Category: Persecution

Are Christians a persecuted people?

The answer to this question is an obvious and unequivocal, “Yes.” It is the lot of every Christian to suffer persecution of one type or another as a consequence of the profession of faith. It happens, and it is not uncommon. Fortunately, in our country we have enjoyed a long history of religious tolerance. Such tolerance is, in fact, a bedrock of our nation. We have long escaped state sponsored persecution and oppression. The persecution we have witnessed and experienced as Christians in America has been rather mild. For this reason we hesitate to even categorize it as such, fearing that we will be perceived as less than valiant.

Continue reading “In the News: Are We A Persecuted People?” →

Our text establishes clearly the apostle Paul’s priorities in life. Though the “things which happened to me” included imprisonment and possible loss of life, Paul considered it a fortunate turn of events. Because of his trip to Rome and house arrest, the gospel was preached to individuals who otherwise would not hear it. Paul wrote of those in Caesar’s palace who were aware that his “chains are in Christ” (13).

A further benefit was the courage taken by others from Paul’s example. Because he preached boldly despite persecution, others were emboldened to do the same. This serves to illustrate the benefit of a godly example. If you live for Christ despite opposition, others see that and are encouraged to do the same.

Paul rejoiced because the gospel was preached. He didn’t care what it cost him personally. He understood the purpose of the message, and made its spread his life’s work (cf. Romans 1:15-16).

The apostle Paul suffered through many dangerous and difficult circumstances in Asia. He was persecuted in Lystra (Acts 14); there was a plot against his life in Macedonia (Acts 20:3); he fought against wild beasts in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32). Here he refers to one, or perhaps all of those troubles, stating that the “sentence of death” was in him, and that he “despaired even of life.” A more complete list of what Paul suffered is given in 2 Cor. 11:22-29.

Paul wished to share the information regarding his struggles with the Corinthians, that they might know of his trust in God, as the one “who raises the dead.” Paul knew that his life had been spared many times by providence, God having a further purpose for him. Even on the occasion where he was left for dead (cf. Acts 14:19), his life was spared.

Paul also attributed his rescue from peril to the petitions made for him by others (11). In thanking them for their prayers, he shows us the power of prayer too, and encourages us to pray for others.

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul expressed concern regarding the Thessalonians, who were suffering persecution. Interestingly, his concern was not for their safety, but for their faith. It was his hope that they would be established “blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

Audio

Watching FOX News a few nights ago, I noted Bill O’Reilly’s editorial on what he calls the “War on Christmas.” He referred to one of a myriad objections being raised by segments of our society against the “Christian” aspect of Christmas observance. The attack against such religious observances is decades old. Whether it be a nativity scene on public land, or the large cross in San Diego, built 59 years ago at the Mt. Soledad Veteran’s memorial, which a federal judge ruled on Thursday must be taken down within 90 days. Many in America interpret the words of the first amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” as precluding any religious observance in any public (governmental) circumstance. This interpretation would exclude prayer in school, a posting of the 10 commandments in a court of law, a nativity scene in a public park, or the national Christmas tree being displayed and lighted in front of the White House each year.

Continue reading “In the News: Attacks on Faith” →

This one is hitting close to home. The San Antonio city council is considering adopting an ordinance that will update their non-discrimination policy. This new ordinance will, if enacted, effectively ban anyone who expresses their faith from involvement in city business. Following is the text of the proposed ordinance:

“No person shall be appointed to a position if the city council finds that such person has, prior to such proposed appointment, engaged in discrimination or demonstrated a bias, by word or deed, against any person, group or organization on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, or disability.”

The ordinance adds two new categories to protected status — sexual orientation and gender identity. It also uses the words “demonstrated a bias”, without defining what rises to the level of bias. It is open ended, showing that such “demonstrations” have no expiration date.

Continue reading “In the News: Demonstrating a Bias” →

I find myself irritated from time to time by famous people who claim to be Christians, but show themselves to be fickle in their “faith” when their convictions are tested by circumstance or criticism. Two examples of this recently came to my attention.

The first was a quote from Josh Hamilton, who was the center fielder for the Texas Rangers last season. In an important game last year, late in the season, Hamilton made an egregious and costly error. When his manager asked him what happened, he responded by uttering a profanity. Now, it is obvious that Hamilton has problems. His drug abuse, tattoo covered body, and continued struggles with addiction are well documented. But, he claims to have given his heart to the Lord, and that God leads him in the decisions he makes in his life. His behavior in light of his claims give cause for the world to ridicule the very concept of Christian faith.

Continue reading “In the News: The World’s Hatred” →

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

Josh points out that more and more in our day and our society Christians are beginning to suffer for their faith. While Americans live in a tolerant society, there is no promise that religious freedom will continue. In John 15:18-19 Jesus warned about the inevitability of persecutuion. Are you prepared for such persecution?

Audio

Lesson 5 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

In 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 the apostle Paul indicated that as children of God, though we are hard pressed on every side and in every way, we can persevere and gain victory with the help of our Lord. Our focus is not on the present, but on our future home with God.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Paul, in chapters 21-26 of the book of Acts, had several opportunities to defend his actions when accused of heinous crimes. It is evident that Paul was persecuted because he was a Christian.

Audio

Invitation delivered by: Ron Doss

In this talk, Ron discusses what the scriptures reveal about Satan’s attempts to destroy the faith of Christians. Whether deception, persecution or temptation, we must be on guard against his devices.

Audio

In the first verse of our text, Paul establishes a wonderful promise of God as a steadfast principle. If we suffer for the cause of Christ, we are guaranteed the consolation that comes with that relationship. In other words, the suffering is worth it because of the hope we enjoy.

Paul illustrates the principle by noting the “trouble” he had suffered in Asia. This seems to be a reference to the mob scene in Ephesus recorded in Acts 19. Paul and his companions were in mortal peril on that occasion, and it seems that Paul left the area in fear (cf. Acts 20:1).

That fear of persecution remained, as such suffering is inevitable for the faithful child of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:12). However, Paul took comfort in the trust he placed in God. God is able to raise men from the dead, and so surely would be able to deliver Paul, if it be in accord with His will. So Paul believed, “He will still deliver us” (vs. 10). As such, he coveted the prayers of the Corinthians in his behalf, that their prayers for him and his companions would effect God’s protection in their ministry.

Last week I engaged in an online discussion on a contentious topic that has polarized elements of our society. It is a political hot potato, but the discussion concerned the Christian’s response, based upon what the scriptures teach, so I took the time to respond.

My point here is not to argue the topic, but to note the response in the forum. My posts, though polite, were not well received. I argued from scripture. In response I was called ignorant, bigoted, prejudiced, and a few other adjectives that are not appropriate to repeat in this space.

Participants had an opportunity to “vote” on whether they found any particular post to be helpful to the discussion. The aspersions on my character and intelligence were roundly applauded, and few responded positively to what I had to say.

This is not surprising, but I believe many Christians are really not aware of just how unpopular the truth of God is in our society. We are in a distinct minority with regard to our views on morality and God, and it is very conceivable that this nation will one day no longer tolerate our free expression of God’s truths. Physical persecution is certainly possible on the horizon.

John recorded this warning from our Lord, “A servant is not above his Master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).

Acts 4 and 5 reveals the response of the apostles as they suffered persecution at the hand of the Jewish leaders. Rather than stop preaching at the command of the Sanhedrin, they continued to share the gospel, counting themselves fortunate to be found worthy to suffer for His name’s sake. This response should be echoed in Christians today.

Audio

The Lesson uses the text of Acts 13 and 14 (esp. 14:8-22, in Paul’s ministry in Lystra) to show how the preaching of the gospel will sometimes result in the salvation of men’s souls, and at the same time will sometimes lead to tribulation and trial. The moral? Preach the word, despite opposition!

Sermon Audio: Click Here .