After returning from a two week trip to Malawi and Zambia last week and meditating on Job 24:1-12, I am pondering the question, “Am I, my family, we as the body of Christ prepared and ready to face the opposition, persecution, pain and suffering that may come to believers in America who proclaim and live by the teachings of Jesus contained in all the Word of God?”
I read the following yesterday:
Also from Voice of the Martyrs the persecution being experienced by our brothers and sisters in China:
Unless we experience revival and a third Great Awakening, I believe we could be facing similar circumstances in what we have always known as a Christian nation, the United States of America. Already, our brothers and sisters in many other countries such as Malawi and Zambia are experiencing more freedom than we currently have to live and express our beliefs. I asked my fellow pastors and leaders in Zambia and Malawi to pray for us, our nation, our churches as we are anemic and sick spiritually, as our nation continues to be led by less and less godly leaders. I have shared many times, that I believe it is very possible I will spend some time in jail or prison for preaching the word of God, especially when it comes to sharing what the Bible has to say about same-sex marriage, gender identity and the sanctity of human life. Am I ready? Are we as God’s people prepared to take a stand, to defend our beliefs and faith?
1 Peter 4:17–19 (ESV): 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Has this judgment begun? Many Christian leaders and believers believe it has. I believe it has by what I have experienced and what I have come to know of many churches that I have connections with through other pastors and believers throughout our community, state and nation. So what? This is not a time for us to shrink back in fear, but to press forward in faith, praying, preparing and proclaiming the powerful and living Word of God, Jesus the Living Word, and Scripture the divinely inspired written word of God.
What can we do?
- Pray! Like never before we can humble our selves individually and corporately to call upon the Name of our Mighty God and Savior. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 4:31; Ephesians 6:18-21).
- Press into the Word of God to be instructed, fortified, clothed with the full Spiritual Armor and instruction of the Word. (Psalm 119:9-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)
- Gather with other Followers of Christ for mutual encouragement, equipping, prayer, care and support. (Acts 2:42-47; Romans 13:11-13; Hebrews 3:13; 10:23-25)
- Read 1 & 2 Peter as a manual, a training guide to prepare to live for Christ in a godless culture under ungodly and even evil leadership.
- Pray for Spiritual Strength.
Ephesians 3:14–21 (ESV): 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Don’t fear! The greatest days for the Gospel of Jesus to be spread throughout America and the world could be at our doorstep. Lean in and listen for the voice of the Father as we walk into these days and opportunities before us. God is not trembling, wondering what to do. He is fulfillin His plans and purposes in light of His coming.
Today is the National Day of Prayer. Join with brothers and sisters, leaders, pastors and government officials virtually. https://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/national-day-of-prayer/. Join locally with believers, pastors, leaders and government officials in your community. In Gregg County you can gather at Mobberly Baptist church in the Elevation Parking lot, today, May 6, at noon to join hearts, minds and voices to seek the Father above with other believers, pastors, leaders and government officials.
RESTORING HOPE 