Monday Morning Encouragement - Rejoicing in Persecution

 


"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." 1 Peter 4:13-14)


I reckon none of us like to be insulted. Especially when we've done nothing to deserve the insult. There is, however, a kind of insult that can be worn as a badge of honor. And this is when we are insulted for the sake of Christ.


We're living in a culture that is moving away from God. The Bible is viewed as irrelevant and truth is subjective. Even in churches we're seeing a rewriting of scripture to support a more socially acceptable gospel: Sin doesn't exist, everyone goes to Heaven, we don't need a Savior, and Jesus was just a nice guy who simply wants everyone to be happy.  Well, we shouldn't be surprised by this, for the Bible clearly states that this will occur:


"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."    (2 Timothy 4:3-4) 


As a woman who has lived more than seven decades on this earth, I can tell you that there is now a hostility toward Christians by the mainstream media, certain politicians and influential people here in the United States that I have never before witnessed. And yet, I am encouraged by what I see and hear. For I believe Jesus is revealing those who are truly His followers, and that we are drawing closer and closer to His return and to the day when He will reward the Faithful.


During one of Billy Graham's messages he asked the question: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" I heard that quote many years ago, and it has stuck with me. I often ask myself that very question. Is there evidence of faithfulness to Christ in my life?  Am I willing to endure insults by standing up for Him? Or do I want to avoid the suffering that may come by openly living for Him?


Jesus did not shrink away from insults. He did not refuse the suffering of the cross, but  endured it for "the joy that was set before Him. . ." (see Hebrews 12:2). This is what we must focus on when persecution comes. "That we may rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." 


According  to The Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) 900,000 Christians have been ‘martyred’ in the last decade, equating to 90,000 a year and one every six minutes. Today's music video People of the Cross is a beautiful song and a stunning memorial to the persecuted church. 



I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.



10 comments

  1. The other side of the coin is that many unChristian things are being done by people who call themselves Christians.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, I do believe you are right my friend. I believe the time is drawing near for Jesus to return and take His own home with him. The rampant evil and turning away from God throughout the world is foretold. The increase in natural disasters and weather phenomenon is increasing exponentially.
    I pray with all of my heart that I'm a righteous woman, fit to be taken with Him.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very nice post Nancy. It really does make us reflect on are we representing Christ not only in our lives but how we speak and talk about him to others. A lot of people were afraid to bring up politics or religion in social settings but now they keep religion out of it but politics seems to be the main focus.
    Thanks for sharing sweet friend. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. NANCY: ES LA PRIMERA VEZ QUE LE ESCRIBO Y LEO SU BLOG, PARECE QUE DIOS LA PUSO EN MI CAMINO, SOY DE ARGENTINA Y AQUI AL IGUAL QUE EN SU PAIS, LA GENTE SE ESTA ALEJANDO MUCHO DEL SEÑOR, SOMOS PERSEGUIDOS LITERALMENTE HABLANDO (NO ARRESTADOS O SACRIFICADOS POR CRISTO) HAY UNA FALTA TOTAL DE RESPETO ENTRE LAS PERSONAS, TODOS HACEN LO QUE QUIEREN SIN IMPORTAR QUE PUEDE DAÑAR A OTROS, INSULTAN, PELEAN, HACEN RUIDOS HASTA ALTA HORAS DE LA NOCHE, ECT. ES DIFICIL A VECES SOPORTAR TANTA PRESION, ACUMULAR TANTOS MALES QUE NOS HACEN, ¿HASTA CUANTO PUEDE SOPORTAR UN CRISTIANO? VIVIMOS EN UN BARRIO MUY EGOISTA, DONDE NO EXISTE EL RESPETO POR LAS PERSONAS MAYORES, PERSONAS DISCAPACITADAS ECT. TRATAMOS CON MI FAMILIA DE ENFOCARNOS EN CRISTO Y SOPORTAR LAS AFLICCIONES, JESUS MISMO NOS DICE: EN ESTE MUNDO TENDREIS AFLICCIONES...... COMO BIEN DICE BETSY, AMIGA FIEL Y BLOGUERA, SEÑALES HAY DE LA PRONTA VENIDA DE NUESTRO SALVADOR JESUS, QUE NO SE TARDE. BENDICIONES¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's true. I want to be a light to the world, and love people well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. A beautifully written post Nancy! Truly the rhetoric against Christianity is on the rise here in America, a country that has always stood for godly principles. I think there are areas where the rhetoric is more loud. Here, where we live, there is a great concentration of people who love the Lord, and are not ashamed to be Christian. I am grateful for that. But, we know, as scripture tells us, the days are coming when it won't be so. I believe those days aren't far away. May the Lord give all of us boldness for the kingdom, and to share the gospel without fear. This world needs to hear not just of the love of Christ, but of the justice of God too. They go hand-in-hand. God bless you dear Nancy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. A very powerful post and very true. I agree completely . . . we must remember the prize at the end of our race and keep our eyes on Him. This world is doing everything it possibly can to mask the truth and to put God and His Word down as meaningless. It is a time to stand up tall and remember who we are, God's adopted children. He is with us and will never forsake us. His promises are true and His love is great and everlasting. We are children of the King of Kings, the creator of the universe, the Savior of our souls.

    Nancy, your posts are so encouraging, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm here from Connies blog. Yes, Christians are not in favor now, and I love what you wrote about wearing that like a badge of honor. I've also heard the Billy Graham quote and it's a good reminder.
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Visiting from Connie's blog. Very encouraging, thanks!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.