Subscription Lists

In observance of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Nov. 14, my home church took a few moments to commemorate and pray for our fellow-believers around the world who live life much less securely and with few of the comforts we take for granted. Yet it wasn't until after the designated day of remembrance that I became aware of what that really means; an estimated 200 – 400 million people suffering – enduring discrimination when applying for jobs and promotions, being restricted in their freedom of movement and worship, losing their families and friendships upon conversion, having property and savings confiscated by intolerant authorities and suffering martyrdom – raped, tortured and killed – for faithfulness to Christ.

In this country we have difficulty relating to persecution suffered by others throughout the world when often the worst we experience is a curious stare during a public prayer over meals at a restaurant. Let me quickly point out that I realize some have suffered more than that and we do need to be vigilant in protecting our rights as Americans to worship where, when and how we see fit; but as Paul wrote, "In your struggle against sin, you have not resisted to the point of shedding your blood." Hebrews 12:4 And yet the church's history is full of persecution; from the very beginning enduring opposition, discrimination and bloodshed. In fact, Jesus himself cautioned his disciples that, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:20 (See also Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:17-22) Likewise Paul assures us that, "…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12 (Experiencing trials, tribulations and persecutions first-hand on numerous occasions – 2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

In truth, our present circumstance of relative physical and financial ease accompanied by a freedom of movement and worship unparalleled in most other countries of the world is an aberration; not the norm for most of church history nor for many presently throughout the world. And if history teaches us anything, it is that the church doesn't often exhibit its greatest strength nor display its real potential for growth in times of ease accompanied by high attendance. It is rather in response to hardship and persecution that it tends to be purified, strengthened and enabled to function as it should. (There being a decided lack of "fence- straddlers", celebrity imposters and undecided's in the pews when the risk is high of losing one's livelihood or life if caught there. 1 Corinthians 4:12,13) The reality of the situation being that it may not be to our advantage nor we at our best when things are going so well.

In fact, Paul and the early church seemed to think suffering for the faith was not just to be expected but accepted – a prerequisite for faith; expressing an eagerness to share in all things with Christ – thus becoming "like" him. "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, being like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:10,11 In declaring, "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body." 2 Corinthians 4:10,11; they acknowledged reasons for rejoicing and opportunities for growth in shared suffering. "In this you (should) greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (Yet) These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold,… may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6,7

So, "…do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (Instead) rejoice that you are participating in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12,13 None of this however should be misconstrued as a call for us to be obstinate or inconsiderate in our dealings with others nor intentionally create a hostile environment to witness in. We are none-the-less to be "radically" different by closely following the example of Jesus, which will – if done right – set us apart as either worthy of emulation or set us up for resentment and discrimination. Paul summed up his theology on this subject by quoting an early Christian hymn. "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us, if we are faithless, he will remain faithful…" 2 Timothy 2:10-13 For, "God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." 1 Corinthians 1:9 Faithful to assist us during temptation and trials (1 Corinthians 10:13), keeping our spirit, soul and body blameless before God (1 Thessalonians 5:23), forgiving our sin in response to our repentance from sin and belief in his Son's saving power and grace extended through the cross (1 John 1:8,9), enabling us to live life in obedience to his will in service to his cause. (John 14:15–15:10)

"…those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God… (And) if we are children then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ; if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:14,17 Let's not just remember the persecuted church but identify with them through our association with the sufferings of Christ; becoming all we must be to genuinely represent him to the world.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

The Best Ace