James tells us to “Consider it pure joy” when you come into
trials of all kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance or
endurance, which must finish its work so that you may become mature and
complete lacking nothing. One version says “perfect.” I look at perfect as a word that applies only
to Christ. However, we can pursue our faith even in persecution. Dr. David
Jeremiah said in a recent sermon that in the last 40 years there has been more
Christian persecution than in all history combined. The Bible prophesies this.
In fact, the persecution of the church is a hopeful sign of the soon return of
Jesus Christ to rule and reign. But first the Tribulation.
Before I continue to talk about persecution I want to remind
Christians that there will be a rapture of the church before the tribulation.
Scripture prophesies in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that Christ will come with a
trumpet blast and that the dead in Christ and then all believers will be taken
up and then the tribulation. Revelation 3 tells us that the church will be
taken up before the tribulation as well. So persecution is something that is
clearly talked about in increasing frequency in the latter New Testament
particularly in Hebrews.
In his work on AD the TV series by Roma Downey, Dr. David
Jeremiah talks of how the persecution will affect us. He says that it will produce growth making
us stronger. If we don’t run we will become stronger. One of the lessons of
through difficulty is patience.
Jeremiah tells us that suffering offers greater opportunity for witness. Paul
tells us in Philippians 1:12 that it served to further the Gospel. Then is gives us an opportunity to encourage
the brethren by example. Stephen’s stoning was such a 1st
century event. Perhaps lastly it prepares
us to reign with Christ. Jesus reminds us in the Sermon on the Mount that “Blessed
are you when they revile and persecute you…rejoice for great is your reward in
heaven” (Matthew 5:11). For if
we endure, we will also reign with him Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:12.
I don’t know about you, but I have personally seen more
persecution. I have lost a job because of my witnessing. I read continually of
how we should be tolerant and believe all faiths or religions are equal. Jesus
said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but
through me” John 14:6). He is the only way. Yes it is exclusive, but
inclusive of whoever will believe in Him, will have eternal life. I know that
my offerings receive no comments from readers. But I am greatly encouraged that
there are over 500 readers in Ukraine where faith is persecuted greatly. There are many readers in Israel and Russia.
Of course no one can even receive my writings in China or North Korea. So let
us keep witnessing for our salvation draws neigh.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.