Thursday, February 2, 2017

Persecution or Peace

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/02/02/christian-persecution-seen-in-more-locations-across-globe-new-report-shows.html

Persecution or Peace

Which should we strive for?  In the wake of not only ramped up Christian persecution but ramped up coverage of Christian persecution in our day something I have observed.  1.  There seems to be a false badge of honor attached to being persecuted by many in American Christianity.  Like somehow if we could just endure persecution then our Christianity would somehow be validated or more effective.           2.  There are those on the other side that want to blow everybody up who is not a Christian and that somehow we will be able to mandate and protect Christianity everywhere, but especially here in America.  As if the Constantine experiment didn't already prove that foolish.
Wait, stop the presses.  Scripture says to pray for those in authority so that we can live out our lives in peace.  But then Jesus said don't be shocked by persecution and being hated.  So before you jump off the deep end on either side.  Keep a balance, live out biblical Christianity in the context of the culture you live in.  Hallelujah if we can live in peace until Jesus returns, but not everyone will or has.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
1 Timothy 2:1-2

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
John 15:18‭-‬20

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