Dishonored For Jesus

Many believers have never experienced more than verbal persecution and I don’t think any of us truly want to face persecution.  Now think of this; Peter and John had a whole different outlook on this persecution dilemma, they rejoiced when they were dishonored (persecuted) for their Savior.

Read what it says about them in Acts 5:33-42, “When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: ‘Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.’ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

This is something that seems so foreign to many of us in the United States. We hear about it happening in other countries and to some degree in our own country but many, many of us haven’t experienced it so it is easier for many of us not to focus on it.  Now think of this; we have brothers and sisters that face it up close and personal every day.  I have heard and read stories about our brothers and sisters that have suffered, and many even have died in our day and I have been lifting them up in prayer most every single day.  

I also pray for the persecutors, that their eyes and ears will be opened and the veil would be removed from their minds so that they can hear and read and understand that the God of the Bible is real and that if they would repent and turn from their wicked ways and receive God’s only begotten Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior they would experience true freedom.  Persecution shouldn’t be ignored but it should be taught from the pulpit and in Bible studies so those that are born-again believers could be preparing for it and be ready when and if it happens to them.

Read what Paul said about this subject in 2 Corinthians 3:9-17, “When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: ‘Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.’ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Paul didn’t say that those that live a godly life might be persecuted but he said they would be persecuted.  That is why I think so many people believe in a pre-trib rapture; because it is easy for them because they think they will escape persecution, and in many cases that is what they have been taught by someone they thought they could trust.  Personally, I don’t think, unless you take the Bible verses used for a pre-trib rapture out of context, you could back this theory up in scripture.  

If you would like to learn more about this subject look up Dr. Michael Brown And Professor Craig Keener on you tube debating this subject, they are both very highly qualified to talk about this and it may be a wakeup call, just checkout ‘The Line of Fire’ with Dr. Michael Brown, ‘Biblical Scholar Refutes Pre-Trib Rapture.’  Try checking these men out and others, you may learn many things you didn’t know that you thought that you did know.  I have heard that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. These men have put many hours in studying and I think they are a great source of knowledge. I don’t think either one of these men are puffed up or proud, in fact I think they are very humble men, who because of the knowledge they have are trying to help the body of Christ to grow because they love the church.  I think the church needs to be talking more about persecution to prepare people for what they may face in the future instead of denying it by keeping silent.

I hope this Tidbit was helpful and encouraging.  May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you all have a super day!!  And don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord for He is worthy!!