The Truth About Persecution

How Do You Define Christianity?

The name Samer Kamil Yacub probably does not mean much to 99.9% of Americans. But it should. He is believed to be the last Christian who left the Iraqi city of Mosul this week, after 2,000 years of Christianity in that town. Let that soak in for a moment. A place that has had Christians for 2,000 years now has none.

Persecution

Could You Handle Real Persecution?

Christians in Mosul have been forced to flee—while being beaten, robbed, and in many cases killed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). This so-called “peaceful religion” has been telling Christians for several weeks now: “Convert or die.” In America we rarely hear about the hundreds of Christians who are being killed by Muslims. After all, it would not be politically correct to shine a negative light on that religion. As the bumper stickers say, we should all just “co-exist.” So, while our country argues over whether or not an NFL team can retain the name “Washington Redskins,” Christians in Iraq have been going through persecution that most of us cannot even fathom.

Imagine for a moment watching your church family torn apart—with members being killed for their beliefs. Imagine watching as some of your immediate family is sent away—and you aren’t quite sure where they have gone. At militant checkpoints in Mosul they order fleeing Christian women into trailers where Muslims take away their jewelry and add it to an ever-growing pile. They take their money and anything else of value they are carrying. It does not matter to them if you are crippled, sick, or have no place to go. The message is still the same: Convert or die. And so, rather than renouncing their faith, thousands of Christians have left Mosul and become refugees.

On July 27th, 2014 Jonathan Krohn observed

…the al Qaeda-inspired fighters who overran the city last month gave Christians an ultimatum. They could stay and pay a tax or convert to Islam—or be killed. Yacub, 70, was one of the few Christians remaining beyond last Saturday’s noon deadline. He may have even been the last to leave alive.

“[A] fighter said, ‘I have orders to kill you now’,” Yacub said just hours after the Sunni extremists tried to force their way into his home at 11 a.m. on Monday. “All of the people in my neighborhood were Muslim. They came to help me —about 20 people — at the door in front of my house. They tried to convince ISIS not to kill me.”1

As I read those words I asked myself what would happen in America if we were forced to “convert or die.” How strong is our faith? Sadly, I believe many weak Christians would convert rather than be put through major persecution. After all, not many people are willing to give up their $5 cup of coffee or sports/entertainment.

In Iraq the choice of being a Christian means you will probably lose your house and all your belongings—and may, in fact, lose your life. In America we define a Christian as someone who attends a church for an hour, maybe wears a “Christian t-shirt,” and doesn’t go watch the really bad movies. To Americans, persecution means that some politician didn’t vote the way we wanted him/her to—or a restaurant chain is singled out for their stand on traditional marriage.

So what happens then when the real persecution comes? And it will. How many people will be willing to give up their affluence in order to retain their faith? I suspect on that day there will be a separation—wheat and chaff—with many current Christians deciding “its not worth it.” To those I would ask, “Was it worth it to Christ to die for your sins?”

Persecution of Christians in America is growing. Are we rearing our children to be strong enough to stand? Will they renounce their religion and convert when they are truly tested or will they “fight the good fight?” It’s time American Christians wake up and look around the world and see what is really going on. It’s time to be informed. Parents must realize that simply raising Christians is not enough. The next generation in America must be warriors. After all, it’s quite possible that during your child’s lifetime America will see a dramatic rise of Islam. Will your child be like Samer Kamil Yacub—and be the last Christian to walk out of your city or will they simply convert?

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Decisions and Mistakes

Ever Make a Mistake?

We have all made lots of bad decisions in our lives. Whether it is a mistake in business or in the church, we have made plenty of mistakes and that also includes bad decision in both family and personal situations. Of course, none of us try to make bad decisions, but sometimes the way we make them can significantly increase or decrease the chances of mistakes. For myself, I have learned from every bad decision I have made. And, I have repeated a few of them again and again and will still learn something. But, as much as we can, we should want to make better decisions the first time. So, to help us, consider some ways you and I will make bad decisions. It begins with:

Decisions

Decisions and Mistakes

Making them too fast. As the old saying goes, “haste makes waste.” Every day we make lots of decisions. Everyday there is a fork in the road and we have to decide from which socks to put on, to what we will eat for lunch, to life altering decisions. And, oftentimes we have to make them quickly. But, bad choices are made too hastily on important issues when we make them based on our emotions or bad information or impulses just to satisfy another. And as a Christian, as a light in the world, people see you and rely on your influence upon them (Matt. 5:16) and your input. So, on important matters, it is wise to seek counsel and advice from God first (Matt. 6:33). And then, instead of getting information overload from several inexperienced individuals seek advice from others who are experienced and most importantly, godly realizing that the only basis for a really good decision is correct thinking knowing that wisdom comes from above (Jam. 3:17).

Making them too slow. I know that in the cartoon the tortoise beat the hair. But realistically, decisions can be more like watching a pressure cooker: with Time all it does it builds steam and cooks everything in it. But, if you wait too long, it will explode. Of course, we are to count the cost of important matters (Lk. 14:28), but so often it is the case that people procrastinate and are just downright lazy or scared to death to make a decision. And worse, in matters of spirituality, some are double minded and unstable in all their ways (Jam. 1:8). And, James means here that when one is double minded they have two loyalties—two priorities and are pulled in two different directions and become confused because of their emotions or because of the relationship and so, they don’t know what is best when dealing with something. But, waiting will seldom make the decision easier and often only complicates the process the longer we wait. But again, if we seek God’s help, he will direct our paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Making them to keep people happy. How many of you have done this? How many of you have made a decision for your family which is of least resistance for fear that a family member would not like it? Or, what about in the church? Of all things, there ought to be a 12-step program for those who are obsessed with seeking the approval of others. We are taught this in our early years, beginning with having the right clothes, driving the right car, and then as we get older, making decisions that will make everyone love you. Well, everyone will not love you. That is a deceit (Matt. 5:11). Making decision to get approval from others is exhausting and turns us into someone we do not like very much. And, quite frankly, we can become so obsessed with what others will think that we forget about what God thinks. Christians, we are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), having been forgiven of sins (Acts 2:38), are God’s masterpiece (Eph. 2:10) and greatly loved by Him (Rom. 1:7) and as we stop trying to please men, only then can we realize that we are to be pleasing God in all we do.

Making them when angry. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think clearly when my emotions get in the way. If we are angry or emotional in our decision making, we will overreact or underreact and emotionally based decisions are oftentimes regretted later. Now, the process of decision making includes judgment that are influenced by the mind and emotions and keep in mind that the decisions we make reflect the desires of the heart (Psa. 119:30), but as David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11). So before making the decision, will you please yourself or the Lord? Consider the words of Joshua, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh. 24:15). Let us remember that our decisions are not to be “…conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2).

There are many other mistakes one can make in their decisions. This is why we need to seek God first. It is God who leads us in the paths of uprightness (Prov. 4:11). It is He who states whatever you do it must be done for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). And, we cannot forget God’s promise that if we lack wisdom for a solution, we should ask God (Jam. 1:5). Decision making can range from easy to painful at times. And, sometimes the right course of action will hurt us in some way and it is during these difficult times where we need grace the most because as a Christian, you make decisions by the will of God (1 Pet. 4:1-2). So, seek God in your decisions. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6). To

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Denominational Fellowship

 “…For He that Is not Against Us Is for Us”

While Jesus repeated this phrase in slightly different ways several times in the gospel accounts, Mark and Luke specifically record Him saying this in a specific event during His personal ministry on earth. One can find this in Mark 9:38-40 and Luke 9:49-50.

Fellowship

Denominational Fellowship

The context of this passage falls within a section of scripture in which Jesus discussed the cross (Mark 9:31-32; Luke 9:44-45). After Jesus discusses this very important fact with His apostles, they argue about who will be the greatest (Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48). Can one not see how arguing about who will be the greatest is out of place in the context of the cross? In this discussion, John remembers a prior event. John might be very well confessing his failure to realize what Christ was teaching when he said, “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us” (Luke 9:49). To this, Jesus responded,

Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Mark 9:39-41)

This passage has become prominent in past years by those who desire for the church to extend fellowship to denominations. Many preachers today misapply this passage to support the idea of Christians existing in denominations.

One extremely important principle of understanding the Bible is that the Bible is its own best commentary on itself. Therefore, we need to remember several things by correct observation of the text. First, Jesus was speaking directly to “the twelve” (Mark 9:35). In other words, He was speaking to the apostles. Second, when John said, “…he followeth not us,” he is thinking about the apostolic office of “the twelve.” Then, the context shows that Jesus is talking about unrecognized people—probably Gentiles (to whom Luke addresses his gospel), since the mindset of the Jews of that day was selfish and prideful. In addition to the apostolic office, we have seventy more of which the Lord had commissioned in Luke 10:1-17, which we know had power over demons. We should note the fact that the commission to the seventy did not have the same limitations that Jesus gave to His twelve apostles when He sent them on their commission: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:5-6).

Thus, in addition to the twelve that comprised the apostolic office, Christ commissioned seventy others and gave credentials to them exactly as He did the twelve. It seems highly likely that John ran into one of these seventy, since we know for sure that Jesus commissioned them as the twelve with miraculous powers, just as Jesus said: “…for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me” (Mark 9:39).

Therefore, to make a comparison with one in a different religion unknown to the Bible and doing things unauthorized in the Bible without Jesus forbidding such is a serious misapplication of this passage. Furthermore, as stated in the introduction of this article, the subject of the cross is in the background of this scripture. The cross offers the solutions to the problems of which we are discussing and which we find in this section of scripture. The cross does away with sectarianism. It unites and reconciles men with men and men with God (cf. Eph. 2:11-22). Therefore, to establish fellowship with those who continue to remain factious is the opposite message Jesus and the cross give, as we have recorded in the Bible.

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Apocalyptic Writings

Apocalyptic Admonitions

Studying the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Revelation and other apocalyptic prophets can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time.  While it is difficult to be dogmatic about what the various symbols mean, there is much to be gained from the study.  There are some definite lessons as well that we can glean from the cryptic writings of these prophets.  During my studies, I’ve learned the following things.

Apocalyptic

Apocalyptic Writings Reveal Much.

First, one can always learn more from studying the scripture in greater depth.  Looking at the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah and Revelation teach us that there are many things that we do not know about what God has said and encourages us to dig deeper.  One great lesson is that in studying these things we learn more about other parts of the Bible.  One can scarcely look at many of these apocalyptic writings and not take into account the various symbols used in the Old Testament.  Another great lesson is that the Bible is its own best commentary.  Much of the language in the book of Revelation comes from other parts of the Bible; one understands Revelation only as much as one understands the rest of the Bible.  So it is important to learn the Bible as a whole before seeking to understand the book of Revelation.

Second, God will punish the wicked.  Here is one truth that is simply inescapable.  Regardless of how one views the apocalyptic writers, this truth can be universally acknowledged.  Daniel speaks about “desolations” coming upon Jerusalem (Daniel 9:16-17).  Joel speaks about the “great and very terrible” day of the Lord (Joel 2:11).  Zechariah 11:6 states, “For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.” Revelation 19:15 speaks about the winepress of God’s wrath being tread out upon the nations.  We know from plain Bible passages that the wicked will not go unpunished.  Paul wrote that those who either did not know God or did not obey the gospel would “be punished with everlasting destruction…” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

Third, God will care for the righteous.  Again, all of the apocalyptic writers acknowledge this fact.  Gabriel says to Daniel, “I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved…” (Daniel 9:23).  Daniel 12:3 states, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”  Zechariah 14:9 says, “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.”  Revelation 22:3 states, “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”  Isaiah 60:21 “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.”

Finally, the wicked must repent.  Revelation 3:19 states, “As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”  Isaiah 31:6 says “Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.”  Ezekiel 18:21 “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.”  Daniel 9:13 “As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.”  Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Regardless of how one views the specifics of these writings, these general truths can be clearly understood.  Let us study these writings to grow, be warned, and stay faithful to the Lord.

Apocalyptic Admonitions

Studying the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Revelation and other apocalyptic prophets can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time.While it is difficult to be dogmatic about what the various symbols mean, there is much to be gained from the study.There are some definite lessons as well that we can glean from the cryptic writings of these prophets.During my studies, I’ve learned the following things.

First, one can always learn more from studying the scripture in greater depth.Looking at the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah and Revelation teach us that there are many things that we do not know about what God has said and encourages us to dig deeper.One great lesson is that in studying these things we learn more about other parts of the Bible.One can scarcely look at many of these apocalyptic writings and not take into account the various symbols used in the Old Testament.Another great lesson is that the Bible is its own best commentary.Much of the language in the book of Revelation comes from other parts of the Bible; one understands Revelation only as much as one understands the rest of the Bible.So it is important to learn the Bible as a whole before seeking to understand the book of Revelation.

Second, God will punish the wicked.Here is one truth that is simply inescapable.Regardless of how one views the apocalyptic writers, this truth can be universally acknowledged.Daniel speaks about “desolations” coming upon Jerusalem (Daniel 9:16-17).Joel speaks about the “great and very terrible” day of the Lord (Joel 2:11).Zechariah 11:6 states, “For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.” Revelation 19:15 speaks about the winepress of God’s wrath being tread out upon the nations.We know from plain Bible passages that the wicked will not go unpunished.Paul wrote that those who either did not know God or did not obey the gospel would “be punished with everlasting destruction…” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

Third, God will care for the righteous.Again, all of the apocalyptic writers acknowledge this fact.Gabriel says to Daniel, “I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved…” (Daniel 9:23).Daniel 12:3 states, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”Zechariah 14:9 says, “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.”Revelation 22:3 states, “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”Isaiah 60:21 “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.”

Finally, the wicked must repent.Revelation 3:19 states, “As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”Isaiah 31:6 says “Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.”Ezekiel 18:21 “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.”Daniel 9:13 “As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.”Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Regardless of how one views the specifics of these writings, these general truths can be clearly understood.Let us study these writings to grow, be warned, and stay faithful to the Lord.

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I’m Proud of you Son

Proud of You

“A wise son makes a father glad…” (Prov. 15:20).

proud

You can be proud of a Good son.

 

I remember a time, when I was about four years old, when I said something disrespectful to an uncle whom we were visiting.  Shortly afterward, feeling guilty, I crawled upon my father’s lap and said, “I love you” (hoping that would make up for my offense).  He replied, “I love you too; but I’m also disappointed in you.”  My father told me that 34 years ago and I still remember it vividly.  And you know what else?  My father was right to say it – and that bothered me.  You see, even at that young age, I didn’t just want his love, I wanted his approval.  So you can imagine how great I felt at those times when I did something that made him proud of me.

Jesus certainly had that experience when His Father said of Him, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17; 17:5).  Friends, a good father needs to be honored (Eph. 6:2-3).  So, for all that he means to me, I can say, “I’m proud of you, dad!”

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