He is good to refresh us with His heavenly drops, He is merciful to be mindful of what we need as we live on His earth.
Mid-day encouragement: Refreshing drops
I am not making this up…pro-abortion activists chant "Hail Satan!"
“Pro-choice protesters shouted, “Hail Satan!” as an attempt to drown out pro-lifers’ rendition of “Amazing Grace.” ” Read more from The Washington Times
This is a good blog post:
“Ever found yourself looking for a way to initiate a conversation about God, but not sure exactly how to start? The Best Question to Ask When Starting a Conversation About God”
Crisis in Arab world gives Israel strategic breathing room, says Amos Harel.
The global fiscal has not gone away, Portugal may re-ignite Europe crisis
“Having won praise for taking tough measures to restore the financial health of the eurozone state, Portugal’s government has been rocked this week by the resignation of two ministers who quit because of waning public support for its program of austerity. … anxious investors sold stocks and bonds heavily Wednesday on fears that the government may collapse.”
Belgium’s king may abdicate. All Belgium awaits his speech
Church Curmudgeon said, “”Hymnals make you look down during worship.” said guy who spends 70% of the time staring at his phone during the service.” @ChrchCurmudgeon
(Updated with links) Wimbledon Outreach: Day 12, Tony Miano describes his arrest for preaching about Jesus and against sin
Links to Mr Miano’s street sermon, the police encounter/arrest, and the draft transcript of the interrogation are in the comment section below.
“It was surreal. I was interrogated for my faith in Jesus Christ.”
“If you are released, would you preach against homosexuality again? I said ‘Yes.’ “
“The Lord did some amazing things…”
“Today we are heading back down to the same place where I was arrested, I’ll preach on the passage where it speaks on forfeiting one’s soul … England has forfeited its soul … and the church is doing very little about it…”
“Britain is about to make a legislative decision on same sex marriage …”
Please listen. Then praise the Lord for doing a work in this situation. Please pray to encourage the believers who witness in the lost and dying country of Britain.
Arizona student told to remove her cross necklace, how should Christians respond to hatred and hostility?
In April 2010 I’d reported that in the UK, opposition to outward displays of Christianity were increasing. I’d used the example of a nurse in the UK who was told she could not wear her cross necklace, but that Muslims could wear jewelry in hospital. The denial for the cross was that it was a safety hazard in that distraught patients might grab the jewelry and use it to choke the nurse. This particular nurse had been wearing it for 30 years without incident, she told a tribunal, but she still lost her plea to keep wearing it.
The issue turns into Christian oppression and hatred when the double standard presents itself immediately after. The following news excerpt also occurred in April of 2010 and it also occurred in the UK.
Muslim staff escape NHS hygiene rule
“Female staff who follow the Islamic faith will be allowed to cover their arms to preserve their modesty despite earlier guidance that all staff should be “bare below the elbow”. The Department of Health has also relaxed rules prohibiting jewellery so that Sikh members of staff can wear bangles linked with their faith, providing they are pushed up the arm while the medic treats a patient.”
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
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The double standard had many shaking their heads, wondering at the obvious bias against Christianity. Many felt that such a thing could never happen in the US.
However, many preachers and Christian leaders have been saying for a number of years that oppression and then outright persecution will occur in the US. America is no different than any other place that is ruled by satan, for he is the god of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:4). And this world hates Jesus and therefore it will hate Christians. (John 15:18, Matthew 10:22). There is no such thing as political protection from satanic hatred and there is no place that will be favored location untouched by the enemies of Jesus.
Witness the following:
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Sonoma State University Forces Student To Remove Cross Necklace.
“A California college student has filed a religious accommodation request after her university told her to remove a cross necklace out of fear that it may offend incoming students at the school.
“According to The Blaze, Audrey Jarvis, 19, works on the Associated Students Productions crew at her school, Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. She was working at a student orientation event when one of her supervisors pulled her aside and asked her to remove the necklace. According to Jarvis’ lawyer, the supervisor told her “that she could not wear her cross necklace because it might offend others, it might make incoming students feel unwelcome, or it might cause incoming students to feel that ASP was not an organization they should join.”
“Understandably, Jarvis was troubled by what her supervisor said. She kept the cross on and continued working. When she came across her supervisor for a second time, she was asked to either hide the necklace under her shirt or remove it. Jarvis was so troubled by what she was being asked that she left work for the day.”
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“I was offended because I believe as a Christian woman it is my prerogative to display my faith any way I like so long as it is not harming anyone else,” she said. “I was very hurt and felt as if the university’s mission statement – which includes tolerance and inclusivity to all – was violated.” As noted by Fox News, her lawyer, Hiram Sasser of the Liberty Institute, says the university was in clear violation of California law by asking her to remove the necklace. California law says that “state employees may wear crosses while they are performing their duties as long as the wearing does not interfere with the employees’ duties or harm the employer’s business interests.”
“The university has apologized for the event. “It was absolutely an inappropriate action for him to make that request of her,” a school spokesperson said. School president Ruben Arminana is trying to reach Jarvis to make an official apology to her.”
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I’d like to note that the original request to remove the piece of jewelry came because it “may offend.” Not that anyone had already been offended. The request was made based on a pre-emptive action founded on fear and an assumption of something that may happen that had not happened yet. The necklace wearing hadn’t even violated any rules. For example, active firefighters do not wear metal jewelry to fight a fire. There are rules about that. (OSHA prohibits any facial hair, head gear, or jewelry that prohibits a respirator to seal tightly and no earrings that extend below the ear.). A request to a firefighter to remove earrings would be legitimate because it is supported by an existing policy for a good reason. It would also be a legitimate request if the University already had some kind of rule in place that no one could wear jewelry. Yet the request was made out of thin air to pre-empt a feeling that hadn’t been expressed yet by someone who didn’t exist.
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16).
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The cross offends, it is never more clear than now. (Galatians 5:11). Charles Spurgeon said,
“The religion of Jesus is the most peaceful, mild, and benevolent religion that was ever propagated. When we compare it with any set of dogmas invented by men, there is not one of them that can stand the least comparison with it for gentleness, mildness, and love. As for the Muslim religion, it is the religion of the vulture; but the religion of Jesus is that of the dove-all is mercy, all is mild; it is, like its Founder, an embodiment of pure benevolence, grace, and truth. … Strange, yet strangely true is it, that the cross of Christ has always been an offense, and that it has provoked the fiercest battles and the severest strifes which men have ever had with their fellowmen.”
You have to ask yourself,
–Did the student do the right thing by refusing to submit to a superior and remove the jewelry?
–Did she do the right thing by being aware of the University’s mission and policy?
–Did she do the right thing by abandoning her commitment to work that day? (Colossians 3:17). Or did her departure from work ultimately bring attention to the situation for the betterment of all?
Our lesson is to be prepared, and not to be surprised when it happens to us. The student who had been asked to remove her cross, defied the request. Is that right action? She knew the university’s mission statement and she knew the request was at odds with it. Is it still reasonable to refuse a request by a superior? Do you know the policies of your workplace, of your town and country?
Here are the questions to mull over. Oppression and hatred IS coming, and is already here. US Military Chaplains were told not to pray in the name of Jesus. This AZ student was told not to wear a cross. Towns and Villages are told not to erect a nativity scene at Christmas. Workplace, civic, and personal restrictions against Christianity are already setting in. John MacArthur said on June 30, 2013 of the pollution into the church, “It will come like a flood … This is going down fast.” The thing to do is to have a response ready beforehand, and along these lines:
If wearing the cross is your outward representation of Christ, then decide which is more representative, the piece of jewelry itself, or the Christian wearer’s behavior in all circumstances? Do you want to wear your cross at all costs, or use it to begin a dialog? Because, more often than not these days, it will spark a conversation.
I believe that the best thing to do is be ready with bible verses. For example, an imaginary conversation could go like this:
“I’m sorry my jewelry offends you. The cross IS an offense as it says in Galatians 5:11. The cross offends because it reminds people that Jesus died for our sins, and we are all sinners it says in Romans 3:23. We will all stand in judgment before Jesus one day, called to account for those sins. Would you like to know more about how to stand before Him as righteous and not as an unjustified sinner?” and so on. You could be saying all this as you remove the jewelry. Slowly.
I don’t have an answer for all scenarios, because I cannot imagine all scenarios. I hope that US chaplains were not surprised by the rule not to pray in the name of Jesus and had made their responses and decisions ahead of time. That is the point: it’s coming and we need to be ready.
So how do we do that?
First, read the bible closely for explicit examples where we are told what to do or by seeing what the Apostles did, we can mirror their actions. Peter and John were told not to street preach. But they continued. However, their preaching in public came at a cost- they were jailed. (Acts 4:19–20, Acts 5:29). Be ready to absorb consequences, and think carefully on what they may be- marginalization at work, a poor work evaluation, job loss, incarceration, violence against you, or death, depending on the circumstance.
If the bible doesn’t speak to an explicit instruction on an issue, look for implicit governance on various issues. If there is nothing implicit or explicit, then pray and prepare your heart to be led by the Spirit and not by the ego if a situation should arise.
It could happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Maybe while you’re gassing up the car the guy at the next pump sees your cross necklace and calls you a name. Maybe you are told you can no longer pray at work before you eat your lunch. Maybe you are told you cannot bring your bible into the doctor’s office to read while you wait. At any time satan could grab a situation and turn it for evil. The key is to be ready with a response that exalts Jesus and glorifies Him and He’ll use it for Good.
Decide on some key verses and memorize them. Prepare your heart so that the adrenaline of the moment will not take over, lest you sin. Prepare your mind for acting in ways that exalt Jesus, not win the point in an argument. Pray for strength and wisdom ahead of time and during the time.
The most important thing is to glorify Jesus with our words and our actions. He said He is sending us out as sheep among wolves, therefore be as shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16).
What does that mean? Rev. Matt Slick explains in this mini-devotional:
“Mini-devotional – sheep among wolves”
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves,” (Matt. 10:16).
“Jesus’ words to his apostles were sobering. The disciples were sent out as sheep among wolves. That is, the Christians who would go forth to preach and teach the word amidst great hostility. Wolves, of course, sought to devour the defenseless sheep and it is this analogy that Jesus uses to illustrate the relationship between the Christian teachers and the ungodly society. But, Jesus does not tell us to blindly walk down a path of destruction and martyrdom. He tells us that we are to be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. In other words, the Christian should be very smart when it comes to avoiding danger and spreading the word, even using the laws of the land for his own protection and furthering of the truth. Yet, the Christian is not to harm anyone. The Christian is to be gentle.”
“Notice that the Christian is told to emulate both the serpent and the dove. These two creatures represent the differing functions and callings in which Christians must act as they go about preaching and teaching the word of truth. We are not to sit idly by and let the wolves have their way. Quite the contrary. We oppose them strongly, shrewdly. Yet we must be godly and not sin.” —end—
American Christians are not used to being challenged about their faith. It’s time to get ready for the challenge: and meet it in the most Godly way possible.
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Further reading:
What did Jesus mean when He said to “not cast your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6)?
“When is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian?”
Is civil disobedience biblical?
How Should a Christian Respond to Hatred and Hostility?
Tony Miano describes being arrested by (UK) Wimbledon Police for speaking against sexual immorality, including homosexuality. (video, 17-min). “It was surreal. I was interrogated for my faith in Jesus Christ.”)
Focus on the Family, Bono, & who is a Christian?
This series of posts will look at one issue divided into three parts:
1. Focus on the Family’s increasing apostasy
2. Whether Bono is a Christian
3. Lack of discernment in Christians today/ not everyone who claims Jesus is a Christian
Part 1: Focus on the Family
When the History Channel’s miniseries “The Bible” came out in the spring of 2013, many individuals, pastors, and churches recommended the series to their flocks, most notably, the Christian organization Focus on the Family (FOTF). Lots of Christians who should have known better declared the series pretty good, or almost good, or nearly good, or good enough… to eat as holy food.
They were wrong. The Bible miniseries was shown to have omitted foundational portions of the Gospel, twisted scripture, presented Jesus incorrectly, and over-or-under dramatized important passages. It was created by people who have shown they do not know Jesus as savior. This kind of half-hearted, casual approach to presenting the Word of God is not acceptable but is inevitable when written by people who don’t know Jesus. More on that below.
However, let’s begin nearer the beginning. FOTF’s downward slide away from the purity of the cross has been going on for a while. No apostasy is sudden. Their eyebrow-raising involvement with The Bible miniseries and the apostates who created it was not the beginning of and obvious lack of discernment. It just takes a while for its sins to arise from the heart and mind and be noticed externally.
In 2008, controversy arose when FOTF interviewed Mormon Glenn Beck and appeared to be endorsing Mormonism. They later pulled the interview down from their website as the heat rose.
Mr. Dan Gilgoff of God & Country was disappointed in FOTF’s retraction of the Beck interview, saying that the long-standing pattern of interfaith dialog FOTF had evidenced was squandered in this case. He wrote of then-FOTF President James Dobson, “Dobson deserves credit for helping the evangelical movement build political alliances with other faith traditions, including the Mormons, or Church of Latter-day Saints. … Focus could have used the Beck episode as another opportunity for interfaith bridge-building, perhaps by leaving the interview up, even if it meant adding a clarification that the organization doesn’t endorse Mormonism. Another setback for interfaith dialogue, which seems to be all too rare these days.”
If I was an evangelical I would be very worried if I was named as having built political alliances, because that is not our calling.(James 4:4, John 15:19). I would be equally worried about having been identified as engaging in interfaith dialog and being unequally yoked in activities with those who are not of the faith. (2 Corinthians 6:14).
In 2009, FOTF endorsed a book published by Zondervan which promoted the practice of contemplative spirituality. Contemplative spirituality has been amply demonstrated on this and other blogs as a mystical practice originating in the apostate Romans Catholic Church.
In 2008, FOTF hosted Roman Catholic occult writer Anne Rice on the show. Way of Life writer David Cloud wrote at the time, “The spiritually-dangerous nature of Focus on the Family (FOF) was evident in a reply that was given to a Christian who wrote to them about having Anne Rice, the Roman Catholic author of occultic horror novels, on the Focus radio program. In a reply dated December 3, 2008, Timothy Masters wrote the following for Focus on the Family: “It’s worth adding that anti-Catholic sentiments like those you’ve expressed are more than just uncharitable and un-Christlike. They’re also harmful to the richness of your own Christian experience. … To dismiss the Roman Catholic Church wholesale is to obliterate the first fifteen centuries of Christian history.”
Mr Cloud rightly noted of FOTF’s response to the concerned listener, “This statement reflects gross ignorance both of the Bible and of church history. The Bible plainly teaches that it is impossible to be saved apart from the one true gospel of the grace of Christ (Galatians 1:8-9). Since the Roman Catholic Church teaches a false gospel of sacramentalism (e.g., the Council of Trent, which has never been rescinded, cursed those who say that salvation is by God’s grace alone), it is impossible to be saved if one believes what Rome teaches.”
Later, Mrs Rice publicly quit Christianity. Of course, being a Catholic she already showed she was not a Christain, something the FOTF interview should have been clear about. (1 John 2:19).
In 2011, FOTF declared that they had lost their fight against homosexual marriage, blaming the culture as being too overwhelming. FOTF President Jim Daly said at that time, “We’re winning the younger generation on abortion, at least in theory. What about same-sex marriage? We’re losing on that one, especially among the 20- and 30-somethings: 65 to 70 percent of them favor same-sex marriage. I don’t know if that’s going to change with a little more age—demographers would say probably not. We’ve probably lost that. I don’t want to be extremist here, but I think we need to start calculating where we are in the culture.”
The world is a system which satan rules and therefore we must be in it but apart from it, that’s “where we are in the culture.” (John 17:14-15)
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Yet the article’s author says “Daly has taken a more conciliatory approach to to traditional hot-button issues than his predecessor at Focus, James Dobson, so perhaps it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to see him speak so candidly.”
Again, I would be very worried if the ultra-liberal publication Mother Jones was saying if I, someone who declares myself and my organization as evangelical, was being conciliatory on hot-button issues.
In early 2013, the FOTF organization took part in the History Channel miniseries development and promotion of “The Bible” as I mentioned at the start. This raised many eyebrows.
As a matter of fact FOTF was one of the organizations behind the series on the consulting level. They were supposed to be overseers of the theology. The problem was, that oneness pentecostal believer TD Jakes and prosperity/word of faith promoter Joel Osteen, and rabbis and Catholics were also theological overseers. Mr Jakes & Mr Osteen are not known for their solid preaching of the whole counsel of God, and Catholics and rabbis do not subscribe to a saving doctrine of Jesus Christ alone.
Devastatingly, Matt Kaufman of Focus on the Family’s blog wrote that “Part of the reason for the ratings is that viewers have a degree of trust in the people behind the series. Producer Mark Burnett (Survivor) and his wife, Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel), are Christians who consulted with ministry leaders (including Focus on the Family President Jim Daly) during its development. So going in to the series, Christian viewers got strong signals of the producers’ good intentions. That’s not something they normally can expect from Hollywood.”
Good intentions mean nothing. Proper execution is all. Preaching the whole counsel of God in spirit and in truth is what matters. (Acts 20:27, John 4:24, Philippians 3:3)
It also matters that FOTF lent its credible name to a project that blasphemed Jesus, yet many people took their endorsement and watched a program that did more harm than good. That is why it is especially devastating when a formerly credible organization becomes unequally yoked with unbelievers. Downey and Burnett are most certainly not Christians. I can say that with biblical confidence because neither Downey nor Burnett evidenced the fruit of the spirit in their production. I say this also because they adhere to doctrines which do not save, including Catholicism and New Age spirituality. For FOTF to bring them and their false doctrines under the umbrella of our faith is devastating to the faith and shows a massive lack of discernment.
Doing this also muddies the waters on who a Christian IS.
In mid-2013, FOTF did it again. They had already brought in Anne Rice, Roma Downey, and Mark Burnett under the umbrella of our faith, and this week, they brought Irish singer Bono under the umbrella.
Bono is not a Christian, despite what FOTF President Mr Daly asserts. Bono is well-known for his well-intended work on many social activist causes, including HIV awareness and reducing poverty. However, despite naming Jesus as atoning savior, the blend of beliefs that Bono has stated in this week’s interview as well as previous interviews unfortunately demonstrates more confusion than belief.
Obviously impressed with Bono, FOTF President Daly wrote a piece in the Washington Post subsequent to his interview with Bono, titled, “Why Orthodox Christians Should Appreciate An Unorthodox Bono“. Her is how Focus on the Family presented Mr Daly’s piece on their blog, accompanied by this week’s Time Magazine cover: (click for larger)
FOTF has swallowed the blue pill of “social justice” as being the proper expression of Christianity, and lost their discernment of who is a Christian. It is Jesus who saves the world, not a confused Irish rock star.
Next up, looking at why Bono is not a Christian, and why it matters.
Part 2 here
Part 3 here
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Further Reading:
The End Time: Why I am not watching History Channel’s “The Bible“
The End Time: Why I am not watching The History Channel’s “The Bible”, part 2
The End Time: Watching The Bible miniseries is like eating brownies
Mid-day encouragement: The Spirit is FOR us
The Spirit is FOR us. He makes intercession when we are weak or stumbling. Despite often grieving Him, or spurning Him when we choose to follow the flesh instead of the Spirit, still, when He prays to the Father on our behalf, every word He prays to the Father is for us. ~Emilio Ramos, Drive By Pneumatology
Most people don’t believe
In reading the book of Luke through, something jumped out at me.
“And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples,” (Luke 9:43)
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| Osteen’s Lakewood in Houston, |
Over and over Luke recorded the teachings and miracles of Jesus. Crowds were gathering. The whole thing was like a snowball gathering speed as it hurtled down the mountain. At one point, the crowds were so thick, coming right to the edge of the lake, Jesus had to get into a boat and push off just so he could speak. (Mark 4:1). Thousands and thousands were following Him!
Jesus was huge! Everything was going great! The people were responding!
“and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.” (Luke 4:32)
“And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” (Luke 4:36)
“He said to them, “Where is your faith?” “and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25b)
“Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled.” (Luke 11:14)
As you read the book through, it becomes clear that nothing like this had ever happened in the Land, ever. The people were clamoring for Jesus, following him to see what would happen next.
And that is the problem.
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| Hillsong |
They were responding, but not believing. There is a difference.
Do not mistake crowds and accolades and the words we see repeated over and over in this and the other gospels: astonished, marveled, amazed, for conviction of sin and a readiness to submit to the Spirit to be led into a transformed, submissive life before the Lord and Savior. There is a difference between surface interest and deep conviction. The people were going out to see Jesus to see what He would do, and they left chattering and excited, astonished at the show.
It is the same thing we see when crowds leave a blockbuster film, and the people stream out of the theater, chattering about how marvelous the special effects were, and how amazing was the scene where the thing blew up, and how astonished they were that the movie was so good.
Then they go home and forget about it. Till the next movie comes out.
Jesus was a really cool special effect.
Of all the years He spent in the Land, only 120 gathered in the upper room after His crucifixion. (Acts 1:13). Only 500 Galilean believers saw Him. (1 Corinthians 15:6). That is how few believed. Thousands upon thousands responded. Only 620 believed.
“And when all the believers that are in the southern part in Judea, in Jerusalem area, came to gather to meet together in that upper room after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, you remember there were only 120. The ministry of Jesus in Galilee, the ministry of Jesus in Jerusalem, the largest crowd in Galilee is 500 that came together in His name. And the largest one that came together in His name in the south is 120. It’s virtually unimaginable that the Son of God could come and say what He said and do what He did and demonstrate the kind of character that He did and have 620 people in His two-fold congregation. Staggering…staggering.” (source)
In the beginning of this piece I used a verse from Luke and there was a comma at the end of verse 43, indicating that Jesus was about to say something next. What was it that Jesus said to the disciples as the people were marvelling at His power to perform miracles?
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| A single Passion participant raises their hand in worship during Passion Conference 2013. Photo by Casey Northcutt |
“Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44)
These same people who marveled, and were astonished and amazed, voted for Barabbas and rejected Jesus. Don’t be fooled by crowds and buzz. Believe a transformed life and fruits of the Spirit.
Jesus is not a spectacle and He is not a show. Jesus is the Holy God of the Universe, and He demands repentance for sins and belief in His resurrected Son. Do not mistake crowds and buzz for belief. As soon as the show was over and the hard work was before them, the crowds left. LOL, how many people ever stay afterwards to fold up the chairs and sweep the auditorium?
“When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?…After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.” (John 6:60, 66).
Just remember, most people don’t believe.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
“Many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24)”
“Strive earnestly to enter in by the narrow gate; for few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13, 14).”
If you are feeling giddy that revival seems to be breaking out, just remember, most people don’t believe. If you are despairing because few seem to believe, just remember, none who believe will be snatched out of God’s hand (John 10:29).
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37).
Mid-day encouragement: Miles to go
Feeling weak? Miles to go before you sleep? Good. God’s power is never more present than in our weakness.
Sunday Martyr Moment: The coming persecution to the west
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. According to this summary from Christian Book Summaries,
Writing in the mid-1500s, John Foxe was living in the midst of intense religious persecution at the hands of the dominant Roman Catholic Church. In graphic detail, he offers accounts of Christians being martyred for their belief in Jesus Christ, describing how God gave them extraordinary courage and stamina to endure unthinkable torture.
From the same link, the book’s purpose was fourfold:
- Showcase the courage of true believers who have willingly taken a stand for Jesus Christ throughout the ages, even if it meant death,
- Demonstrate the grace of God in the lives of those martyred for their faith,
- Expose the ruthlessness of religious and political leaders as they sought to suppress those with differing beliefs,
- Celebrate the courage of those who risked their lives to translate the Bible into the common language of the people.
Last Sunday I’d ended the first phase of the persecutions with the death of Apostle John. He was the last of the first generation martyrs. In Foxe’s Book it is described thus: “Chapter One: History of Christian Martyrs to the First General Persecutions Under Nero”.
In the course of that first wave, Paul and Peter were martyred. In summary, Foxe wrote, “To their names may be added, Erastus, chamberlain of Corinth; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, and Trophimus, an Ephesians, converted by St. Paul, and fellow-laborer with him, Joseph, commonly called Barsabas, and Ananias, bishop of Damascus; each of the Seventy.”
Under Nero’s persecution after the Great Fire at Rome of 67AD, the church at Rome was scattered, and this blew the seeds of the Gospel outward toward Asia. (1 Peter 1:1). The 7 Churches of Asia Minor were founded at that time. However, it wasn’t long before persecution followed the Christians at the cities far from Rome, and this is what Peter meant when he wrote, ‘you are being tested in various trials’ in 1 Peter 1:6.
This first wave of the original generation continued under Domitian. Foxe’s summary again, “Nicodemus, a benevolent Christian of some distinction, suffered at Rome during the rage of Domitian’s persecution. Protasius and Gervasius were martyred at Milan. Timothy was the celebrated disciple of Paul, and bishop of Ephesus, where he zealously governed the Church until A.D. 97. At this period, as the pagans were about to celebrate a feast called Catagogion, Timothy, meeting the procession, severely reproved them for their ridiculous idolatry, which so exasperated the people that they fell upon him with their clubs, and beat him in so dreadful a manner that he expired of the bruises two days later.”
After Apostle John died in around 98AD, The Third Persecution, Under Trajan, A.D. 108, began.
“Pliny was a governor of a Roman province at the beginning of the Second Century. He was monitoring those who identified themselves as Christians in order to make report to the Emperor Trajan. He wrote to Trajan around 100 AD.” Foxe wrote of Pliny’s letter to Trajan,
“In the third persecution Pliny the Second, a man learned and famous, seeing the lamentable slaughter of Christians, and moved therewith to pity, wrote to Trajan, certifying him that there were many thousands of them daily put to death, of which none did any thing contrary to the Roman laws worthy of persecution. “The whole account they gave of their crime or error (whichever it is to be called) amounted only to this-viz. that they were accustomed on a stated day to meet before daylight, and to repeat together a set form of prayer to Christ as a God, and to bind themselves by an obligation-not indeed to commit wickedness; but, on the contrary-never to commit theft, robbery, or adultery, never to falsify their word, never to defraud any man: after which it was their custom to separate, and reassemble to partake in common of a harmless meal.”
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Hatred of Christians is coming to America. Persecution is coming. Christians have always suffered horribly in all the world throughout all ages. Christians in America have not. We are the cushiest, most comfortable generation, and as a result have grown casual to the Gospel and irreverent toward Christ. The charge of Jesus to the church at Laodicea could well be taken as a charge against us today:
“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:15-17).
It is the church at Laodicea which Jesus asks to open the door and let Him in when He knocks. It is the church at Laodicea that has left Jesus off the list of ingredients when they play at church.
Of the true church, Dr. John MacArthur wrote this week to his subscribers, “It’s no surprise that true Christians are feeling pressures we’ve never before experienced. Believers today face open hostility simply for what we believe.”
[Ed Note: Brings to mind Pliny’s perplexity of the hatred leveled against Christians who were simply praying, vowing to do good and having harmless meals together…]. Continuing MacArthur-
“Our gospel, our values, our priorities, our doctrine, what we love and what we hate what we live for and what we die for- our lives are more permanently and comprehensively at odds with the world. What’s more, the situation can and will still get worse. I’ve commented several times recently that I believe that hostility toward Christians in the West will eventually give way to full-blown persecution, just as it already has in other parts of the world.”
“As the pressure on Christianity has increased, it has been interesting to see so many supposed Christian institutions caving in and surrendering. We’re now finding out what people really believe and who is willing to stand for truth. Christian organizations are having to ask themselves, What are we going to say about immorality, premarital sex, drunkenness, and homosexuality? Sadly, many are waffling.”
Taking a break for a moment from Dr. MacArthur’s letter, here is an exact example of a waffling pastor. Mark Driscoll, who seems so outspoken on everything else, declined to comment on the DOMA ruling. Christian Post reports,
“Outspoken megachurch pastor Mark Driscoll, who has more than 389,000 followers on Twitter, stuck to tweeting paraphrases from the Bible and promoting current Mars Hill Church sermons on Wednesday morning and afternoon. When contacted by CP, spokesperson Justin Dean said that the Seattle-based Mars Hill Church lead pastor would not be commenting on the Supreme Court decisions.” (source)
Dr. MacArthur continued in his letter,
“Our view is that the more heated the battle becomes the clearer we need to become on our biblical convictions. The true church will always embrace persecution when it comes, rather than run from it. Suffering for Christ is a blessing from God with purifying effects for true believers. When suffering comes, the church actually thrives. Of course that doesn’t mean that facing hostility and persecution is easy, or that it doesn’t raise practical questions about the present and the future- no Christians cherish the thought of their children or grandchildren suffering…”
The call for today is to remember the martyrs even as hostility and persecution comes to us in the West. Align yourself with the stance that Dr MacArthur outlined:
“As other organizations seek to evolve with the times, insulate themselves from hostility, and accommodate the culture, our plan is to actively stake out the biblical positions everywhere we can. We are going to articulate biblical truth more clearly and assertively than ever. In fact, as the culture continues to degenerate and biblical standards are challenged, every new attempt to undermine Scripture is going to elicit from us a loving- but clear-confrontation.”
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
One of the reason above that Foxe stated he wrote his book of martyrs is to “Demonstrate the grace of God in the lives of those martyred for their faith.” I plea for you to become solid in your stance and firm in your conviction to demonstrate that very grace. The Age of Grace is coming to an end, and the people who are not living in Grace need to see it more than ever. They won’t see it if we hide, waffle, or are unclear. Get clear on your convictions and the biblical worldview we need to have. Stand on the rock.
I started these Sunday Martyr Moments on April 14, 2013, several months ago, because I could see the need coming to re-connect with what real persecution is and to take inspiration from those who died for the faith without reneging on their convictions. It is doubtless coming to us in America.
Let us continue in the faith, a long, unbroken line of glory from the first martyr to the last, praising Jesus under all circumstances. Let us gird our loins and stand firm on the Gospel.
Ignatius was a beloved father in the faith in the time of Trajan’s persecution. He said, “Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing, of visible or invisible things, so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil, come upon me; be it so, only may I win Christ Jesus!”
He was eventually convicted and thrown to the lions. Ignatius “heard the lions roaring, saying: “I am the wheat of Christ: I am going to be ground with the teeth of wild beasts, that I may be found pure bread.”
May you be found to be pure bread, with no leaven, for the name of Jesus and His eternal glory.
Hot enough for ya? Extreme heat plagues the American Southwest
In a continuing downward progression of record-breaking, unprecedented and impacting weather, the western US is baking in an unusual scorching heat.
On Twitter, Shawn Reynolds of the Weather Center Live on the Weather Channel (@WCL_Shawn) posted the following on Twitter yesterday: “PIC: thermometer at Weather Channel’s Mike Seidel’s location in Vegas shows reading of over 140°”
Drudge had the following photo and headline for the main news item on his page:
This is the forecast:
Unfortunately, we have had our first fatality due to this freak heat.
Record-setting heat wave turns fatal in Southwest
“A record-setting heat wave will continue baking the Southwest on Sunday and into the work week. Already, the hot spell has set records in cities such as Phoenix (119 degrees) and Lancaster, California (111 degrees). Las Vegas tied its record high of 115 degrees Saturday. Civic and emergency officials throughout the Southwest say if there was ever a time to worry, this would be it. The reason isn’t just the oppressive heat that is plaguing the region: It’s the fact it is expected to hang around, and possibly even get worse, over the next few days. Man helps the homeless survive the heat The heat may have led to the death of an elderly man in Las Vegas. Paramedics found the man dead in his home, which did not have air conditioning, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue spokesman Tim Szymanski said.”
I’m always hesitant to assign a particular event to God’s judgment. I don’t like saying “The freak heat is because of America’s stance on homosexuality”, because I don’t know the mind of God. However, I do know His standards and I do know His past actions because we have the bible. One only has to read the Old & New Testament to understand that God hates sin, and He warns people individually and He warns nations when they are rebelling.
We also know that God is in control of the weather. Earlier this week, when unprecedented hail fell in Singapore, I’d said, “Though satan can be the originator of some weather disasters, (Job 1:9-12, 19), he can only do so at the Lord’s permission. Ultimately, all weather is in the hands of the Creator.”
It is the Lord who sends the scorching east wind to demonstrate to a rebellious Jonah that He is in control:
“When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”” (Jonah 4:8).
God uses the scorching wind to accomplish His purposes –
“The LORD will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea; with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand over the Euphrates River. He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals.” Isaiah 11:15).
We know for sure that the bible says that a prophecy will come about that will involve heat. That prophecy is not being fulfilled now, but I’d like us to please think on this present scorching heat as a shadow-picture of what will come. What will come will be far worse.
“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.” (Revelation 16:8-9).
Newsman Matt Drudge wrote, “Vegas to hit its highest temp ever recorded this weekend? Drunk/420 tourists failing on blvd will literally be fried.”
Please keep in mind that in this present Age of Grace, the discomforts we experience are a picnic compared to the judgments to come. For today, 120 degree heat will be a memory when the Tribulation comes and heat that soars to 150 degrees or even 180 or 200 happen. It is coming, and that means only two things:
1. “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”” (Mark 1:15)
2. “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
