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Persecution

It's a difficult truth we as Christians have to face. Jesus said we'd be persecuted.

But, how does one prepare for persecution inorder not to deny Jesus?I know brothers/sisters in Christ overseas face it everyday, us in America are only starting to get it.

How does one face marytrdom, persecution and rejection for Jesus and not fear? Especially, in a place where we as Christians, in America, are just getting a little taste of any future persecution?

An even harder truth how do we face it when our on families,friends and people we know persecute us?

One of the scariest things is to end up denying Jesus.

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Permalink Reply by Tammy on April 19, 2012 at 1:50pm

Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church." Tertullian

Rejoice is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer. The phrase “rejoice and be exceeding glad” means rejoice, but even more exalt! The believer who is the blessed one may not only rejoice in tribulation but he may rejoice exceedingly to the point of exaltation. Therefore, he glories in tribulation even as the Apostle Paul (cf. II Cor 1:3–7; 12:7–10) KJV Bible commentary. 1997 (1886). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Ways to prepare yourself for persecution

1 Peter 3:13-18 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.“And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Christ’s Suffering and Ours

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring6us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

How to react when persecuted

1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. ¹⁴If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you, on their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

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Permalink Reply by Mary O on April 21, 2012 at 1:01pm

Live for today. Think of where you are at and what you are doing now. Walk with Jesus now. Jesus is ever present, that Christ in you. He is truth and our reality. Tomorrow hasn't happened yet so you can't walk with Him then if you haven't walked with him now. If you need to work on that relationship, talk to Him about it. Confide in Him. Tell Him you want to be great friends. It will warm His heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Love and God bless,

Mary

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Permalink Reply by Richard L. Broch, Sr. on April 25, 2012 at 1:55pm

Feetbreeze, and any other Believer who is pondering these questions =

Stephen, one of the first Deacons, after preaching to the Jewish crowd, was about to be grabbed by them.....and taken to be stoned to death.......Acts 7:55-56, " But, being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; (56) and he said, " Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

In verses 59 & 60 as the crowd was stoning him.... he continued to look up and ask God's forgiveness on his murderers. Then the Bible says "he fell asleep".

These verses tell me......in a situation like this, we MUST look to heaven with 100% FAITH (nothing else on our minds, or hearts). I personally believe that Stephen did not feel the stones striking his body. God can do things like that.

Now....about the family......Matthew 10:34-35,36 Jesus says, " Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (35) For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; (36) and a man's enemies will be the members of his household."

It probably happens a lot.... when one...or two members in a family receive Christ Jesus. Obviously this creates friction in the family.......and this is what Jesus was talking about.

So, what are we to do in that situation? Each person has to make the decision......Do you want to turn your back on your family....or your Lord and Savior for eternity? And maybe, through your faith.......your family will come around later.

Jesus didn't promise us a rose garden......just a thorn now and then.......until we meet the Designer of all the rose gardens that have ever been.

Grace and Peace.

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Permalink Reply by feet breath on April 25, 2012 at 7:02pm

Ugh. It feels like a knot in my stomach.

Is it normal to be scared? My mind is wondering right now... confusen of this situation.

I know they need the truth...

Jesus,I and whoever is being persecuted need You....

Does Jesus see the fear...I know He does. I need prayer...

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Permalink Reply by Tammy on April 29, 2012 at 12:58pm

Feetbreeze (What does that name even mean? hehe), Anyways, Satan would have you think nothing less of being frightened. I have many people I speak with in India, Pakistan, Bangledesh, & Africa. Many live in persecuted areas but they stand strong in the Lord. One was even arrested for passing out propaganda without a license.

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

1 Cor 15:55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

Being as you & I live in the states, I don't think persecution is anywhere in our near future. That's leaves us more time to pray for those who are. No need to be frightened dear sister.

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Permalink Reply by feet breath on April 29, 2012 at 1:22pm

What's my name, feetbreeze, mean? Well, I think it was a hot day and I was sitting on some wooden steps. I took off of my shoes and socks. The wind was blowing on my feet-it felt great! That's why I chose feetbreeze.

I've been reading VOM's book FOXE's book of Martyrs on persecuted Christians and a book (got started not long ago) Silencing the Christians (a book about Christian persecution in America). For ex. a girl in graduation wasn't allowed to talk or mention about Jesus, I think she was a valadvictorian or something like that. She tried and they cut her off.

I've seen persecution at my old school (a boy threatened to crucify another Christian and catch it on fire). A boy in this town had a hoody/sweatshirt about feeding the Christians to the lions again. It's closer than we think. The Lord has showed me stuff to prepare for persecution.

I wouldn't be as scared if I knew how to talk to them. Say if they were hindus or athiests (which seems much easier). It's just they have a bible, a resurrection, a Jesus (all 3 false natuarlly)....I'm not sure how to prove those doctrines wrong when what I say gets twisted (especially with bible scriptures). I've tried asking questions many times...the scripture just gets twisted-I tested the verse about Jesus being a mediator between God and man on yahoo to see how well it worked-they twisted it! http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlnD5.7AStMI6Smqx9URy1...

I know I have to accept persecution as a fact. :sighs: I seem bitter and frustrated right now...whatever I seem to say gets twisted, even if I use scripture (bible ping pong anyone?)

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Permalink Reply by Tammy on April 29, 2012 at 11:58am

I know this is so off subject but I believe my favorite testimony in the Word is that of Stephen. He couldn't have been that old of a Christian but his faith was phenomenal. So phenomenal that Jesus STOOD to welcome him. Awesome