The phrase “persecuted church” tends to carry our minds to other parts of the world, where Christians suffer severely for their faith in Christ. But the New Testament makes it startlingly clear that persecution isn’t limited to a select group of believers. Paul summed up the plain truth in 2 Timothy 3:12 when he wrote,Continue reading “Lessons on Persecution”
Category Archives: Persecution
Brimstone and Glory
When fidelity, honesty, society, morality and true biblical spirituality are turned on their head, and life turns upside down, most stresses and voices yield a counsel of despair. Yet in David’s day, about 1000 BC, with His Kingdom perched on the brink, and about to slide off the cliff, this “bird in the cage” wasContinue reading “Brimstone and Glory”
Are You Oppressed?
One of the most intimidating things Jesus taught was that, as his followers, we should expect to be persecuted. And one of the most surprising things he taught was that, when we encounter such persecution, we should face it with joy. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so theyContinue reading “Are You Oppressed?”
In Times of War
Psalm 149 is not only a call to praise the Lord in times of blessing, and encouragement to praise Him in times of suffering, it’s also a call to arms. Praise the Lord in Times of Warfare Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,And a two-edged sword in their hand,To execute vengeanceContinue reading “In Times of War”
Glory into Shame
“O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame?” Psalm 4:2 An instructive writer has made a mournful list of the honours which the blinded people of Israel awarded to their long expected King. 1. They gave him a procession of honour, in which Roman legionaries, Jewish priests, men andContinue reading “Glory into Shame”
We Can Learn from Chinese Christians
Many Christians in the West are concerned that our secular societies are becoming more inhospitable to Christian faith and practice. We often feel persecuted. In no way do I want to minimize the headwinds we’re now facing in the countries that formerly constituted Christendom. But to get desperately needed perspective, we must listen to theContinue reading “We Can Learn from Chinese Christians”
Be Happy About It
“Be happy about it! Be very glad! for a tremendous reward awaits you up in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted too.” We can be comforted to know that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted. Read about Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38:1-6); Isaiah (tradition says he was killed by King Manasseh; see 2 Kings 21:16); AmosContinue reading “Be Happy About It”
Is life fair? Is God fair?
In a world where there are drive-by shootings, child abuse, terrorism and other indescribable forms of evil, it is difficult to speak of life being fair. It seems that too often good people go unrewarded, and evil people go unpunished. Is God fair? Absolutely. The justice of God is a theme that threads itself throughoutContinue reading “Is life fair? Is God fair?”
Kneeling Among Lions
Tucked away in the book of Daniel, sandwiched between stories about fiery furnaces and lions on the one hand, and visions of statues, beasts, and rising kings on the other, is an extended prayer with a shockingly immediate answer. Daniel 9 contains an extended, earnest, and heartfelt prayer by the prophet. And before he evenContinue reading “Kneeling Among Lions”
Fellowship of Suffering
The apostle Paul’s singular ambition in life was to know Jesus Christ experientially. More than merely acquiring superficial head-knowledge, Paul wanted to connect with Jesus on the closest possible relational level: “My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (PhilippiansContinue reading “Fellowship of Suffering”
Intentional Faith 