Tag Archives: persecution

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Part 2

Yesterday we saw how we need to make the most of the freedom we have to further the cause of the gospel, by taking the opportunities we have. As Paul underwent his imprisonment not only the guards came to hear the gospel message but other Christians were encouraged and trusted in God because of the faith they saw in Paul. What’s more, rather than them cowering in fear afraid to speak out, they actually grew in ‘courage to speak the word of God without fear’ Philippians 1:14. Plus, the numbers of believers trusting God was growing. That’s often the way … Continue reading →

Gospel Consequences and Tough Love

We have the gospel of life, the world needs to to hear it. It won’t unless we persist in prayer and in sharing the truth with family, friends and neighbors. One of the consequences of living a godly life is persecution. Jesus warned his followers they would face persecution but to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world,John 16:33. Mention of persecution was not a one off. You will find this idea repeated in Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:23, Matthew 24:9, Mark 10:30, and John 15:20 In the current economic crisis people are struggling for something or someone … Continue reading →

Being A Christian Is Not for Wimps

Yesterday we looked at what being a Christian is. A families.com member contacted me admitting he found it hard to always love other believers. I agree it is hard. A lot of things Christians are called to do are hard – like loving others even when sometimes they are unlovable and rub us up the wrong way. It’s hard too at times not to let the cares of this world and the emphasis on material possessions that constantly surround us on the TV and in magazines not take over and shift our focus. Jesus was aware this was a problem … Continue reading →

Bless Those Who Persecute You

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Why on earth would we want to bless those who are wicked toward us? Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” I believe the answer to this is simple: the ability to forgive and to stand out as a light to others is something that sets us a part … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Jesus Freaks

I’m not here to write about the song “Jesus Freak” by Christian band DC Talk or even the Jesus Freak movement of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I’m here to talk about the book put out by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs entitled, Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus Freaks. This book is so much more than just a creatively antique-looking book with its grungy cover and torn parchment-like pages. Inside this book lie the stories of many faithful who put their faith in Jesus, even as it meant their … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: The First Christian Martyr

I’d like to share the story of Stephen that took place about 34 AD. Mention of him can be found in Acts chapter 6 and 7 of the Bible. He was said to be a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He had the power of the Holy Spirit working through him, and was full of wisdom. There were men who came to take Stephen to council because he put Jesus over the customs of Moses. As Stephen gave his testimony in front of the council, it was said they saw his face as the face of an … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Persecution

Throughout the Bible we can read stories of persecution to those who followed God. Some were even martyred for their beliefs. The persecution of Christians, among others, is still happening today. In some nations like China, Christians are forced to register with the government in order to attend a certain congregation. You might have heard of underground churches there where Christians are gathering in secret so they can worship God freely. Time magazine did a story a few months ago on this topic. Folks, this is not just happening in China, it’s happening all over! Christians have suffered beating, and … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Intro

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You may have heard it said there are three kinds of people: Those who have been through trials, those who are going through trials, and those who are going to go through trials. Throughout the Bible we are told of the trials and tribulations to come. We live in a fallen world and none of us are exempt. Satan’s mission is simple; he comes to rob steal and destroy (John10:10). I’m starting a series on various trials and faith. I will be talking about common trials and hardships in our lives, persecution of the Christian church, martyrs, and what we … Continue reading →

Freedom

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As we recently celebrated America’s Independence, we are reminded of the freedoms we all enjoy in this great nation. One of the most wonderful freedoms we are blessed with in America is that we can worship the Lord freely and openly, without fear of physical persecution. The Book of Acts speaks of many different persecutions that the church of the first century endured. Studying through these examples of persecution shows the great blessing of freedom we have in America today. Several times throughout the Book of Acts, disciples of Christ were arrested and placed in jail for proclaiming the truth. … Continue reading →

Hell May Pour Forth

“Hell may pour forth its rage like the burning lava of mount Vesuvius, or of Etna, or of the most terrible of the burning mountains; and yet shall ‘Mormonism’ stand. Water, fire, truth and God are all realities. Truth is ‘Mormonism.’ God is the author of it. He is our shield. It is by Him we received our birth. It was by His voice that we were called to a dispensation of His Gospel in the beginning of the fullness of times. It was by Him we received the Book of Mormon; and it is by Him that we remain … Continue reading →