Avoiding Persecution at the Expense of the Gospel

Ever since I began to read the Voice of the Martyrs magazine* years ago, I have had the conviction that the western Church has much to learn from the Church in the rest of the world, and particularly from the suffering Church. This is not to say that the non-western Church has no errors or weaknesses. We know from reading Revelation 2 & 3 that churches can have both. They need rebukes, exhortations and continual guidance by the Great Shepherd. Sometimes they go so far astray, they are under threat of having their lamps darkened forever.

However the non-western Church has an advantage, in that her faith has survived wars, poverty, social upheaval and persecution. In most cases, she has not learned that persecution must be avoided at all cost, or that Jesus died to give her prosperity and earthly security. Jesus did not lie when He said it was hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, and we in the west are rich. There is a great blindness and apathy that seems to accompany prosperity and ease, unless we are very careful to cast it off. I believe that listening to these foreign disciples–and watching how they live out their faith–is akin to going to Jesus for some much-needed eye medication.  We have much to learn.

With that in mind, I’d like to share a message with you from a Christian evangelist who works in Tyre, Lebanon among 95% Muslims. He was born a Muslim himself, but became a follower of Jesus at a young age, due to the influence of a Christian church in his neighborhood. He lived for some time in the USA, after being flown here when his life was threatened because of his preaching. But he went back, and he opened a mission which openly admits with a sign that it exists to proclaim the gospel.

Mohammad Yamout tells his story and delivers some powerful exhortations to the western Church in the video below. Here is a transcription of part of it:

“Any Christian who thinks he can avoid persecution, I think that is not possible…We’re in the devil’s den. You’re attacking the fortress of the devil. The devil is not going to kiss you if you attack him. He’s going to attack back…

And any time you will try to avoid persecution, you have to do it on the expense of the gospel. You will compromise your stand in order to avoid persecution. I don’t want to compromise my stand. I don’t want to compromise the gospel to avoid persecution.

Many people, under the pretext of wisdom, say, ‘You have to be wise.’ I don’t know how wise you can be. I don’t think you can be more wise than Jesus Christ. He came, and He had to be persecuted. And He had to die. There was no other way.

For the gospel to spread out, and for people to know the truth, we have to die too. For the Muslim people to know Christ, we have to die. There has to be a line of martyrs in the future, I think, before these people understand that there’s a God that loves them. If we’re not ready to pay that cost, I don’t think anything’s going to happen….

Christianity was spread in the first century church by the blood of the martyrs. People died, that’s how Christianity was spread. That’s how we conquered.

Today in order to conquer, we have to be ready to die. People ask me in churches, ‘What makes a good missionary?’ And my answer is always, ‘Are you ready to die?’ If you’re not ready to die, pack it and go home…This was the life theme of every successful missionary–they were ready to die for Jesus.”

I hope you will set aside time to watch the entire video. God bless you.

*Note: While I credit the VOM magazine for helping me to better understand the worldwide church, and I respect its founder Richard Wurmbrand, I can no longer promote the ministry due to some revelations that Richard Wurmbrand’s son brought to light.

The Way You Know

“And where I go you know, and the way you know.” ~Jesus (John 14:4)

Jesus is the Way. If you truly know Him, you know the Way.

There are many voices in this world wanting to be followed as potential “ways.” Entirely false religions as well as false voices claiming to be from Christ, seeking to lead us by degrees to other gods. Prophets and dreamers, false accusers and soothsayers.  Even well-meaning people with blind spots can be used by the enemy to divert us from the course He has given us.  Our own thoughts and feelings can be shifting sand. Don’t be distracted by all the noise. Don’t turn to the right or to the left. Look unto the Word of God, your Redeemer, your Rock of Salvation.

If you know Jesus, if He has saved you, if it is Him–the Living Word–you are following, then the way you know. The way may be hard, but the way you know. There may be people who despise, condemn, or misunderstand you; but the way you know. You may not know exactly how the current trial will play out, but the way you know. You may not know what will happen to your country, your family, or your own body; but the way you know!  If you are truly His, I pray this fills you with holy comfort.

A beloved sister, Patricia White, maintains a faithful witness at the blog Hoshi’ana. She has been enduring trials recently, and shared a testimony with friends of how the Lord has been faithful, and how she will continue to stand in Him. Here it is:

Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So!

I will follow Jesus until the day I die. No devil in hell, no liar or wicked person, whether they be male or female, family or friend, politician, religious leader or teacher, will cause me to veer off course, will remove me from this Highway of Holiness, or will take my crown; though they try, oh how they try!

Jesus Christ rescued me from the pits of hell; He gave me His Name; He gave me His Holy Spirit; He gave me His Word and His promises. Jesus healed my body in more ways than I can count and opened my barren womb and gave me a son. He taught me the Truth and gave me revelation of the scriptures. He taught me holiness and repentance; faith and endurance; joy and peace.

The best day of my life was when, in a vision, I saw His face and received my calling. That event taught me the fear of the Lord in a greater way than I had already known and caused me to walk even closer to my Savior. Since that day, the trials of my faith appeared and continue to. Sometimes the cross is exceedingly heavy to carry, but He is faithful and comes along and lifts the burden from my heart. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Jesus opened the door to true fellowship and through the years I have been blessed by godly relationships, some near and some far. I have found friends that stick closer than a brother and have taught me through their patience and humility. Thank you for their lives, Lord.

Please let this not be seen as my boasting of self. Let it not be seen as I am anything at all, but that all glory and thanksgiving goes to my Lord. It is He who died for me, and it is He who redeemed me. This is a simple proclamation of faith and testimony to share with you all today – that, as many of you do know – God is good. His mercy endures forever. Keep climbing that Holy Mount friends. The end of our faith isn’t far away.

Peace be with you.

Praise God for the faith of the saints. Though they endure sufferings, they cling unto the One they know! He has been faithful in the past, and He will be faithful yet again.

Samuel raised a stone called Ebenezer to remind God’s people of the Lord’s faithfulness thus far:

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” (I Sam. 7:12)

“Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by Thy help I’ve come,
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God,
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.”

From “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

Raise your Ebenezer today, saints of the Lord. Recount how the Lord sent His Word to heal you, how He rescued you from Egypt, how He overcame your enemies, how He filled your mouth with truth, and your heart with joy and peace. Between here and eternity are struggles; but we know the Way! Keep to the Way, and you will make it home.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Paul knew that in every city, chains and tribulations awaited him (Acts 20:23), yet he confidently raised his Ebenezer before King Agrippa, a faithful witness to the end–

Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great… (Acts 26:22)

May you always do the same! The Way you know; the Way is Jesus!

And a Little Child Shall Lead Them

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. (Isa. 11:6)

Watch as 10 yr-old Miriam gives her edifying testimony of God’s love and faithfulness, in spite of the fact that Isis has made her homeless. Look at her thankful spirit and her contagious joy. See how readily she forgives her enemies without the slightest hesitation! Weep as she sings a song of love to her Savior, Who, motivated by love, came to restore her to righteousness. Pray that your faith and your heart can be as pure as hers if you are ever tested in the ultimate way!

See also Who is my Neighbor
Early Church Writings on Christians and Violence

In the Service of the Beast, Part 1

Introduction

I realize there are many ways that Christians interpret the book of Revelation. I don’t profess to be an expert in all matters of prophecy, nor do I think that understanding all mysteries is more desirable than being a Christian who truly loves. Nevertheless, in the light of what I see happening in the Church today, one theme has been coming back to me–and that is–the beast. The very beast which is mentioned in Revelation. I have decided to write about this beast today, with some trembling. I pray the Lord will help me to keep my words true, and that I won’t overreach into matters which are too difficult for me. I will strive to only speak the things which I believe the Lord is showing me, without being dogmatic about things I can’t fully see. Those of you who have learned to interpret Revelation through the lens of dispensationalism or some other “ism” may disagree with what I write. But I pray that anything from the Spirit will leave its impression on your heart, and God will help you–and me–to both know Him and walk in Him. This is what matters most.

You can read Rev. 13:1-10 here.

The Power of the Dragon/Devil in the World

There are 2 beasts mentioned in Rev. 13, but we will focus on the first beast in this writing. The first beast is given power, a throne, and authority by the dragon (13:2). Rev. 12:9 is clear that this dragon is the devil and satan, the very one who took 1/3 of heaven’s angels to earth with him in that first rebellion, and later attempted to destroy the holy Seed of Abraham (Jesus) as soon as He was born (12:4). So the first beast has power, a throne and authority that comes directly from satan.

Let us recall that when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by satan, He was offered these very things–power, a throne and authority.

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” (Matt. 4:8-10)

Satan offered Jesus “all these things” or “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” if only He would worship satan/the dragon. The offering was “the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” The price was worship or service to the dragon/devil.

Jesus had come into the world to be a King who would bear witness to the Truth, and those who heard/obeyed His voice would become the born again subjects of His heavenly kingdom (Jn. 18:37). This kingdom was “not of this world” and would not be defended by servants who would carnally fight (Jn. 18:36). Since the kingdom was “not from here” according to Jesus, there was no reason to fight the kingdoms of the world for it–for none of them could hinder its advance. The kingdoms of the world were all perishing in their lusts and violence and self-glorification, one over the other. Their glories–the glories of man–were all steadily coming to nothing. King Jesus had not come to advance their material and proud causes, but to translate people into His kingdom–a kingdom in which men would no longer behave “like the Gentiles” seeking to rule over one another, but instead would voluntarily stoop to wash one another’s feet.

Jesus was to come into His kingdom as the King of all kings, and the One who would forever sit on Mt. Zion judging the nations. But the Father had chosen that the path to His eternal throne would be a path marked by tribulation, rejection, and suffering. Satan tempted Him to circumvent the lowly way of the cross and get earthly power directly from him. “Just serve me [satan], and I will give you the earthly kingdoms and their glory.” Satan could not offer Jesus the “kingdom not of this world” but only “the kingdoms of the world.”

Some think satan could not have given to Jesus any power over earthly kingdoms, but I disagree. Satan is called the god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4) and a prince of the power of the air who works in those who disobey God (Eph. 2:2). As the dragon who gives power to the beast in Rev. 13:2, he is the source of the beast’s power over “all the world.” (Rev. 13:3)

The beast who receives his power over and in the world is energized and empowered by satan. And as there are many antichrists in the world (I Jn. 2:18), I believe there are likewise many members of this beast who rules by satan’s power. I believe the kingdoms of this world are, in fact, “the beast.” And those rulers who yield themselves to be used by satan are part of this beast. As satan has taught through his evolution lie, the world system operates by a “survival of the fittest” (or most brutal) mode. Over time, true earthly power has been consolidated in the hands of a comparative few, which is what satan wants. The more power he can get in the hands of a few wicked men, the more he can overrule and attempt to destroy the witness of the righteous.

Throughout history, Christians have tried to figure out who the beast is or will be. The early Christians certainly looked at the nations who were putting them to death as a manifestation of the beast. Reformation Christians looked to Papal Rome as the beast, and with good reason.

Today many American (professing) believers look to Islamic countries, the EU, or something else, as the beast. Rarely do they look to their own nations, especially “democratic” nations, because they are blinded by a lethal mix of patriotism and apostate religion which has skewed their thinking. Largely educated and sedated by their television sets, they swallow enormous amounts of propaganda with the rest of the citizenry. Because of the doctrines of Scofield and others, the watchmen in their churches have become dumb dogs who cannot bark out a warning about the Christian’s duty to be separate from the machinations of favored nations, including the USA, which they believe is blessed by God so long as it sends more killing aparatus to Israel. Could the USA and Israel be part of the beast which is empowered by satan? It is a difficult pill for western believers to swallow. Ex-military believers are especially loathe to consider this, for they would have to examine their “service” in a whole new light, a light which would require brutal honesty and humble repentance. But I submit that if we (the church) had been taking Jesus’ teachings seriously up til now, we would not be in such a state of confusion. If we hadn’t brushed aside the commands to love our enemies and overcome evil with good, then “just war,” and our involvement in such an illusion, would have been unthinkable. The deception has come about because Truth was first despised and abandoned.

I think the predominate view of American Christians about the beast is narrow and self-serving, and lends itself to an “us against them” earthly Crusadism fueled by self-righteous patriotism (“my nation is better than others”). The reality is all nations are sinful and anti-God. The true battle is between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of men (satan’s beast) which are doing their best to extinguish it (thankfully they will fail). Is the USA a Christian nation? We know that it is not, though up til now many have contented themselves with blaming “the left” and imagining “the right” is still right. It is all a sham, dear friends. From the beginning, we have been a people who glamorized sin, and the “freedom” to pursue it. And what are we today? Isn’t the USA persecuting those who are truly obedient to Jesus, and robbing and pillaging weaker nations year after year? It is, and its persecutions are becoming more noticeable. Is not modern day Israel persecuting the faith of Jesus? Is it not devouring innocents just as other wicked nations do?–it is. Please understand that I am not anti-America or anti-Israel. I am pro Jesus, and I know that the world hates Him. While I have a debt to the world, and compassion for the world, the world cannot ever be home to me. Not even the so called favored nations.

I warn my fellow Christians to be very careful with your doctrine, lest you wind up working for one facet of the beast against another. Both Jihadists and Crusaders believe they kill in God’s honor, but Jesus commands His followers to love their enemies. That command has never been retracted, and we are all accountable to it. If God is speaking to us through His Son Jesus today (Heb. 1:2), do not deceive yourself that you can disobey His teachings and still please God. Do not say you love Jesus while casting His words behind your back. Do not seek out someone to convince you that Christians can operate under “just war theory” to the glory of God. There is a huge apostasy in the church, and the church’s taking up the carnal sword against flesh and blood to win earthly prizes from the devil, is just one of the symptoms of its massive betrayal of Christ. Be ready to stand alone, like the Hebrew boys standing resolutely before the statue of Nebuchadnezzar. Do not bow to the beast, even if God doesn’t rescue you.

What does worship/service of the beast look like?

“Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Rev. 13:4) The beast is a winner when it comes to warfare! Beast worship includes marveling at his ability to make war against others. As an American I have heard such sentiments many times about our American military, how we have the best such-and-such in the whole world, and how we cannot be dominated by other nations (supposedly because God is blessing us). The minds of nationalists are amazed and dazzled at their country’s ability to make war. They appreciate it because they want security and happiness and material things, and would rather not consider what price is being paid to have these things. They don’t know everything that is playing out in private rooms and faraway places, and for the most part, they don’t care. They are content if the beast tramples other people they don’t even know, and do not realize that the beast will also use and trample them once it gains enough power. Be careful what you admire, Christian!

The Beast’s Hatred of the Saints

1. The beast opens his mouth in blasphemy against God–His Name, tabernacle and those who dwell in heaven (Rev. 13:6). He is against God even though he invokes the name of God, or claims that God is on his side. He blasphemes the tabernacle (those who are the Body of Christ), the same people who “dwell in heaven” (Eph. 2:6; Heb. 12:22). And so the beast is against both God and His people (Psa. 2:1-3). Satan desires and receives the worship that is given to the beast (through patriotism, nationalism, racism, and militarism); but these heavenly minded saints are not impressed by the beast’s ability to dominate by force. They have discovered the more excellent way. They have realized deep in their hearts that the meek will inherit the earth. They see the beast for what he is–a usurper demanding the allegiance which is due only to God, and one who is empowered by none other than the devil. They have chosen to follow the Lamb of God wherever He goes, even though the path He walks goes THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, where affliction and a cross must be borne with perseverance. Just as their King rejected earthly trinkets of “power” offered by satan, so these reject the same.

In some countries (Israel being one of them) conscription into the army is mandatory. Those who refuse to fight or kill others on moral grounds often wind up in prison. Even in countries where fighting/killing is voluntary, it is always highly esteemed by men (but take heed to Luke 16:15.) Early Christians were put to death for refusing to sacrifice to Caesar or fight in the military. Likewise, peaceful Christian Americans were persecuted by militant Americans–many of whom also claimed to be serving God–during America’s rebellion against England. Their allegiance was to Jesus Christ and His commands, and the world had no more use for them.

Today peaceful Christians are often called parasites and ridiculed even by those professing to serve Christ. Their service to their country through willing obedience to civil law, prayers, being a good neighbor, and continually holding out the word of Truth is regarded as nothing. It seems what is desired is the burning of incense to the image of Caesar, with the acknowledgement that his works are always just and worthy of blind (and often violent) support. That is something the slave of Jesus Christ can never give, and so they are despised in the eyes of the world. But Jesus promised the world will hate His followers because we don’t belong to the world (Jn. 15:18-19).

2. It was granted to him [the beast] to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev. 13:7-8) Please notice “all who dwell on the earth” are worshiping the beast, while the heaven-dwellers of 13:6 are not. Is your citizenship in heaven, dear reader, or is it on the earth? (Phil. 3:20) Those who are of the earth and carnal abide in death. They worship and serve the beast because they think the beast is taking care of them. They trust in the flesh and are cursed. But those who are in the Book of Life are not “making flesh their strength” (Jer. 17:5). They trust only in God, and this is why they risk everything to obey Jesus, even if His commands seem to be the opposite of “common sense.”

The saints are physically overcome by the beast. Are we not sent out like sheep in the midst of wolves, and commanded to be harmless as doves? (Matt. 10:16) Didn’t the Lord say clearly, “They will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you” and “whoever kills you will think that he offers God service”? Wasn’t Jesus physically overcome by the beast when Rome and the Jews collaborated in His death? Wasn’t Stephen? Weren’t many early Christians physically overcome by the beast of Rome? Wasn’t Andrew killed by the beast of Greece, and Thomas killed by the beast of India? Aren’t many Chinese believers suffering at the hands of the beast today? Yes, it is granted to him to make war against and overcome the saints.

Let us not fall into the trap of thinking this beast is one country or person, and that we can stand militarily with a different country/person (disobeying Christ’s commands) and somehow overcome the beast by participating in earthly wars. For “You will be hated by ALL nations for my Name’s sake” (Matt. 24:9) “but he who endures to the end [obeying Christ despite persecution] will be saved” (Matt. 10:22). If you take up the carnal sword to kill another to “offer God service,” you will find yourself on the wrong side of the Truth, and in direct disobedience to the Word/the Sword of the Spirit. That Sword will find you and expose your disobedience, and as you have lived, so will you die. (Matt. 26:52)

Exhortation & Warning to the Saints who are Persecuted by the Beast

Concluding Rev. 13:1-10, which described the first beast for us, we have this exhortation and warning to the saints who will be overcome by the beast:

He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

This is a reminder that even though tribulation is guaranteed, because the beast will hate and persecute the saints, we must continue to be faithful to Jesus and His commands. Do violence to no man. Let your patience be exceedingly patient, and your faith the kind that does not turn back (Heb. 10:38). Our Lord is good, and none who trust in Him will ever be ashamed. Though, in the flesh, they perish like sparrows crushed in the jaws of a destroying beast…they are not unseen or forgotten. The hairs of their heads are numbered, and in their patience, they possess their souls. By refusing to allow the world to squeeze them into its mold, they overcome the world. Their sleep is the sleep of rest, not of extinction. The world is not worthy of them, and they are removed from its evil (Isa. 57:1), never to suffer again.

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” (Rev. 14:13)

Summary

I believe the first beast of Rev. 13 is equal to the kingdoms of this world–not one or two kingdoms which we could self-righteously single out, but all of them. I believe its power and authority are directly from satan, and its primary claim to fame in the eyes of its worshipers is its ability to make war and overcome others by force. Its ultimate objective, as a tool of satan, is to destroy the saints. All nations will be used to accomplish this objective, but “the patience and the faith of the saints” will be to endure all things with a continued obedience to Christ’s commands.

Enough!

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. I Pet. 4:1-5

Well, Christians, have we not spent enough time in the past doing the will of unbelievers? Have we not wandered long enough in aimless conduct, received by tradition from our fathers? (I Pet. 1:18) Is it not time to heed that trustworthy Voice of the Lord, who commanded in Ezekiel 44:6, “Let us have no more of your abominations”?!

Enough is enough!

We have spent enough time loving the world and the things in the world. We have let the world determine how far we should go with the Lord, rather than letting the Lord determine our relationship with the world. Who or what, then, is our lord? Do we no longer believe that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him? (I Jn. 2:15)

“In the world but not of the world” sounds so pious on the lips of the religious “Christian” idolater. He hates the one who rebukes in the gate, and speaks evil of him. He imagines that the Spirit of God does not really lust to envy–or yearn jealously–in the face of spiritual adultery (James 4:5). He has lain in the lap of Delilah so long that his hair has been shorn, and the grieved Holy Spirit is long gone, but he insists that his continued feasting at the table of the devil is sanctioned by God. He does not see that though he claims to be “not of the world,” he loves the world, he is of the world, he is loved by the world, and he is perishing with the world.

Jesus comes to the Laodicean church, pleading with those inside to let Him apply some eye salve to their blinded eyes. But the church mostly shrugs and insists that she sees just fine without His help. She seeks council of other idolaters, who assure her she is right to disregard Him. She beats Him and sends Him away, having branded Him a legalist, a killjoy, and a cultish freak.

Yes, she is fine without the help of Jesus. Her people have their programs, their doctrines, their baptismal certificates. They have put in their time, won the approval of other men, and don’t need anyone rocking the boat. When the world’s parade comes to town, she fully intends to have a little fun. She is so devoted to her idols, the devil himself can sign his name on them, and she will still bow down. All while claiming to be walking with Christ and in no spiritual danger.

Enough is not enough, to this adulterous wife. The flood of dissipation is quite comfortable to her. The pain of the One who died to redeem her means nothing to her. She doesn’t take the time to find out what He wants; she decides for herself what He will have to live with. “Lord, Lord,” she says, while painting her face for her other lovers.

I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.

Have you decided to follow Jesus even if none go with you?

It is a lonely road for the pilgrim who loves the Voice of Jesus, and hates the things He hates. It is not a road where all speak well of you. It is a road where deeds done and words spoken with the best intentions possible will be used to make you look like a fool. However, since our Redeeming Lord suffered for us in the flesh, let us arm ourselves with the same mind. We don’t suffer alone. We suffer with Jesus and with all who love Him in sincerity.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. I Tim. 3:12

Ye Shall Be Witnesses

But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him. (Hab. 2:20)

Yes, the Lord is in His temple, and–

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (I Cor. 3:16-17)

God is in His witnesses, and He has anointed them to be His ambassadors to those who are still enemies of His Kingdom.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

He calls them to stand before sinners with a command to repent, and a promise that remission of sins will follow repentance and faith in the Name of Jesus (Luke 24:47-48; Acts 10:41-43). He desires none to perish.

A true witness delivereth souls. (Prov. 14:25a)

He calls them to stand before the hungry and break for them the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. (Jer. 23:28)

He calls them to beckon to the thirsty who loiter around their broken cisterns, and point them to the Living Water who can quench thirst forever.

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground. (Isa. 44:3a)

He calls them to make judgments between right and wrong, and to remind the world that the same Jesus who died and rose again, will return to judge them all (Acts 10:42, 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 11:18, 20:12).

The Holy Ghost, whom God has given to those who obey Him, witnesses in us and through us and with us (Acts 5:31-32.) The Lord is in His temple. Without Him, we can do nothing. With Him, we are more than conquerors.

Though we are sent as sheep in the midst of wolves, we are not to fear them. Though they deliver us up to councils and scourge us in their churches, and we are called before governors and kings, this is all for Jesus’ sake as a testimony against them.

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. (Psa. 119:46)

We are to be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Ours is a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19). We are not in this to save and promote our lives, but to promote our King and His Kingdom.

O Lord..thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. (Psa. 145:10-12)

We do not have to fret about what words to speak when we are dragged before them, for the Spirit of our Father will speak in us. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, and His Word will come forth from His temple.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. (Acts 4:29)

Family members will turn against us when we love God and keep His Words. They may even have us put to death.

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee. (Jer. 12:6)

Anyone who chooses the affections of family over the affections of Christ is not worthy of Him (Matt. 10:37). We may have to walk alone, but we will not be alone. Our Father will not leave us orphans; He will come to us. Though our family members lock us out, our Father will come to us and make His abode with us.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. (Psa. 27:10)

We will be hated by those who hate God and want Him to leave them alone.

That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. (Isa. 30:9-11)

The King of Glory, who emptied Himself to save His enemies, has been called Beelzebub by them. What will His enemies call His lowly ambassadors who appear even more weak and silly than He? Will they praise us and fall at our feet?

They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly. (Amos 5:10)

Woe to you when all men speak well of you (Lk. 6:26). But He will use the the weak things to confound the mighty, and the foolish things to confound the wise.

The disciple is not above his Master, and the servant is not above His Lord. Be prepared for hatred, slander, insult and injury. Unless a grain of wheat goes into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth fruit. And for this reason did Christ choose us, to go and bring forth to His Name lasting fruit.

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. (Matt. 10:27)

We must go, and we must speak the Word of God, whether they hear or whether they forbear.

Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant…

And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.

(Jer. 1:6-10, 16-19)

In Perilous Times, Fear Not

Undoubtedly, these are dangerous days. There are dangers of bombings and explosions. There are dangers brought in by evil men who destroy the earth’s food, air, and water. There are dangers to our children imposed by the education system, the “health” system, etc.  There are dangers of heresies, false gospels, a false Jesus, and false churches that stumble souls rather than help them. There are dangers due to wicked governments all over the earth.

Then you have the “truthers,” who claim to expose all the truth for us. But there is a subtle danger here too.  So often they do not really expose all the truth, but only part of it. They expose only the negative and they fill us with fear. They have proof and they have daily videos and caustic diatribes that get us worked up and agitated.  They make a living peddling fear and leading us to trust in them and their foresight. They exalt in guns and off-grid living (which are not inherently evil but offer no real refuge).

What they fail to show us is the armies of God in the heavens poised and ready to fight for God’s people. They don’t show this because they do not see it. They only see “the enemy” (whichever one they are currently focused on), and think the cure is a fight in the flesh to save our flesh, or a valiant stand on a man-made constitution. They have only half the story and pitiful cures. They will teach you to save bottled water and freeze-dried food, but they seldom teach you about the Word of God that keeps alive the man who trusts in it. They can serve to awaken us to danger but they can’t provide any real help. They are often angry and bitter, and disobedient to God’s commands to trust in Him and pray for our leaders. The powerful gospel which alone changes men is shelved and forgotten, while vitriolic remarks against “the enemy” are taken up.

They–and those who trust in them–think they are saving us all by pointing out the “real terrorists,” whether these real terrorists be Muslims, government officials, Jews, Illuminati, bankers, the catholic church, or the KKK.   And while people expend great efforts to expose “the truth,” the whole truth is that EVERY PERSON AT WAR WITH GOD IS A TERRORIST. Some are fighting for Allah, some are fighting for a false Jesus, some are fighting for physical freedom and the pride of a nation, some are fighting for racial elevation, some are fighting for global power or financial gains. But all are deceived and fighting God and trampling His people. All are headed for destruction no matter how heavily armed or well-fed they may be.

In the meantime, the one who has found refuge in the mercy of Jesus knows that a thousand may fall at our side and ten thousand may fall at our right hand, but it shall not come near us. What shall not come near us? Shall our bodies be kept from the perils of this perishing world? Not necessarily. Paul was shipwrecked, suffered hunger, and was beaten and stoned. He was chained in prison, and his mortal life was cut short by violent men. But–if we look through spiritual eyes–he fought the good fight and won, he finished his course triumphantly, he kept the faith, and he won the imperishable crown of righteousness. To live was Christ and to die was gain. He knew that whether he lived or died, he was the Lord’s. His eye was single and he recognized that his battle was not against flesh and blood, and his weapons were spiritual weapons.

Disciple of Jesus, even the sparrows do not fall to the ground unnoticed. You are worth more than many sparrows. Do you believe this?

Be not afraid of them that kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.  Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. (Jesus in Luke 12:4-9)

The greatest danger may not be what we think it is. The greatest danger is denying our Lord Jesus by refusing to live a life focused on confessing Him before men, come what may.

We are not constitutionalists, but soldiers of Jesus, ambassadors of His Kingdom, and carriers of His precious Word. We are not saviors of the physical body, but bearers of good news that saves every soul that believes. We are not proud Americans (or some other nationality) who need to rise up & preach the glories of our nation; we are bold witnesses who will suffer all things gladly for His sake.  We are not saved to preserve whatever culture we were born in; we are  saved to advance an eternal righteous kingdom that is not of this world. We do not teach the fear of men, but the fear of God who is coming to judge the world!

 

Our homes may burn, our jobs may be lost, our health may deteriorate, and our bodies may be locked in a steel and concrete cell away from the light and fresh air. If our faith is real, we will not wilt under these conditions! Because of the Word of our God, we will live and flourish and have light in the darkness. We will be like trees planted by the rivers of water that continue to bring forth fruit in season, and all the devils in hell will not prevent our fruit-bearing. The Word of God cannot be chained, WILL NOT be chained, and WILL NOT return void.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, who raises up all those who are bowed down. His meek shall inherit the earth. They SHALL inherit the earth.  No weapon formed against Him or His sheep shall prosper. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the church. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. We do not judge by sight alone. We do not judge by our feelings or by circumstances and current events. We judge by the mind of Jesus Christ, who has already overcome the world.

We do not turn aside from our great commission to lesser goals.

And though we are a “little flock” sent out into the very midst of wolves, we will obey the command of Jesus to FEAR NOT.

The King’s Meat and Wine

Before Daniel faced the lions’ den, and his three Hebrew friends faced the fiery furnace, they all faced and resisted the temptation of the king’s meat and wine.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Dan. 1:8)

Have you ever wondered how you might handle intense persecution?  I suggest that we will be better equipped to handle such times if we live lives of consecrated devotion now, refusing to indulge ourselves in the king’s meat and wine right now.

What is the king’s meat and wine?

When these four young men found themselves captives in Babylon, a land of idol worshipers, King Nebuchadnezzar wanted them nourished with his own meat and wine for three years while they were being educated in the ways and culture of the Chaldeans.  Likewise, while we are strangers in a strange land, satan would like us to fill up with his “meat and wine” while he attempts to get us to forget our homeland, that is “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God“– the “better…heavenly country” to which we look (Heb. 11:10, 16)

During our sojourn here, we will be faced with many spiritual battles. Daily we dine on spiritual food; the question is whose spiritual food?

Jesus said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood (partake of the Word of God) to have life, and such as do this dwell in Him (John 6:53-56). To dwell in Him is to abide in Him, as a branch must abide in the Vine to have life and produce fruit (John 15.) Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matt. 4:4) And if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) This is the same God who said, “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.”  (Psa. 81:10)

There is a table of God from which His sheep can expect a continual feast. He gives us green pastures, still waters, and a constant provision  even in the presence of our enemies (Psa. 23). But there is also a table of demons from which the devil, the god of this world, will tempt us to eat.

The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.   Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.  (I Cor. 10:20-21)

Gentiles here is indicative of those outside the covenant of God, or unbelievers, for a true Jew is one who has had his heart circumcised (Rom. 2:29). What are the sacrifices of unbelievers or Gentiles? Ungodly conversations, un-edifying music, ungodly movies and television shows, and all manner of wicked entertainments and vain pastimes designed to fill us with the wrong “food.”  The children of the devil produce the fruits of the devil; these they lay upon the table of demons, essentially sacrificing to devils. We are naive if we think we can indulge in these sacrifices–even in the more “innocent” of these–and not be changed. Many Christians indulge themselves in “harmless” entertainments as a way of life, and by them become spiritually lazy and weak, gradually falling from their first love and becoming lukewarm in their affections for God.  Such are in the gravest of spiritual dangers. Should intense persecution come upon them in this state of self-indulgence, they would likely fall away entirely!

What made Daniel desire to eat only vegetables and water while he was in training in the king of Babylon’s house?  Although his life was in no immediate danger, there was much to seek the Lord about. His people had experienced great tragedy and overthrow due to their apostasy from the Lord.  I believe Daniel was choosing to deny himself the king’s meat and wine so that he could be as spiritually fit as possible for whatever trials lay ahead, not only to help himself but to help his people–who were very much on his heart, judging by the powerful petition he offered on their behalf (Dan. 9). The prayers of this righteous man were so  effective that an angel was dispatched from heaven to speak with him!  When the temptation to desist from his life of prayer became a choice between prayer and the lions’ den, he was ready. He had already denied his own flesh and set his face to seek the Lord, and had received strength from his communion with God to overcome even the fear of death.

Are we not in a similar situation as Daniel? Are we not watching gross apostasy spread through the church even now, taking people captive? Is now the time to indulge ourselves in fleeting pleasures, while there is so much to pray for, so much to seek God about?

Jesus warned His disciples that following Him would mean being hated by the world, certain tribulation, and possible death. But unless a seed goes into the ground and dies, it cannot produce life. The way up is down. The way to grow in power with God is to deny ourselves. In fact, if we don’t deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily and follow Him (He went all the way to death), we cannot be His disciples. We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). We must be ready to lose every other important relationship if necessary in order to be faithful to Christ. We must be willing to lose even our very lives, trusting our souls to our faithful Creator.

Thousands upon thousands of disciples have followed the Lord to the end, overcoming the devil by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and by loving not their own lives to the death (Rev. 12:11).   Before these martyrs faced executioners, guillotines, and other terrors, they had no doubt first denied themselves the king’s meat and wine.  They had passed by the tables of demons that offered them pleasures galore, and ate instead at the table of God, even if it meant standing alone.  Like Moses, they refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;  choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;  esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt [the world]: for [they] had respect unto the recompence of the reward (Heb. 11:24-26).  

God bless you!

Speak, Christian! (Even if Your Voice Shakes)

Yesterday I saw a picture of an old house, with these words graffiti-painted on, “Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.”

I was reminded of one of the first tests the Lord laid on me as a new believer. I had been asked to testify in a child-custody case. To testify meant  saving a young boy’s chance to spend time with his Christian father. It also meant losing the love and respect of many relatives, who were intent on dividing this same father and son, no matter how unjust. As I entered this test, I knew that God wanted me to testify, and that come-what-may, all I had to do was tell the truth without malicious intent, and God would be pleased.  This I did with much fear and trembling. That child is now a man, and has since expressed gratefulness for what I did, now that he understands what was happening.

It was some time after testifying in that case that I came across this verse,

A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Prov. 14:25

To speak truth at cost to yourself is not merely an exercise in self-abasement. It saves souls!

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.  If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;   if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? Prov. 24:10-12

Dear Christian, every day souls are being drawn away unto death and are ready to be slain. Even in the professing Church, there are many who think they know God, but need a true witness to show them who God really is and what He requires.  We who know the Holy One dare not pretend we do not see those who have been taken captive by the devil to do his will; we dare not continue on our way, silent in the face of their destruction, saving our own lives callously while others perish.

We are God’s witnesses. We don’t have to convince every man, but we do have to “warn every man” (Col. 1:28) and  in meekness instruct those who oppose themselves, in hope that God will yet grant them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. (2 Tim. 2:25)  God is the final Judge, but we are the kingdom of God’s ambassadors, pleading with the rebels while they yet have a chance, “Be ye reconciled to God!” (2 Cor. 5:20) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men! (2 Cor. 5:11) Knowing also the goodness of the Lord, we cry with the Spirit to all who thirst, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)

There are many costs to the faithful witness even here in the United States–the loss of friends, finances, reputation, etc.  Unfortunately, not every person will turn at the Lord’s loving rebuke; some may even want to kill the messenger.  Most people in the darkness hate the approach of light; they prefer darkness because their deeds are evil, and they do not wish to give them up (John 3:19-21). You will be despised in this world the moment you are willing to lose everything in your life for Christ and His gospel, and yet this is exactly what you must be willing to do. Satan will begin to stir up hatred against you; perhaps you will be falsely accused by others. Remember the words of Jesus–

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.   Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matt. 5:11-12

Listen to what the Lord told Jeremiah, when he was afraid to speak for the Lord:

Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.   Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.  Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. Jer. 1:7-9

Has He put His words in your mouth, Christian?  Spring up, oh well!!  Speak truth faithfully, and with the loving intent to save lives–even if your voice shakes, so that the One who made you His witness may say at the end, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matt. 25:21)