Archive for the ‘Persecution’ Category

5 Jan

The Bible Stands

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, God, God's Word, Persecution, Salvation, The Good News, Truth.

Hello again,
We are at the beginning of a new year; time to move into another stage of life, begin a new adventure, or even just continue on the path set before us. In any case, it seems with the turning of the calendar page, we get a fresh start.

The New Year may bring joy or sorrow, pleasure or pain, wealth or poverty. Whatever else it is, we can be certain it will not be exactly the same as last year.

In these times, it seems there are more people willing to publicly attack the Bible as outdated, and irrelevant for the times. False teaching about the meaning and importance of the Bible are everywhere. A recent front page article in Newsweek magazine insisted the Bible is “so misinterpreted it’s a sin.” The Bible warns us of false teachers and those who would twist the scriptures to the point of denying its truth and authorship.

Our devotional thought this week comes from 2 Peter 1:1-11. In it, Peter helps us learn how to recognize and avoid false teaching. We begin by understanding salvation. God is the source of our salvation. He provided the sacrifice for our sin in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty in our place. We then are saved by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross (verses 1-2).

Our salvation is sustained by God’s power, and His power is all that is necessary for “everything we need for life and godliness…so that we can escape the corruption of this world” (verses 3-4).

Our salvation is confirmed by certain characteristics of the true Christian. These are goodness, knowledge (of God), self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (verses 5-6).

Finally, having these things present in increasing measure, we will keep us on track in our spiritual lives, leading us to assurance in this life, and riches in heaven (verses 8-10).

This is from the Our Daily Bread devotional last week: “As the spiritual darkness of our world grows deeper, the light of Christ shines more brightly through all those who know and love Him. Jesus is our joy and hope—today, tomorrow, and forever.”

In these times, it is more important than ever for God’s people to be equipped to stand and defend what we believe and know to be the truth.

Standing on His Word,
Pastor Jerry

20 Oct

Stand Firm

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Persecution, Service, The Good News, Truth.

Hello friends,
My trip to the annual meeting was the bright spot of the week. I came home refreshed, and renewed spiritually. It was good to listen to some great preaching.

If we think that the world isn’t in opposition to the message of God, we are sadly unaware of reality. One only has to watch a little bit of news to find out that Christians are in the bull’s-eye.

Take the news from Huston, Texas; 5 Christian pastors have been subpoenaed to hand over their sermons, their notes, and all communications concerning a Huston city ordinance allowing transgender people to use the public restroom of their choice.

In speaking out against this issue, the pastors are seen as criminals. This, I fear, is a harbinger of things to come. Christians are going to be challenged in many areas, and we need to be prepared to stand firm on our faith and convictions.

Is this persecution? Under the topic ‘Persecution’ in my Bible dictionary it says, “Persecution seeks to intimidate, silence, punish, or even to kill people.” How many of these describe what is going on with these pastors in Huston?

We are warned in scripture that if we stand on, and proclaim the word of God, we will be persecuted. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:12-16).

Let us not forget the words of the Lord Jesus; “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (John 15:20).

Let us pray for those five pastors, but also for those who oppose their message, so that they might know the truth of the gospel, the truth that sets people free (John 8:32).

In His love,
Pastor Jerry

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