Preparation for Persecution
The Evangelical Church in America has grown soft. It is the “good” things that spoil the soul (see Deuteronomy 6 and Luke 14). Good things received without thanksgiving, good things that cloud one’s vision of the Gift-Giver have weakened our resolve for growth–real growth–sanctifying growth. When the American version of Canada’s Bill-C4 is passed (I give less than 5 years), the persecution will be too much for many–dare we say most in American evangelicalism.
If you would be prepared, look no further than the Sermon on The Mount.
If verse ten would ever be true of you…
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)….
Then verse nine…must first be true of you…and for verse nine to be true, verse eight must first be true of you… and so on all the way back to verse three. Let’s just take two of the Beatitudes for further consideration, verses eight and three.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)Blessed are the pure in heart,for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
If you are not pure in heart, you will never stand up well under the (likely) coming persecution. If you would honor your Lord in persecution for righteousness’ sake (like affirming God’s gender and sexual ethics), you must first be pure in heart yourself. Be done with recurring sins. Put to death what is earthly (fleshly) in you (Col 3:5ff.). Seriously… start fighting your own sin now.
Secondly, be done with self-sufficiency. Stop leaning on your own wisdom, stop looking inside yourself for help and hope, be done with the sulfur smell of self-esteem. Start praying…start reading God’s Word…start begging God for empowering grace to keep His commandments.
The “Disney World” that has been the relationship between America and God’s church is coming to an end (unless of course the Sovereign Lord chooses otherwise). Persecution is coming. It is coming to Canadian Christians in a few days… a few days… a few days.
Are you willing to suffer for righteousness? Are you willing to suffer for Christ?
If you are not sure…get busy in progress in holiness. Stop attending your “Jump-Castle Church” and find one that honors the Word…believes every word in THE Word. Be done with self in all its forms. Read the Word, see your God, trust your God, and obey your God.
10,000 Blessings in THE Wonderful Counselor,
Jim