I am convinced that the church in America has very little understanding of being persecuted for our faith. As I view stories about the Christians in India, North Korea, China, and every Muslim country, I realize we can't comprehend the suffering of our fellow believers in Christ. None of us have ever had our worship services disrupted by soldiers coming in and attacking the congregation. Nor have we had to meet secretly in homes to avoid repercussions from the government. When has a pastor been drug into the street and beaten or thrown in jail or killed for proclaiming the gospel in America? I encourage you to Google "Persecution of Christians" and see for yourself what is happening now.
The American church is asleep with a false security that "one nation under God" will always be the norm. We better open our eyes to the the secularization of our government, the agendas of groups bent on forcing their ungodly lifestyles and philosophies upon our laws, schools, and children. It is already ocurring. Take note of recent legislation in New York related to gay marriage. In California, they are debating to highlight gay-lesbian persons contribution in history to new text books while also seeking to justify homosexual lifestyles in new diversity curriculum for elementary children. On another front, Christian groups are finding it harder and harder to express faith in public places such as schools. Municipal and county governments are running scared to allow any expression of the Christian faith on public land. Gone are the nativity scenes, singing of Christmas carols, and even the Christmas tree, now a holiday tree, on public grounds. The day may come when what I just wrote will land me in jail under a hate crime.
On speaking of the coming persecution in America, one pastor stated we will be persecuted for not adhering to the world's belief that Christians should be all about love and tolerance of society's desires. We will be persecuted for being perceived as threats to government security and welfare. That sounds a whole lot like what happened to the early church. They were accused of cannibalism (Lord’s supper), lust and immorality (love emphasis), home wreaking (pagans converted), and political dissidents (Jesus Lord not Caesar). Yet, in the midst of violent persecution, the church flourished. The same is true today all over the world.
It is in the midst of persecution that the true church is found. The uncommitted and carnal will not stand when their lives are on the lines. When you are persecuted for your faith, where will you be found?
This week we will explore Christ's admonition to the Church of Smyrna who remained faithful amid terrible persecution and find some keys to help us when persecution arrives.
See you Sunday
Pastor Jeff
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