So you think you've got it tough.....

[Fragrant Grace]

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before [it hated] you.
John 15:18

So you think you've got it tough and you feel persecuted......

When someone makes fun of you for being a Christian?

When someone call you a Bible basher?

When your church doesn't jump up and meet all your needs?

When you're gently challenged online for holding a slightly different view (whilst sitting in the comfort of your home)?

It's so shameful that we in the safe comfortable western world complain about our lot....complain about how tough things are and moan and groan as if we are martyrs.

But:

Cast a thought to the real Christian persecution in the world
To those beaten, burned, tortured and executed for their faith
To those ripped away from their families for being a Christian

And then ask the Lord to turn all those very minor dissatisfactions in life to a deep compassion and care for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ...the true martyrs of the faith

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Bless you ....><>

 

[Chad]

That video is really intense and truly sad. Our level of persecution here in the US (so far at least) is generally insults hurled by unbelievers.

 

[Travis]

The saints in North Korea pray for the saints in places like the United States. They know that the spiritual Babylon we live in is more deadly to our souls than the persecution they endure. That's kind of scary.

 

[JohnP]

That video is really intense and truly sad. Our level of persecution here in the US (so far at least) is generally insults hurled by unbelievers.

Chad, I have to disagree that in the US it is generally just insults. We have been losing our religious freedom in this country since they banned prayer in public schools in 1962. It is getting worse at an alarming rate. However, I agree it is not as bad or to the point of the beheadings and persecution happening in other countries. I don't want anyone to think that I am claiming that. I'm just saying it is more than just insults.

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

Pity me. I am so unfortunate. All the churches in my area preach a watered down gospel. And nobody likes it when i act like I am God's gift to their church. I am so persecuted, because people dont agree with me.

I wonder what these people in areas with REAL persecution would do if their local churches were preaching watered down gospels? well, i think they would treasure the oppurtunity to fellowship, and try their best to help their local churches become more biblically literate, not by declaring their own blessedness and favor, but by using gentle, caring, exhortations, being patient and kind, long suffering, dealing with their local people in a way becoming a person with the Spirit of Christ inside them.

anyways... thats just my little rant..

God bless all these people being persecuted for their faith.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

Perhaps love one another?

Bless you ....><>

John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 15:12 This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:9-18

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Persecution is not a few jibes, giggles or sneers from others because you are a Christian

The young boy in this thread was doused in kerosene and burned by muslims for saying he was a Christian

Pakistani Boy Set on Fire Dies | Talk Jesus

 

[Christ4Ever]

Tears and prayers for our Brothers & Sisters that continue to suffer worldwide.

How long, O Lord

[Rev 6:10 KJV] 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?[Rev 6:11 KJV] 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

Proclaim the Gospel! Bare witness to God's great Love, in and with Love! For a little while longer suffering, but then Glory!.

Small church, medium church, large church, home church, in the fields or mountains high. Step forward, kneel, raise your arms, pray for those who are your Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus! Go to the altar! Don't be ashamed, or concerned about what people might say. If hesitant, think about those who even now are suffering for the sake of the Faith and how they would count it a blessing to let their voices ring out in praise, worship, praying for intersession!

Let our voices be heard on high for those who must in whispers praise His name! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Tears in my eyes and prayers on my lips for them and all who suffer for the Faith!

 

[Br. Bear]

Yes Brother, yes

 

[Sue J Love]

When I was writing up my Quiet Time from this morning, the Lord Jesus brought to mind this thread on persecution. So, I feel the Lord would have me share it with you, since it partially deals with the subject of persecution. You see, not all real persecution is in the physical realm, i.e. just because we are not being physically beaten, imprisoned or killed physically for our faith does not mean we are not going through serious persecution or that Satan is not fighting us just as hard, only in a slightly different way. The apostles and Jesus faced physical persecution against their bodies, but they were also hated, mistreated, judged falsely, had false charges brought against them, were called of Satan and had their motivations brought into question, etc. They were told to stop healing people and to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, and their enemies did everything they could to try to discredit them and to bring them and their message into disrepute. Anyway, this is what the Lord taught me today from the reading of Acts 16: Chains Came Loose | Talk Jesus

 

[Sue J Love]

Pity me. I am so unfortunate. All the churches in my area preach a watered down gospel. And nobody likes it when i act like I am God's gift to their church. I am so persecuted, because people dont agree with me.

I wonder what these people in areas with REAL persecution would do if their local churches were preaching watered down gospels? well, i think they would treasure the oppurtunity to fellowship, and try their best to help their local churches become more biblically literate, not by declaring their own blessedness and favor, but by using gentle, caring, exhortations, being patient and kind, long suffering, dealing with their local people in a way becoming a person with the Spirit of Christ inside them.

anyways... thats just my little rant..

God bless all these people being persecuted for their faith.

Taylor, have you read the book "Living Water"? I think it might answer the question you posed here in the "I wonder" statement you made. It has been a while since I read it last, but it was an excellent read on the subject of persecution from someone who was severely persecuted for his faith. Here is a review of the book. Living Water: Powerful Teachings from the International Bestselling Author of the Heavenly Man by Brother Yun — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

 

[Shutterbug]

Taylor, have you read the book "Living Water"? I think it might answer the question you posed here in the "I wonder" statement you made. It has been a while since I read it last, but it was an excellent read on the subject of persecution from someone who was severely persecuted for his faith. Here is a review of the book. Living Water: Powerful Teachings from the International Bestselling Author of the Heavenly Man by Brother Yun — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

Does anyone remember the name, Oudai Hussein? The football (soccer) team he sponsored lost a championship match. He had the entire team imprisoned and beaten. That is only a glimpse into his nature. The human ego is a wonderful thing. It is said that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Our leaders are mere mortals who have shown an ability to get things done. More than a few are happy that they control a large group of people who willingly, either through adoration or fear, abide their personal whims. Sadly, far too many leaders build themselves up by tearing others down. In some cases, leaders feel the urge to consider themselves to be godlike in their abilities. "Look what I can do. I rule an entire country and the people do as I say". Well, I'm sure the Good Lord says, "Well, if you want to be a god, here's a simple challenge for you to solve". All fail. Korea suffers in part from bad luck, but also some bad decisions. Many other countries are no different. The average Muslim, Korean, Russian, Chinese, Ugandan, etc., is not a blood thirsty savage. Like the USA (for example) which has maximum security prisons for those who refuse to play nicely on the playground, there exists countries and communities whose leadership simply has a bad attitude toward others. Christianity is diametrically opposed to their desires. Therefore, the Gospel must be eliminated and many have tried.

It's easy to pray for those who like you. Praying for some one who does not is more challenging because the prayer is about someone you must learn to love because of a commandment. Whether God can use that person is not our decision to make; it's our decision that they be given a chance to repent. While on some levels we tend to live in a gentler society, the name of Jesus never leaves people on middle ground. They will either like him or hate him. A number of role models such as Mahatma Ghandi and the Dalai Lama will acknowledge that Jesus had some good ideas such as loving others, but that is all they will commit themselves to. Muhammad met many Christians throughout his travels and I'm certain had many discussions with them. But, he ultimately rejected the message of the gospels and tried to take resurrect a form of Mosaic Law.

I'm not saying this to put myself on a pedestal. Trust me, I don't need help getting into trouble; I can do that very well all by myself. But, it takes a certain person to live the Christian life under persecution. If all that is required is a few taunts to discourage someone, the Devil has a pretty easy job. Cheers, John