Great Persecution
Topic: Persecution
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (Acts 8:1-3 KJV)
There was a Pharisee named Saul, who killed the first Christian evangelist, Stephen, and began persecuting other believers in Jesus Christ. As we see, Saul (later became known as Paul) was like other Pharisees in Jesus’ days. Even though he thought he was doing God’s work, Saul’s mission was killing Christians. But God did not stop caring for Saul. Instead, He made Saul turn his life 360 degree.
As we see today’s world, we often hear about Christian persecution in the other parts of the world, especially in Moslem nations. I read many terrifying stories from the Voice of Martyrs magazines, who experienced pains and agonies from the other religious leaders, because of their faiths in Jesus Christ. We cannot imagine how they can survive from all their tribulations. If our country wasn’t founded by God, who can help the persecuted Christians and Jews? However, the stories don’t end there. Because of the persecution, many people started to call Jesus and brought revival in their villages.
I know our country is facing most difficult time with our economy system. Even though we are very fortunate with our Christian foundation, we also see that many citizens are suffering because of our legal choices. We let the churches to be silenced on homosexual agenda, abortion rights, legalizing same-sex marriage. Currently, President Obama is trying to make universal healthcare as legal. Listen: governments will control the universal healthcare. This also could lead us into New World Order System, system of Antichrist, and it is seriously dangerous.
Are you going to give your identity to antichrist when the government would introduce to us new technologies to serve the world? Or are you not giving your faith up for Jesus Christ? Choices are yours.
Posted by MGJC Web Ministry
at 12:01 AM EDT
Why We Need to Face Persecution?
Topic: Persecution
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. (Matthew 10:23 KJV) Have you wonder why we face many persecutions? I mean for those who are Christians and Jews. Jesus prophesied that there will be some groups of people who are willing to threat people for those are followers of Jesus Christ. Right now, there is some radical Islam who is planning to destroy the people in Israel and America with using the nuclear bomb. Jesus gave us many clues about this generation, so we can fully prepare to face the upcoming World War III and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Are we the last generation to see the coming of Jesus Christ? Yes, we may be the last generation to wait for the coming of our Messiah to Earth. If I’m wrong, please don’t believe what I’m saying, but believe the Word of God.
Unfortunately, before we would see the return of Christ, there must be rumor of wars that Jesus said in Matthew 24:6-8. For example, Islamic leaders are planning to wipe out the land of Israel from the map as the event occurred in the days of Esther. This goal was the same since Adam and Eve deceived by Satan in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Satan wants to destroy God’s people, because he wants to rule over the universe (Isaiah 14:12-14).
Okay, some of us understand the history of Garden of Eden. Although we don’t have enough room to discuss another subject, I recommend that studying more about falling of man in your own study to get some understand about End Time Prophecy and World War III. Let’s return to this current topic and discuss about is there hope if we face the persecution by the radical religious leaders.
Matthew 5:10 says, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Even though we would face the persecution by our enemies, God says He will bless us. We know that God will walk with us through the fire (Isaiah 43:1-3). We know that He will care us, because we know what He did to Abraham when he tried to sacrifice his son to God and He provided a lamb instead of Isaac. If He can do to Abraham, He can be right there with us to walk through persecution and hardship.
Are you saved by the grace of God through His Son, Jesus Christ? Are you ready to face any hardship and persecution that would come in your life? If you are not sure or not prepare to face these challenges, I like to encourage inviting Jesus Christ in your life by confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness and invite Him in your life. This may be the last chance to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior before you’d die tomorrow or near future.
Posted by MGJC Web Ministry
at 12:01 AM EDT
