The Election Count – Part 15
Persecutions
As the open door of freedom to preach closes, this is also an opportunity to suffer persecutions.
We live in such a RARE place and time in history. It has been nearly 100% safe here in America to preach the gospel. This was not true for the early Church. It has not been true for much of history. In what other nation at what other time has it been legal to preach the Bible, and illegal to punish men for simply preaching? In this sense, how fortunate we have been!
But!! While we have the opportunity to preach the gospel, wherein is a huge blessing for soulwinners… There is also a lack of a blessing for us compared to them. We DO NOT and really CANNOT suffer like they did.
And that is very unfortunate for us. Because ultimately, the greatest rewards for Christians will be given for suffering and for dying for His sake.
Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
I believe the greatest rewards are reserved for wisdom. The greatest rewards are for doing His will: get wisdom, and give wisdom. The 2 most important things you can do with your whole life. If you do nothing else. You think Jesus is better than wisdom? You’re wrong. Jesus IS wisdom. You think love is better than wisdom? You’re wrong. Getting wisdom is how you love God (John 14:23-24, 1 John 2:5). Giving wisdom is how you love the Father, your brother, and your neighbor (John 21:15-17, Luke 10:27-37). Love is not better than wisdom. Love may be the fulfilling of the law, but you can’t love without first getting wisdom. No wisdom, no love. But love is not the principal thing. Wisdom is! You think eternal life is better than wisdom? You’re wrong. Wisdom the only way to get eternal life. No wisdom, no life. Life is not the principal thing. Brother kindness is not the principal thing. Charity is not the principal thing. Now, giving wisdom is charity, kindness, and love. But WISDOM is the principal thing.
So understand, the will of God for your life is to 1) GET WISDOM and 2) GIVE wisdom.
There is no higher thing. There is no higher calling. There is no thing that will be more highly rewarded.
Daniel 12:2-3 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 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.
I believe the greatest rewards are reserved for doing His will – for getting wisdom, and giving wisdom / preaching the gospel – BUT… ESPECIALLY… WHILE enduring the associated persecution. Doing good, doing and preaching right, but WHILE suffering for His sake. Preaching Christ WHILE suffering reproach for the cross of Christ.
1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
We need to be of the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Arm yourselves with the same mind. Get ready to suffer. Put on the armour of truth, faith, salvation, righteousness, etc. Put on those spiritual things. Prepare yourselves to the spiritual battle: allowing the flesh to have affliction for the name of the Lord, and to stand spiritually, and fight spiritually through it.
Serve the Lord in wisdom. Serve Him in the gospel, WHILE allowing persecutions. This is the greatest reward. You may not have had a chance to have this blessing yet, but you will.
Christian Persecutions shall come. And it seems they may come in America soon.
What other countries have done is lawfully persecute Christians under “anti-terrorism” laws. Russia, China, North Korea. That is how they justify persecuting Christians and censoring Christianity. That’s a little crazy to think about. Because that is what we are talking about here. What freedoms need to be stripped away to ensure that the government, its people and its society are secure. We can’t have people spreading those extremist Bible teachings – that dangerous misinformation could threaten an insurrection! That threatens the virus spreading – threatens the safety of other people! Its all in the name of national security.
It is illegal to attend a church that is not registered with the government in Russia and China. House churches are illegal. Baptists are dangerous “terrorists”. You can’t have a home church, attend one, invite friends to one. You can’t hand out tracts or evangelize.. And state registered churches are regulated and censored. Sermons are edited by the state. To be accused of owning or reading a Bible in North Korea is punishable by death. No trial, no questions asked.
Did you see that “Christian” flag on the Senate floor carried by the rioters? Real Christians or not, “Christianity” in America is right there with the “far-right” extremist groups. Christians are going to be targeted as insurrectors, as extremists, as dangerous terrorists.
How long before terrorism laws are written to enable punishments, fines, imprisonments for loosely defined acts and speeches of “terrorism”? How long before those are extended, by law or practice, to “dangerous” Christians?
I think its coming here. It may take a little while longer. But I think that is where we’re moving. You can’t believe and preach whatever you want, because its not safe for the public, for the nation. You attend an approved, registered, state-controlled church (no doctrine allowed), or you’re a dangerous extremist-terrorist. You get caught reading the KJB, sharing the gospel, praying in public, you’ll be persecuted, arrested, fined, eventually maybe tortured or killed.
This is probably the least pleasant thing that we preach. It may be the least pleasant thing TO preach. Its an unpleasant truth. But it is the truth, and we need to not ignore it, nor flee from it, but to change our minds to believe it, and embrace it, and … even to cherish it!
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
This is what we as The Election should COUNT. Don’t count the election of this world, don’t count things on the Earth, but count the joys of our reward in heaven.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
If you must needs count, don’t count your blessings. Count your infirmities.
We should count suffering AS JOY – great riches.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
No the suffering part is not joy. But joy is right there after coming through it. So count it joy when ye suffer for Christ’s sake!
Esau “despised” his birthright. Counted it as nothing. A pot of soup worth more than all the promises of God to Israel. But Jesus the opposite: counted the shame is as nothing!
This shame and suffering should be despised – counted as worth NOTHING – compared to the joy that is set before us. The reward is SO MUCH BETTER than the suffering.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
So much better, as far as all the promises of God exceed a pot of soup to.
Count it.. as riches! It IS riches!
Hebrews 11:24-27 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming [counting] the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Egypt was rich, Egypt had treasures, and Moses was the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He could have coasted through life. But Moses counted the suffering of Christ better than all this world’s treasures. This is what we, as the Election, should count. Heavenly things.
Moses forsook Egypt! We also should forsake our earthly nation for the heavenly reward. Egypt’s riches were great. America’s are too. But don’t let America, likely the most rich and comfortable and technologically advanced nation, at least since the flood of Noah or the tower of Babel, deceive you with its treasures. The riches of Christ are much greater. But you can’t get the riches of both. You ought to forsake the treasures of this world and count the sufferings of Christ as the true riches.
Feb 21 2021
The Election Count – Part 15
Downloadable Word document:
The Election Count – Part 15
The Election Count – Part 15
Persecutions
As the open door of freedom to preach closes, this is also an opportunity to suffer persecutions.
We live in such a RARE place and time in history. It has been nearly 100% safe here in America to preach the gospel. This was not true for the early Church. It has not been true for much of history. In what other nation at what other time has it been legal to preach the Bible, and illegal to punish men for simply preaching? In this sense, how fortunate we have been!
But!! While we have the opportunity to preach the gospel, wherein is a huge blessing for soulwinners… There is also a lack of a blessing for us compared to them. We DO NOT and really CANNOT suffer like they did.
And that is very unfortunate for us. Because ultimately, the greatest rewards for Christians will be given for suffering and for dying for His sake.
Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
I believe the greatest rewards are reserved for wisdom. The greatest rewards are for doing His will: get wisdom, and give wisdom. The 2 most important things you can do with your whole life. If you do nothing else. You think Jesus is better than wisdom? You’re wrong. Jesus IS wisdom. You think love is better than wisdom? You’re wrong. Getting wisdom is how you love God (John 14:23-24, 1 John 2:5). Giving wisdom is how you love the Father, your brother, and your neighbor (John 21:15-17, Luke 10:27-37). Love is not better than wisdom. Love may be the fulfilling of the law, but you can’t love without first getting wisdom. No wisdom, no love. But love is not the principal thing. Wisdom is! You think eternal life is better than wisdom? You’re wrong. Wisdom the only way to get eternal life. No wisdom, no life. Life is not the principal thing. Brother kindness is not the principal thing. Charity is not the principal thing. Now, giving wisdom is charity, kindness, and love. But WISDOM is the principal thing.
So understand, the will of God for your life is to 1) GET WISDOM and 2) GIVE wisdom.
There is no higher thing. There is no higher calling. There is no thing that will be more highly rewarded.
Daniel 12:2-3 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 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.
I believe the greatest rewards are reserved for doing His will – for getting wisdom, and giving wisdom / preaching the gospel – BUT… ESPECIALLY… WHILE enduring the associated persecution. Doing good, doing and preaching right, but WHILE suffering for His sake. Preaching Christ WHILE suffering reproach for the cross of Christ.
1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
We need to be of the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Arm yourselves with the same mind. Get ready to suffer. Put on the armour of truth, faith, salvation, righteousness, etc. Put on those spiritual things. Prepare yourselves to the spiritual battle: allowing the flesh to have affliction for the name of the Lord, and to stand spiritually, and fight spiritually through it.
Serve the Lord in wisdom. Serve Him in the gospel, WHILE allowing persecutions. This is the greatest reward. You may not have had a chance to have this blessing yet, but you will.
Christian Persecutions shall come. And it seems they may come in America soon.
What other countries have done is lawfully persecute Christians under “anti-terrorism” laws. Russia, China, North Korea. That is how they justify persecuting Christians and censoring Christianity. That’s a little crazy to think about. Because that is what we are talking about here. What freedoms need to be stripped away to ensure that the government, its people and its society are secure. We can’t have people spreading those extremist Bible teachings – that dangerous misinformation could threaten an insurrection! That threatens the virus spreading – threatens the safety of other people! Its all in the name of national security.
It is illegal to attend a church that is not registered with the government in Russia and China. House churches are illegal. Baptists are dangerous “terrorists”. You can’t have a home church, attend one, invite friends to one. You can’t hand out tracts or evangelize.. And state registered churches are regulated and censored. Sermons are edited by the state. To be accused of owning or reading a Bible in North Korea is punishable by death. No trial, no questions asked.
Did you see that “Christian” flag on the Senate floor carried by the rioters? Real Christians or not, “Christianity” in America is right there with the “far-right” extremist groups. Christians are going to be targeted as insurrectors, as extremists, as dangerous terrorists.
How long before terrorism laws are written to enable punishments, fines, imprisonments for loosely defined acts and speeches of “terrorism”? How long before those are extended, by law or practice, to “dangerous” Christians?
I think its coming here. It may take a little while longer. But I think that is where we’re moving. You can’t believe and preach whatever you want, because its not safe for the public, for the nation. You attend an approved, registered, state-controlled church (no doctrine allowed), or you’re a dangerous extremist-terrorist. You get caught reading the KJB, sharing the gospel, praying in public, you’ll be persecuted, arrested, fined, eventually maybe tortured or killed.
This is probably the least pleasant thing that we preach. It may be the least pleasant thing TO preach. Its an unpleasant truth. But it is the truth, and we need to not ignore it, nor flee from it, but to change our minds to believe it, and embrace it, and … even to cherish it!
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
This is what we as The Election should COUNT. Don’t count the election of this world, don’t count things on the Earth, but count the joys of our reward in heaven.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
If you must needs count, don’t count your blessings. Count your infirmities.
We should count suffering AS JOY – great riches.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
No the suffering part is not joy. But joy is right there after coming through it. So count it joy when ye suffer for Christ’s sake!
Esau “despised” his birthright. Counted it as nothing. A pot of soup worth more than all the promises of God to Israel. But Jesus the opposite: counted the shame is as nothing!
This shame and suffering should be despised – counted as worth NOTHING – compared to the joy that is set before us. The reward is SO MUCH BETTER than the suffering.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
So much better, as far as all the promises of God exceed a pot of soup to.
Count it.. as riches! It IS riches!
Hebrews 11:24-27 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming [counting] the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Egypt was rich, Egypt had treasures, and Moses was the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He could have coasted through life. But Moses counted the suffering of Christ better than all this world’s treasures. This is what we, as the Election, should count. Heavenly things.
Moses forsook Egypt! We also should forsake our earthly nation for the heavenly reward. Egypt’s riches were great. America’s are too. But don’t let America, likely the most rich and comfortable and technologically advanced nation, at least since the flood of Noah or the tower of Babel, deceive you with its treasures. The riches of Christ are much greater. But you can’t get the riches of both. You ought to forsake the treasures of this world and count the sufferings of Christ as the true riches.
By Pastor • Christian Life, Suffering Persecutions • 0