who is gone into
heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers
being made subject unto him.
(1 Peter 3:13-22 KJV)
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| From https://www.opendoorsusa.org/files/library/homepageidopchurchhero2016_hh.jpg |
American Christians seem to be hiding their heads in the sand regarding
the persecution of their brothers and sisters in Jesus, disregarding the
reality of so many; thereby, refusing to even want to consider the possibility that
one day they may face the exact same reality.
Persecution purifies and strengthens (or it can) Christians to live for Jesus. The remnant that withstands persecution is
stronger than before—the Scriptures are clear—persecution strengthens and grows
the Church rather than killing it.
As we pray for our brothers and sisters in chains (Hebrews 13:3) let us
prepare ourselves to face the unthinkable.
While persecution is not pleasant to read or think about or even
consider, denying its reality is not wise either.
Hopefully, we will never face persecution. However, I am feeling nudged about getting
prepared now, “just in case”. After all,
those of us who live in the Midwest tend to stock up on food and supplies prior
to blizzards!
How can you prepare yourself for difficult days ahead? Where have you placed your allegiance?
*No matter what happens can you say it is well with my soul?* I encourage you to listen to following worship
video:
Please join with me in prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the testimonies and tenacious faith of
our brothers and sisters in Jesus; their stories are difficult to read or
watch, yet they inspire us to live more fully sold out for You. For those who are in prison for their faith strengthen
and encourage them with Your felt presence.
Bolster their faith and witness as they face torture and unspeakable cruelty. Illuminate their light—the light Jesus—in the
darkest of places, showing their captors Jesus. Let them know we are standing with them and
are praying for them. Comfort and
protect their families who are suffering far more than we grasp. Teach us through their witness how we are to
live for You and even die for You. In Jesus’
Name, we pray. Amen.
From My Heart to Yours,
Kim
