Persecution... another biblical perspective

The following is a study done by my pastor on persecution. It is meant to encourage and to challenge the way we view our response as Christians to persecution. In this blog I have mentioned how pastors, evangelists, etc. Allow themselves, their families, or friend to suffer for the sake of sharing the Gospel of Christ. As Christians this type of self sacrifice, whose consequences vary from ostracization to death and all the inroads of suffering in between, is hard to accept or fathom that we could live so sacrificial a life for Christ. But as my pastor has pointed out their are many forms of persecution. Take for example the home invader who has come to rob the innocent while they are at home. For arguments sake, the intruder could have designs of violence that are incumbent with his modus operandi of robbery. As Christians what are we to do in this case. The following are some thoughts by my pastor, a pastor, noted as Captain, of the Salvation Army. This is a study of persecution of this type held up under the scrutiny of biblical scripture in their explanation and support.

“Turn the other cheek”… a Biblical imperative to passivity or an encouragement to honestly seek peaceful solutions? Random thoughts on some scripture…

Matthew 5:39/Luke 6:29 One reference book suggests that Jesus is mostly instructing people to take advantage of the judicial system set in place since the time of Moses rather than entering into violence in response to evil violence. When it would seem perfectly natural to strike back at an evil person, the opportunity for judicial victory is greater if you simply resist and allow the authorities (to whom we are to submit) to do their job. This is backed up by Matthew 5:40 when Jesus speaks of the court verdict for the tunic. Regardless, it is also likely that some of the language in this teaching (and others) is intended as hyperbole. It would sound ridiculous to the listening audience that you should allow someone to slap you twice – they would pay attention to that. It also sounds ridiculous to say that someone has a plank in their eye, or that a camel could pass through the eye of a needle. Some statements are intentionally outrageous to capture our imagination.

Romans 12:18-21 Interesting that this scripture says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This seems to indicate that there will be times when peace is not possible – and that those times should not be due to our own actions but rather the actions of others. We are then clearly told to not take revenge for that it God’s job. We are instructed rather to feed our enemy and help him – thereby possibly eliminating the need for a breaking of the peace. Revenge is a repayment of evil for evil – and through that we would be giving in to the sinful desires of the flesh. God’s wrath is a justifiable punishment for sin, and will be proclaimed upon the sinful as God decides. I believe this scripture leaves room – though unsaid – to respond to a broken peace with that force which preserves our own safety (and that of those under our care) without meeting out judgment ourselves. This would be a basic descriptor for the police officer’s “reasonable force” credo. I think we could use that force which is necessary to protect ourselves and others from clear evil without descending into evil actions ourselves out of a twisted sense of justice or vengeance.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,3,83.1 says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” I don’t think this is an open invitation to violence, but it does clearly open up that our basic understanding of what is right/wrong/good/bad may be more narrow than the Lord intends. 3.3 says, “A time to kill and a time to heal…” which clearly indicates that violence may be required at some point. This drops into the midst of any conversation of Christians at war for example – and capital punishment. One of my sources gives me this, “It must ask, however, what is God’s plan for our time and for the specific situations that confront us? When should aggression be met by resistance and when should there be some healing compromise? When does an offender need punishment and when does he need treatment? 3.8 says, “A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” Without war and hate, how would we recognize – and thus desire – love and peace?

Matthew 5:44 Clearly, we need to love and pray for our enemies – those who persecute us. But what is love exactly?

1Corinthians 13:4-8 gives us the “love chapter” and it is very clear in the direction it gives our actions – but those actions must be driven by something. If we say, “love is patient, love is kind” yet do not have love in our hearts, are we loving each other simply by acting patient and kind? In contrast, is it not possible that the very basic instructions from the “love chapter” can be applied in a way – even during a confrontation – that looks to the world quite unlovely? Consider a personal and physical attack on a family member for no apparent reason. Are we loving our enemy by allowing him to continue to conduct an attack on someone? Are we building him up in any way by standing aside? Could we be showing “love chapter ethics in the following way…
Patience – by reasoning and trying to understand prior to any physical confrontation
Kindness – by not allowing hatred to enter into the event
Not boastful – by not personally enflaming the situation with bravado
Not proud – by not taking any personal joy in how we handled the situation
Not rude – by using words of love and peace rather than torment and threat
Not self-seeking – by not allowing ourselves to want to hurt the attacker – by asking God to take control of our actions
Not easily angered – by not allowing ourselves to sink into the same state of mind as our attacker – not allowing vengeance to take hold
No record of wrongs – when it’s over, it’s over - and we move toward restoration of the aggressor.
No delight in evil – we should be driven to our knees in intercession for the one who attacked us
Rejoice with the truth – we can thank God for protecting us, and praise Him for the love He has for the attacker
Always protects – both our loved ones and the attackerAlways trusts – in God to lead our actions
Always hopes – that the attacker will stop and listen
Always perseveres – by not allowing our own sinful desire to become combative take over the goal of this intervention
Love never fails – we can live with that truth

1 Peter 2:13-17, 1 Tim 2:2 These scriptures, and some others, call us to submit to civil authorities. While clearly the reference here is to peacefully understand that God has allowed our elected officials to hold sway, and as such we should not form a rebellion, I think we err if we assume the directive is to be submissive even to personal attack. Our civilian authorities allow – actually strongly support – physical intervention in order to protect our family and friends. No modern civilized society would frown upon a man intervening while his wife is being attacked. Actually, this is one area in which Christians could really bring people to an understanding of love. Through physical intervention of an attack – following the guidelines of love listed above – the “world” would see a man who allowed himself to physically interact with an assailant only to the degree required to bring a peaceful solution. They would see an example of someone who did not enter into the fight with glee, but rather with heart-wrenching trepidation.

Despite being a volunteer ambassador for Voice of the Martyrs, I was challenged by this study. Working in full time ministry on the streets and alleys of our city at night, with the homeless, addicted, and mentally challenged, I have experienced personal attack and violence while proclaiming the message of Christ. Through these experiences I have reviewed my thoughts and behaviour during and after. What does the bible say I am to do? What would Jesus do? In one instance a man threatened me while I was out with my 20 month old daughter. I did not have to use force to prevent harm to my daughter or myself. But what if I felt it was necessary. Am I permitted as Christian to defend my daughter or myself? In light of my experiences and my involvement with Voice of the Martyrs as a spokesperson about persecution, I thought my pastors thoughts and view of the scriptures create some provocative thoughts regarding persecution view points.

in Christ...

...Michael

Just Being Me

This simple blog as it relates to me living my life as a Christian and facing lifes challenges. This blog is to inform and challenge those who read it and me. I need to put down on paper what it is like to be a Christian. That some would believe it is easier than to just live our lives for ourselves on the surface that is not exactly true. I want to make it clear though that eternal life, and protection and love of the the Father during life stuff, far outway the challenges and discipline. Finding out that Jesus Christ, at my worst, loved me anyway to die for me. Think about that what is your worst? And can you imagine receiving the most priceless gift of love despite your worst, when you or I, clearly do not deserve it? Thats the love I am trying to touch on. This blog is the response of one of those Christians who faces loss, suffering, joy, and is tempted like anyone else. Its what I do with this gift of love. I want to use this blog to share with others, what God suggests I can or cannot do. I am never forced to do the right thing. Thats free will. Sometimes, when life seems so unbearable, despite my God being great (and I forget that part), that I am tempted to fulfill my own desire to have an escape from the constant time in a trial of life. See that is the the thing God's love, and His answer to me, is bigger than me shouting at Him that this should not be happening to me! I have found that God is not much for answers at times, but He has never denied me the one thing I desperately need when I am suffering...mercy. Not the kind of mercy that will carry me for a day or a month. Like a tax credit for a year or a reprieve on my rent or mortgage for a few months. That kind of mercy is not going to float me when I lose a parent or friend to cancer. When my wife gets hit by a car. When I lose my job. God's mercy when given in times of suffering is the promise that I will be their next time again..you can count it! Lets face it, we all have to face those we love dying. We all have to face losing a job, a cavitiy, money, car keys...I could go on, but I am sure you get the picture. I need a God that can teach me how to trust Him and even love Him, when really lousy stuff is happening in my life. I need my God to show me that I am worthy of love. I need my God to show me that I can forgive myself for what I think is unforgivable or forgive others for hurting me. Thats what this blog is about. I am a Christian, and I am no different than you. I face hurts, loss, disappointments, and my own mortality one day. Like you I am expected to face this stuff. I have a God who has already taught me about His love. So I am working on my confidence in Him to show me that despite the tough stuff I have to face, I am actually facing it with Him while He loves me. If you think that is a tough pill to swallow you are not alone. I am with you on that. But, since I am a Christian, in relationship with my God, I am inviting you to join me as I struggle through life facing stuff that God promises to face with me. I am going to process my stuff right here, using what every Christian has, his bible, and my faith in God. I am not much on journaling and some of what God has showed me already, was really helpful when things were real tough recently, so I want to make a record of that and work through some other stuff with Him. Just because I mentioned the great things that God does, I am not saying I have them figured out or can tell of how I trusted my God through that stuff. I am willing though to try and accept the kindnesses God makes available to all of us. Just because I am Christian does not mean I get it all, or that I always accept God's help. I have struggles with being proud, pigheaded, and forgiving alot, and those just a few of things this Christian wants to work through with God..and you.A Christian is anyone who has finally had enough of living a life that is not pleasing to God. What is that? Check your heart. We all have a conscience. That is God knocking on the door of our heart, since we were kids, telling us, what we know already, that we are doing something wrong. I think enough wrongs and God knocks a little harder and louder. That is how it was with me sort of. God knocked on alot of hearts, but not alot of us were listening, so He thought He would send down His son about 2000 years ago in Israel to hang out with us. He created us, and He wanted to tell us in person how much He loved us. (Why Israel? You will have to read the bible for that part.) So His Son, who goes by the name of Jesus, walks around for three years. Thats right only three years, telling everyone how much God loves us. How He wants us to just live a life of love, understanding and forgiveness. To obey God when He speaks in our hearts about the rights and wrongs of our lives. To prove He is God He does a bunch of miracles. Water to wine, walking on water, healing the lame and the blind and finally raising the dead. But that was not what was His greatest miracle. The greatest was when He died. Thats right. While walking the earth telling everyone how God wants a life of love and not just religion without love, He stepped on the toes of the religious leaders of the time. They did not like the new guy, no matter what great stuff He could do, because He was ruining their business and it was not about religion, but about the bad stuff in their hearts. See God wanted them to change too, but they did not want to give up the way they could line their pockets and stay in the limelight with everyone. That was really too bad for them. This gift of love and forgiveness is for everyone, even these guys. So Jesus knows what they want to do to Him. They want to kill Him. It was an us or Him, issue and they decided they wanted to kill Him. They even brought in a few more guys who had some stuff unaddressed in their hearts to lie about Jesus. All this work by them was for nothing. God had already intended for Jesus to die. It was the only way. Their has been alot of knocks on alot of hearts for many years and their is still whole lot more of hearts that God is knocking on to come. Nothing we could do in our religion to God could ever save us from all the times we ignored God knocking on our hearts. The Israelites used to use lambs, goats, and cattle, as a sacrifice for the ignored knocking on their hearts. Or sins of their hearts. They called this a blood sacrifice of an animal. Does not matter how may animals we would have killed, we always, in our own nature return to ignoring God at some time and doing something to someone not so nice. God knew that. So thats why He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice for all the ignored hearts from the past and the future. The men of the day did kill Him, but it was Jesus who chose to lay His life down for His friends. You and me. After He died, they put Him in a tomb carved out of rock. He lay there for three days. Dead is dead. That should have been the end of it. But no. God for the mercy of us all, raised Him on the third day. He raised Him so that we can too be raised with Jesus Christ when we die. That part is hard to believe and maybe easy to understand. But it gets better. When we are tired of feeling lousy about ignoring God knocking on our heart, we can open the door by telling Him how sorry we are. We can ask Him to forgive us for all the times we ignored Him knocking on the door about the wrong we were about to do. Or the most important knock of them all, where God was using all the other knocks on the door of our heart to ask us if we wanted to thank Him for letting His one and only Son die. To die a pretty horrible death, so that we would not have to spend an eternity wishing we had of opened the door before we died. Well I am one of those guys who had decided it was time to open the door of my heart to meet this amazing God who would let His owns Son die for me.I did this by telling God how sorry I was. I asked Him to forgive me for all the times I ignored Him knocking on the door of my heart. I told Him that I was really grateful that He would send His Son to die for the wrong things I did. I told Him that I was tired of this life, but I did not know how I could live it the way He wanted me to. Thats about the time God puts a smile on His face and accepts the invitation from my heart. He like runs at me to give me a great big hug telling me, to not worry that we will do it together. Together! God the Creator of the universe, willing to help me not to do the same not so nice things anymore. All part of His getting me ready to hang out with Him forever. Dead is not dead! That sounded really good to me and still does. I sealed this new found relationship by having expressing it in the name of His one only Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.That was it. That was 6 years ago. With God it is truly a relationship. I certainly do not have it all figured out, but I am sure thankful for what God did for me and that He never tired of knocking on the door of my heart. I do not have God figured out after all this time either. He is not a God to be pigeonholed or truly understood. If I could, then He would not be God the great Creator, Alpah and Omega and all the other great names He has. He would just be god. And I and you would be in alot of trouble. But He is GOD. And I am me whom He loves and together in this blog I will share with you some of the challenges I have, and how God helps me, and can help you through them. This is not a reality show, and its real time. I expect to be going through some tough stuff. Recently my wife and I miscarried our child. I thought stuff like that does not happen to Christians. That was an eye opener. But God was there through it. He gave us peace and folks through it were there when we needed them, and loved on us. We knew that at the moments when we needed a break whether it was, someone to look after out other little girl, parking for the hospital, a car that worked, doctors and nurses who cared, or to thank Him that we were not as sick as the moaning and vomitting around us...He was there. Its a-kind of knowing, that you will only have if you have answered His constant knocking on your heart and opened the door to letting Him spend today and the rest of this life with eternity added on, with Him.I do not make references in this blog without referring to the bible. I thought I would put them on it that end so that you would have them in one place, but as you read them you will see that I said the same thing only God says it, as always better.Revelation 3:20 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all wickedness.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 10:9 If you confess with yur mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart tht god rasied Him from the dead you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

Jeremiah 31:33 "I will put my instructions deep within them and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people.

Luke 15:20 So he returned home to his Father. And while he was still a long way off, his Father, saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, He ran to His son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to Him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and You, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.'

1 Corinthians 10:13 The tempations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show a way out, so that you can endure. So as you can see, God says what I said better.

So I welcome you to come back and discover with me how much God loves us and how great my God is. Especially in the tough times when we feel so alone and helpless, God is there. I am learning that recently and I do not want His lessons to be lost. Thanks for inspiring me God. Thanks for listening to me. May God bless you today.

I want to understand...

There is no greater love than one who lays his life down for one's friends. John 15:12

Recently I was watching the link from Voice of the Martyrs, persecution.tv. In one video in India a pastor was beaten by a mob. In another video I watched a tv camera follow a group of militant Hindus in to the home of a pastor and his family. They accused him of forced conversions and then beat him with their fists, rods, and feet, all while the camera was rolling.

The news footage of the incident was broadcast on another network, displayed the story as an outrage by any community. A blemish on the broadcast company and the militants who did this. The world may cry out that this was terrible what happened to this pastor in his home before his family. A mob of masked men, armed with wood and steel rods forced their way into a mans home, past his terrifed wife and daughter. They accused him of converting local Hindus from their religion to Christianity. As they began accusing they began beating him. The man never fought back or retaliated. He did not try to defend himself. He raised his hands up in supplication to the attackers. Circling his prone body on the floor, they yelled and beat him visciously. He began to cry out the name of JESUS. A name and its meaning understood in almost any language. A name these militant Hindu men understood only too well. That is why they were beating the pastor in his home in front of his family. This at first was just another broadcast of a Christian being persectued for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I watched the Holy Spirit told me to not just see these beatings the way the world viewed beatings or even murder. Our brothers and sisters suffer to the point of death for love. To carry the message of Christ's love for us all. Just as Christ bore the shame, degradation, torture and death for us, our brothers and sisters, carry this message in their suffering to point to the sacrifice of Christ for us all. As I prayed, the Holy Spirit revealed to me tonight that that these are not beatings, but sermons that the persecutors would never hear except when our Christian brothers and sister sacrifice themselves. In suffering this pastor called out the name "JESUS!" for love for those men who were beating him!
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
There is no way these masked men would ever set foot in a church to hear the message of salvation. The pastors sermon to these men cost him the safety of his home, his family, a beating on his body, and almost his life. In his moment of trial he called out the very name they came to beat him for. With his body on the sacrifical altar he shared with him the very reason why he would die for them...JESUS.
There is not greater love than to lay down one's life for one' friends. John 15:13
The man answered, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
This pastor knows that Jesus laid down his life for him. He loves God for that. Having received such a gift of love through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, he now longs to sacrifice himself before others to show what Christ did for him. I want to understand...