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In our time as a followers of Christ, we have noticed that His Word seems ever more true as we walk, experience, step out and grow in Him. One of these areas we have had to over come and grow in is persecution. In America the persecution we have to endure today is usually only via slander, name calling or at its worst; maybe losing a job over your faith. Sadly many in the world are being killed and tortured over their faith in Christ and we need to pray for them. But no matter the form, who really likes to be hated or mocked for any reason? We must realize why it is happening and to whom it is really aimed. It seems this world is ever more hateful of the truth of Jesus Christ and His Word. Should we be surprised? Well not really if we have become well studied the Holy Word as it warns us of such things.
Jesus Christ told us in Matthew chapter 10 what the world would think of His followers:
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Did you notice He said they will scourge you in the synagogues? Yes, religious people are often those who hate the truth the most and we have experienced that in our witnessing to people.
Moving on: the Word also tells us that those who live in Christ will be persecuted.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
So it is very safe to say if you don't have any persecution for Christ you may not be biblically walking in His ways, as the Word doesn't lie does it? Far too many people and religious systems are trying to get the world to like them just to fill up buildings or to try and gain so called "converts" but this is not of God. People are drawn to new life in Christ and made real believers by the proclaiming of the gospel not by being their friend, them liking your message or offering what tickles their flesh at your religious building. Most people just go out to religious services weekly then they live in, of and with the world doing as they do and so why would the world hate them? This is dangerous as we know that to be friends with the world is to be Gods enemy, see James 4:4
Here is another scripture that deals with hatred of the light and truth from Jesus Christ:
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 3:19-21
It is true that men hate the light and they often will lash out at those who shine the light of Christ.
Please know it is loving to shine the truth and light of Jesus but we are not to cast pearls before those who will just trample it over and over.
Here is Jesus again teaching us that we will be hated as He is hated.
This hatred is clearly not about us but it is aimed at the Lord and His truth. It is satan who is the god of this world and he hates those who are of and in the Lord.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not
2 Corinthians 4:4
Do you need even more evidence from the Lord Himself on the hatred of His true followers?
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:14
We born from above believers are hated because not only do we shine the light of Christ to a evil world; but we are not of the world system ourselves as we live holy (set apart ) for God.
The Lord even promises a blessing to those who are persecuted in His name
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10
In fact He tells us to rejoice if we are persecuted in His name.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you
Matthew 5:12
The Apostle Paul talked about this as well.
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men
1 Thessalonians 2:15
Are you aware that every single Apostle was executed for their testimony in Christ except John who was allowed to die on the Island of Patmos as a prisoner.
In the final book of the bible we read this in Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Don't you find it interesting that God's Word says in the tribulation time in the future, saints will be losing their heads and today we have an evil anti Christ group of terrorists who do just that. They behead people and it proves once again that God's Word is true. Could we be entering into those last days? Many signs are indeed in place.
This post then begs the question to us all. How does the world view us today? Do they embrace you and I as one of their own or hate us for the Lord's Ways and His truth that we live out daily and lovingly proclaim to the lost around you? It must be noted "the world" in the scriptures would be any system or people who are outside of the truth of God's Word. So this includes the religious systems of the day as well as those who may claim a faith but they are clearly by their fruit not of the Living God. Please be warned, your friends and family often are the worst persecutors you may encounter in your spiritual walk. Hold fast and do not be moved no matter the cost!
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:35-37)
While verbal persecution and lies against you are hard on ones flesh and it will get much harder in the days ahead. We encourage you to gird up your loins in His Word and stand strong even unto death if you claim new life in Him. The hatred you feel from those who despise the biblical truth is nothing more than proof (if you walk in love) that your message is true and doing its job. God's Word cuts like a knife (Hebrews 4:12) and it is meant to either draw a person in or send them away in anger as their own sin has convicted them. We never know who will respond and who won't so be faithful in your duty to make disciples for God's glory. (See Matthew 28:19 )
We will leave you with this encouragement for the Holy Word so you can stand in the midst of the persecution and hatred.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
Ephesians 6
May the love and truth of the Living God protect you from the hatred in this fallen world as you live for Him daily and proclaim His gospel to the lost.
Please see the biblical gospel HERE to find eternal life:
Let us know how we can assist you in anyway at all.
For God's Glory....
In our time as a followers of Christ, we have noticed that His Word seems ever more true as we walk, experience, step out and grow in Him. One of these areas we have had to over come and grow in is persecution. In America the persecution we have to endure today is usually only via slander, name calling or at its worst; maybe losing a job over your faith. Sadly many in the world are being killed and tortured over their faith in Christ and we need to pray for them. But no matter the form, who really likes to be hated or mocked for any reason? We must realize why it is happening and to whom it is really aimed. It seems this world is ever more hateful of the truth of Jesus Christ and His Word. Should we be surprised? Well not really if we have become well studied the Holy Word as it warns us of such things.
Jesus Christ told us in Matthew chapter 10 what the world would think of His followers:
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Did you notice He said they will scourge you in the synagogues? Yes, religious people are often those who hate the truth the most and we have experienced that in our witnessing to people.
Moving on: the Word also tells us that those who live in Christ will be persecuted.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
So it is very safe to say if you don't have any persecution for Christ you may not be biblically walking in His ways, as the Word doesn't lie does it? Far too many people and religious systems are trying to get the world to like them just to fill up buildings or to try and gain so called "converts" but this is not of God. People are drawn to new life in Christ and made real believers by the proclaiming of the gospel not by being their friend, them liking your message or offering what tickles their flesh at your religious building. Most people just go out to religious services weekly then they live in, of and with the world doing as they do and so why would the world hate them? This is dangerous as we know that to be friends with the world is to be Gods enemy, see James 4:4
Here is another scripture that deals with hatred of the light and truth from Jesus Christ:
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 3:19-21
It is true that men hate the light and they often will lash out at those who shine the light of Christ.
Please know it is loving to shine the truth and light of Jesus but we are not to cast pearls before those who will just trample it over and over.
Here is Jesus again teaching us that we will be hated as He is hated.
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you
John 15:18This hatred is clearly not about us but it is aimed at the Lord and His truth. It is satan who is the god of this world and he hates those who are of and in the Lord.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not
2 Corinthians 4:4
Do you need even more evidence from the Lord Himself on the hatred of His true followers?
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:14
We born from above believers are hated because not only do we shine the light of Christ to a evil world; but we are not of the world system ourselves as we live holy (set apart ) for God.
The Lord even promises a blessing to those who are persecuted in His name
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10
In fact He tells us to rejoice if we are persecuted in His name.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you
Matthew 5:12
The Apostle Paul talked about this as well.
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men
1 Thessalonians 2:15
Are you aware that every single Apostle was executed for their testimony in Christ except John who was allowed to die on the Island of Patmos as a prisoner.
In the final book of the bible we read this in Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Don't you find it interesting that God's Word says in the tribulation time in the future, saints will be losing their heads and today we have an evil anti Christ group of terrorists who do just that. They behead people and it proves once again that God's Word is true. Could we be entering into those last days? Many signs are indeed in place.
This post then begs the question to us all. How does the world view us today? Do they embrace you and I as one of their own or hate us for the Lord's Ways and His truth that we live out daily and lovingly proclaim to the lost around you? It must be noted "the world" in the scriptures would be any system or people who are outside of the truth of God's Word. So this includes the religious systems of the day as well as those who may claim a faith but they are clearly by their fruit not of the Living God. Please be warned, your friends and family often are the worst persecutors you may encounter in your spiritual walk. Hold fast and do not be moved no matter the cost!
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:35-37)
While verbal persecution and lies against you are hard on ones flesh and it will get much harder in the days ahead. We encourage you to gird up your loins in His Word and stand strong even unto death if you claim new life in Him. The hatred you feel from those who despise the biblical truth is nothing more than proof (if you walk in love) that your message is true and doing its job. God's Word cuts like a knife (Hebrews 4:12) and it is meant to either draw a person in or send them away in anger as their own sin has convicted them. We never know who will respond and who won't so be faithful in your duty to make disciples for God's glory. (See Matthew 28:19 )
We will leave you with this encouragement for the Holy Word so you can stand in the midst of the persecution and hatred.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
Ephesians 6
May the love and truth of the Living God protect you from the hatred in this fallen world as you live for Him daily and proclaim His gospel to the lost.
Please see the biblical gospel HERE to find eternal life:
Let us know how we can assist you in anyway at all.
For God's Glory....