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DIFFERENT Perspective – 8/9/20

As one who was blessed to be born into a Christian home in the United States, I have experienced nothing that I would call persecution. There have been a few comments about my being “too good” to participate in some activities or being a “goody two-shoes.” However, this is far from persecution. First Century Christians were tortured, thrown to the lions and burned alive under the reign of Nero. This is unfathomable to me, and in today’s world Christians across the globe are persecuted for their faith. This is so far removed from our thinking and experience that we take little time to recognize these atrocities. This past decade has been the worst in world history for Christian persecution. This past year, over 260 million Christians were living under high levels of persecution, 3000 were killed for their faith and 3700 Christ-followers were arrested and imprisioned without trial. Each month more than 800 believers endure beatings, torture, rape, and imprisonment because of their faith. The world is changing and we see a shift here in the U.S. with anti-Christian sentiment on the rise. It is a fearful time, but history proves that persecution strengthens the church; it purifies and strengthens the faith. It forces people to decide what really matters.

Scripture – Jn 15:18-20; 1 Pt 2:9, 4:12-13, 19, 5:5-7, 10-11

Verses – “If the world hates you, just remember that it has hated me first. If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you.” (Jn 15:18-20) Dear friends don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (1 Pt 4:12-13) And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Pt 5:10-11)

Thought – Jesus tells us that the world hated him, so it will hate us. When you belong to the world, it loves you; when you belong to Christ, you aren’t of the world, so you can expect to be hated. Peter says be very glad when you are hated and go through these trials. If you are living your life for Christ, persecution is a sign that you are doing it right. It’s a different perspective, for sure, but Christ-followers are to be different. We are called to love when others hate, give when others take advantage, bless when people lash out. Peter says that Jesus will restore those who stay the course. Whatever happens in this life, Christ is with us to strengthen us and bring us through. Don’t be afraid of what you see or of what might come, trust in God. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Pt 5:7)

Questions – How important is your comfort? Do you avoid honest conversations in order to avoid discomfort? When have you spoken up or stood up for something you knew was right? How did others respond? What things do your friends, family, and acquaintances know you will not do because you are a Christian? What things do they know you will do because of your faith? How do you think people endure extreme persecution/torture and remain strong for Christ? How do you imagine you would respond in that situation?

Response – Pray for Christians around the world who are enduring persecution. Live a Godly life so that your citizenship is clearly known to be in Heaven, and not of this world!

Prayer – Gracious God, we pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are living in danger, under the threat of persecution for their faith. Protect them, keep them strong, help them to know your love and care in the midst of their trials. Give me strength to live each day for you, as a citizen of Heaven. Help my faith in you to be known and may your love shine in and through me so I can influence my friends, family and those around me for you. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.

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