THE BLOOD OF JESUS CLEANSES YOU FROM ALL SIN AND GUILT (1 JOHN 1:7).
JESUS IS THE DELIVERER!!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. REVELATION SCRIPTURE
1. Proclamation
2. OTHER SCRIPTURE
1. Proclamation
3. COMMENTS
4. COUNTRIES
1. Praise God!
1. U.S.S.R.
5. AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
1. Comments
2. ACLU Has Sought To Stop
3. ACLU Supports
4. ACLU Has Defended
5. ACLU Opposes
6. THREATS TO CHRISTIAN FREEDOM
7. THE COMING PERSECUTION
8. PERSECUTION
9. SUFFERING
1. Scripture
2. Proclamation
3. Declaration
10.BIBLICAL DOCTRINE ON SUFFERING
1. Scripture
2. Declaration
11. SUFFERING OF BELIEVERS
12.QUOTATION FROM MATHETES
13.PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHURCH
14. REFERENCES
REVELATION SCRIPTURE
3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
6:9-11And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for THE WORD OF GOD, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Read verses 1-8.
7:3 " 14Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our GOD in their foreheads. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.
12:6, 14 " 17And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of GOD, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
16:6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of JESUS: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
18:4 And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
19:2 For true and righteous are his judgements: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of JESUS, and for THE WORD OF GOD and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with CHRIST a thousand years.
Proclamation
I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Till we have sealed the servants of our GOD in their foreheads.
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of JESUS. I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for THE WORD OF GOD, and for the testimony which they held. I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of JESUS, and for THE WORD OF GOD.
Went to make war with the remnant of her seed. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets. Until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were. Hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
OTHER SCRIPTURE
Matt. 24:9-10Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mark 13:4-23Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And JESUS answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am CHRIST; and shall deceive many, And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Signs, second advent (5-8).
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but THE HOLY GHOST. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Eight signs during the sorrows of Israel (9-13).
But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand), then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains: Abomination of desolation (14).
And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that you flight be not in the winter. Defeat of Israel by Antichrist (15-18).
For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which GOD created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that THE LORD had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. Great tribulation (19-20).
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is CHRIST; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. Six signs during the great tribulation (21-23). Read verses 24-37.
Luke 21:7-24And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? Jerusalem predicted (5-7).
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am CHRIST; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famine, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from Heaven. Destruction of Ten signs of the second advent (8-11).
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer; For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! For there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. But before all these signs Jerusalem must fall and Israel be despersed among all nations (12-24). Read verses 25-38.
1 Tim. 4:1-2Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.
2 Tim. 3:1 " 13This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Proclamation
Take heed lest any man deceive you. Take heed that ye be not deceived. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which GOD created unto this time, neither shall be. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you.
COMMENTS
(Big Sister Is Watching You)
(Coral Ridge Ministries)
(The ACLU Vs. America)
(The Homosexual Agenda)
(Their Blood Cries Out)
(Indefensible - 10 Ways The ACLU Is Destroying America)
Persecution is not going to end until the number of martyrs be fulfilled (Rev. 6:11). Blessed are they when persecuted (Matt. 5:10-11). See Matt. 10:22, 23:35; John 15:18-21, 16:2-3.
They are called criminals. What is their crime? They are Christians! They suffer because of what they believe: massacre, rape, torture, slavery, beatings, mutilations, imprisonment, extortion, harassment, family division, and crippling discrimination in employment and education. More are reportedly being martyred today than at any time in the history of The Church. Communist governments continue to persecute The Church. Radical Muslims are increasing their persecution under the mandate of the religious teachings in the Koran.
Presently there are about 200,000 to 300,000 Christians martyred each year with hundreds of millions persecuted. I believe that Christians will go through the Tribulation (first 3 1/2 years) but we will be protected from THE WRATH OF GOD in The Great Tribulation (last 3 1/2 years). Persecution of Christians in America will steadily grow until the Antichrist. The Antichrist will cause martyrdom of Christians around the world unless GOD protects them.
In the last 2,000 years, approximately 43,000,000 have been killed: 1900 - 34,000, 1970 - 377,000, 2,000 - 160,000 and, 2004 - 167,000 and 2025 - 210,000 projected. In more than 60 countries worldwide, they are harassed, abused, arrested, tortured or executed. 200,000,000 live in daily fear of secret police, vigilantes, or state repression and discrimination from war or tyranny. An additional 400,000,000 suffer from discrimination and legal impediments. 95% suffer some form of persecution. Christians in many countries suffer greatly under intense persecution from radical Islam.
The levels vary according to location, and can entail social ostracism, discrimination, loss of employment, destruction of property - including homes and church buildings, imprisonment, torture and even death. Christians living in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian nations face the most persecution. Christians face what corruption, lawlessness, terrorism, persecution and world religions try to do to Christianity. They are denied basic rights like political and police protection from persecution, freedom of religious expression and worship, and equal opportunity employment.
The government pressures converts by using surveillance, interrogation, arrest, harassment, media attacks and forcing believers out of their jobs. Indirect pressure is used on the converts' relatives and employers to try and coerce Christians to return to Islam.
American Christians are seeking peace at any price. Western Secularists have a deafening silence about religion which is not important to them. Americans are suffering more persecution as the One-World Religion approaches. THE BIBLE with Revelations tells us what will happen. Martyrdom will occur for millions of Christians before GOD's Wrath. Persecution of Christians in this country and around the world has escalated to astounding proportions; America and Christians have turned a blind eye.
From the very beginning, GOD's people have been persecuted. Persecution is to be expected by all true Christians. The most aggressive forms of persecution are religious. So far in Western countries it is generally very subtle. In developing countries persecution is overt and rampant.
Every daytime of freedom to witness in history has been followed by a nighttime of persecution. Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and several European Union countries have harmony laws forbidding Christians to teach against sin and proselytize unbelievers.
COUNTRIES
We bind wars that are being fought over religion including undeclared war, global terrorism, genocide and ethnic cleansing. We bind the forces of evil in countries that persecute Christians and Jews, and in particular the sixty-six countries where intensity and severity of persecution is the greatest:
Severe Persecution: North Korea
Oppression: Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Laos, Iran, Maldives, Somalia, Bhutan, China, Afghanistan, Yemen, Turkmenistan
Severe Limitations: Pakistan, Comoros, Uzbekistan, Eritrea, Myanmar (Burma), Egypt, Sudan (North), Libya, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Brunei, Nigeria (North)
Conflict Areas: Zanzibar Islands, Kuwait, Cuba, Russian Federation (Muslim Republics - Chechnya, Kabardino, Balkarya, Dagestan and Tatarstan), Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Mexico (South - Chiapas), Phillippines (South), Tunisia, Qatar, India, Nepal, Columbia
Some Limitations: Indonesia, Palestinian Territory, Algeria, Turkey, Mauritania, Kuwait, Belarus, United Arab Emirates, Oman
Some Problems: Syria, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya (North East), Bahrain.
Praise God!
Thirty-Four Formerly Oppressed Countries Where Christians Now Have Greater Freedom: Albania, Benin, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verd, Cambodia, Congo, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Nicaragua, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Peru (marxist guerilla controlled areas), Poland, Rhodesia, Romania, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia.
U.S.S.R.
Armenia, Estonio, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Modlova, Russia, Ukraine.
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
Comments
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances (The First Amendment, Article 1).
Dismissing America's Christian heritage, attacking religious liberties, silencing The Church, advancing sexual anarchy, sexualizing America's children, redefining marriage and family, promoting obscenity, promoting the culture of death, impeding America's war on terror and looting the American taxpayers.
The editing of Christianity from the culture is accelerating in an alarming way. Once Christianized Western nations have become secularized to the point where Christians are being marginalized. There is a growing anti-Christian mood which is happening all over America. America is going the way of the United Kingdom and Europe where there is a massive decline of Christianity including failing church attendance and increasing anti-Christian sentiment. The society seeks to erase all memory and influence of biblical Christianity.
ACLU Has Sought To Stop
The singing of Christmas carols like Silent Night and Away in a Manger in public facilities; deny tax-exempt status to churches while maintaining it for themselves and for various occultic groups; disallow prayer, not just in public school classrooms but also in locker rooms, sports arenas, graduation exercises and legislative assemblies; terminate military and prison chaplaincies; deny children in Christian schools access to publicly funded services; eliminate nativity scenes, crosses and other Christian symbols from public property; repeal blue law statutes;
prohibit voluntary Bible reading in public schools even during free time or after classes; remove In God We Trust from our coins; deny accreditation to science departments at Bible believing Christian universities; prevent the public display of The Ten Commandments; terminate voucher programs and tuition tax credits; prohibit census questions about an individual's religious affiliation; purge the words "One nation under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance; steal our freedoms and tear down the moral foundation of America; bullying tactics and anti-Christian ideology.
ACLU Supports
Legalized child pornography, partial-birth abortion, legalized drugs, legalized prostitution, mandatory sex education, school busing, legalized polygamy, tax-exempt status for Satanists, unrestricted abortion, publicly funded profane art, adoption by homosexuals, ideological tests for court appointees, pro-choice, same sex marriages, civil unions, lesbian and gay rights, burnings and desecrations of American Flag, abortion on demand throughout pregnancy, censorship of the Ten Commandments and The Bible, free access to pornography including Internet pronography access for children, mandatory comprehensive sex education including detailed promotion of homosexuality and condom use, nudist camps for teenagers, open homosexuality in the military, prayer-less schools, pro-homosexual school curriculums, the right of an organization to help pedophiles learn how to seduce children and molest them sexually and hide their activities from authorities, violent and sexually explicit entertainment as protected speech, and activism against Christian values and Biblical morality.
ACLU Has Defended
The free speech rights of Nazis, child pornographers, Satanists, Ku-Klux-Klan, extended constitutional protection for enemy soldiers while bearing arms against the United States and founder supported Communism.
ACLU Opposes
Parental consent laws, sobriety checkpoints, drug searches, prison terms for most crimes, medical safety reporting of AIDS cases, government ethics committees, pro-life demonstrations, religious displays in public, Boy Scouts, online harmful to minors laws, public display of the Ten Commandments, In God We Trust on U.S. currency, JESUS IS LORD signs, Bible Week, legalized school prayers, education vouchers, abstinence before marriage sex education, God Bless America banners on schools, Christian home schooling, student initiated or led religious activities, voluntary Bible reading in public schools, moments of silence in public schools set aside for prayer or meditation, Christmas on school calendars, use of religious symbols for historical reasons and our governments's post 9/11 security measures.
THREATS TO CHRISTIAN FREEDOM
Restraints on the Gospel's proclamation; unconstitutional restrictions on our right to speak, pray and worship; and GOD's design for the family punished by the legal system. These attacks are trying to destroy religious freedom, family values and sanctity of human life. The drive is to de-Christianize America, silence the Gospel, and advance the intolerant homosexual legal agenda. Examples are homosexual marriage and abortion on demand ideologies and agendas.
Precedents are enacting a wall of separation between church and state, banning non-denominational prayer from public schools, banning Bible reading from public schools except for comparative religion and history study, striking down a state's choice not to teach the evolution of humans, removing the Ten Commandments from public school walls, striking down a period of silence not to exceed one minute for meditation or voluntary prayer, censoring creationist viewpoints when evolutionist viewpoints are taught, and barring prayers at public school graduations.
The written Constitution is the supreme governing legal document in the land. The opinions of foreign courts and governments, and decrees from the United Nations should seldom hold sway to interpret what the federal Constitution means or ought to mean. There are many other growing limits on speech, faith expression and evangelization around the world. If American judges continue looking for foreign precedents to aid their legal remaking of our country, we will not like the changes it brings.
Our Constitution and nation's legal heritage will be shipwrecked on the rocks of international law. Beware of the approaching danger. Intimidation is the prelude to persecution. The castigation of those who are willing to tell the believer's truth is well in progress.
PERSECUTION
There are concentration camps, guillotines and box cars equipped with chains waiting for martial law to be used against Christians. The Church will face heavy trials and real suffering while the country is headed for disaster. Christians will be persecuted for pointing out sins and evils contrary to GOD's WORD. The only religion which could be criticized with impunity would be the Christian faith! Tolerance is accepting other views and life-styles as equally valid with your own!
Battles are between faith / unbelief, freedom / socialism, Christianity / occultism and religion / secularism. The days of beheading for disagreement with Antichrist principles may not be far away. Socialistic humanistic thinking denies deity of JESUS CHRIST, His virgin birth, and bodily resurrection. The end of this age will be climaxed by all-out conflict between the forces of light (Christian) and those of the dark (antichristian). The only wall of separation is the wall that shuts The Gospel out of the governmental and educational establishments.
There is growing legal persecution nationwide against Christians who decline to endorse, facilitate, or participate in workplace activities that violate their conscience of religious convictions.
THE COMING PERSECUTION
Global totalitarian state, great apostasy, Laodecian Church, humanist and world socialist government, worldwide persecution. Bible-believing Christians as rightwing extremists under guise of anti-terrorist legislation who believe in pro-life and end-time prophecy. Conservative, populist politically or Christian in religious belief who disagree with world government, new world order, United Nations, North American Union, Federal Reserve, RFID chips, homosexual marriage, income tax, illegal immigration, President Obama's policies, gun control and abortion. Those who fear foreign nations that are prospering while America is not. Bible-believing Christians will be persecuted before the Tribulation. Ex-military or anyone who opposes the government agenda is on the list of potential terrorists.
SUFFERING
Scripture
John 9:2-3 " 15:18-20And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? JESUS answered, Neither had this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of GOD should be made manifest in him. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember The Word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
John 16:20, 22 " 33Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Rom. 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of GOD, and joint-heirs with CHRIST; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
II Cor. 1:5-6 " 12:7For as the sufferings of CHRIST abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by CHRIST. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
II Tim. 2:12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.
I Pet. 1:7 " 2:21That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of JESUS CHRIST. For even hereunto were ye called: because CHRIST also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
I Pet. 4:1, 12-16, 19Forasmuch then as CHRIST hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of JESUS CHRIST's sufferings: that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for THE NAME OF CHRIST, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of GOD resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify GOD on this behalf. Wherefore let them that suffer according to THE WILL OF GOD commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Proclamation
But that the works of GOD should be made manifest in him. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. But your sorrow shall be turned into joy. And your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. That in me ye might have peace. But be of good cheer. If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For as the sufferings of CHRIST abound in us. The messenger of Satan to buffet me. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth. That ye should follow his steps. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of JESUS CHRIST's sufferings. Ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Wherefore let them that suffer according to THE WILL OF GOD.
Declaration
We rejoice as we participate in JESUS CHRIST'S sufferings and have exceeding joy. The works of GOD will be performed in us. Our sorrow was turned into joy, our heart rejoiced, no man takes our joy from us, and we have peace and good cheer. We will cease from sin, be glorified and reign with Him as the sufferings of CHRIST are in us. Our faith will be tried according to THE WILL OF GOD so that we will follow His Steps.
BIBLICAL DOCTRINE ON SUFFERING
(Zondervan Guide to Cults " Religious Movements)
Scripture
1. The Bible regards human suffering as a crucial issue.
1. In fact, The Bible devotes an entire book to the issue of human suffering. In the book of Job, Job seeks to understand why he must suffer. GOD does not answer Job's specific question but helps him understand that He is sovereign and will ultimately bring about good for those who keep their trust in him.
2. The Bible indicates that all humans can expect to suffer and die (Job 5:7; 14:1, 10 " 22).
3. Nevertheless, The Bible makes a distinction between right and wrong kinds of suffering. Indeed, GOD commends those who suffer for doing good but not those who suffer for doing evil (1 Peter 2:19-20; 4:15).
4. Therefore, even GOD's people should expect to suffer. In fact, GOD's prophets during the Old Testament period suffered because they served the LORD (James 5:10). The apostle Paul not only said that suffering is part of the Christian walk (Phil. 1:29) but also described his own hardships as a result of his Christian ministry (I Peter 4:12). The apostle Peter also taught that Christians should expect to suffer because of their faith in JESUS CHRIST (I Peter 4:12). Moreover, if we expect to share JESUS CHRIST's glory, we must also share His Suffering (Rom. 8:17).
5. Suffering for JESUS CHRIST serves a purpose. When we suffer because of our faith in JESUS CHRIST, that suffering is one mark of GOD's favor upon us (I Peter 4:14). In addition, we can rejoice when we suffer in JESUS CHRIST because it strengthens our faith in GOD (James 1:2-4).
6. Meanwhile, the blessings of GOD outweigh our sufferings. For one thing, we receive GOD's overflowing comfort when we endure troubles (II Cor. 1:3-5). Most importantly, what we suffer is nothing compared to gaining JESUS CHRIST ourselves (Phil. 3:8).
2. The Bible teaches that the origin of human suffering was when the first man and woman disobeyed GOD.
1. The fall of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman. GOD had placed Adam and Eve in an earthly paradise and commanded them not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17). Both Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD's command by eating the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6). GOD punished Adam and Eve by telling them how they and their descendants would suffer as a result of their sin (Gen. 3:16-19).
2. The consequences of the Fall: Because of Adam's disobedience, all people are sinful by nature; and because all people are sinful by nature, they all must die (Rom. 5:12-14, 18-19). Thus, all people die because of Adam (I Cor. 15:22). Eve also participated in the Fall (Gen. 3:6; II Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:14). Because of their disobedience, all of creation is subject to suffering, decay, and death (Rom. 8:20-23).
3. The Bible reveals that suffering will cease for those who finally enter GOD's heavenly kingdom.
1. The present suffering of GOD's people is temporary. GOD's people experience temporary suffering as those born again before entering into an imperishable inheritance (I Peter 1:3-6). The inheritance is the eternal glory Christians will have with the LORD in Heaven, with which their earthly suffering cannot compare (2 Cor. 4:17-18). In fact, GOD counts his people worthy to be in his heavenly kingdom because of what they have suffered for his sake (II Thess. 1:4-5).
2. GOD will end the suffering of his people. Though GOD's people suffer because of their service to JESUS CHRIST, GOD will give the faithful one the crown of life (Rev. 2:10). GOD will wipe away every tear of his people in his heavenly kingdom, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain for them (Rev. 21:3-4).
4. The Bible shows that JESUS CHRIST'S suffering and death atone for the sins of Christians, which guarantees that they won't have to suffer when they are finally united with JESUS CHRIST in Heaven.
1. JESUS CHRIST atoned for the sins of GOD's people in order for them not to be punished from the wrongs they have done. Although Christians experience chastisements and discipline in order to make them more Christ like, JESUS CHRIST took the punishment for their sins upon himself so they won't have to suffer GOD's judgment for their transgressions unlike those who reject JESUS CHRIST (Isa. 53:5-6; 1 John 1:7; 2:2; 4:10). JESUS CHRIST died once for all time for the sins of GOD's people in order to bring them to GOD (1 Peter 3:18). JESUS CHRIST suffered even unto death so he could perfect GOD's people, making them righteous before GOD (Phil. 3:9-11; Heb. 2:9-10).
2. GOD's people will be united with JESUS CHRIST in Heaven, where there is no suffering. After GOD's people have suffered for a little while, GOD will call them to his eternal glory with JESUS CHRIST (1 Peter 5:10). Because of GOD's love for his people, GOD has redeemed them in JESUS CHRIST so that when they get to Heaven they will suffer no more (Rev. 21:3-4).
Declaration
Human suffering is a crucial issue for us. The origin of our suffering occurred when the first man and woman disobeyed GOD. Our suffering will cease when we enter GOD's heavenly kingdom. JESUS CHRIST'S suffering and death atone for our sins as Christians. This guarantees that we won't have to suffer when we are united with JESUS CHRIST in Heaven.
SUFFERING OF BELIEVERS
(Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old " New Testament Words)
(Remember The Persecuted)
That they will face suffering, trials and persecution should not come as a surprise to believers. Scripture records the torture, imprisonment, hunger and other hazards which confronted Paul and others as they preached THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Nevertheless, believers are encouraged to endure suffering as good soldiers, without being frightened or ashamed, knowing that if they share in the FELLOWSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST'S sufferings, they will also share in His Victory.
These sufferings can include affliction, anguish, hardship, sorrow, and tribulation; face secret conspiracies; be beaten, destitute, bound, spoken against, killed, whipped, ridiculed, mocked and tormented.
The world has become a very bad place for Christians since September 11. The fiery furnace of persecution is living in oppression. The majority of Christians suffer unspeakable hardships and intense persecution. Approximately 26,000,000 Christians were martyred for their faith during the 20th century, more than previous centuries combined. Incredibly, that figure doesn't include untold millions who have been imprisoned, tortured or persecuted in other ways because of their faith. 200 million Christians in 60 countries around the world are currently at risk of suffering from persecution.
They are harassed, abused, kidnapped, imprisoned, tortured, enslaved and martyred for their faith. Their possessions are confiscated, and their homes are raided and burned. Christian communities and churches are destroyed, and untold suffering, poverty and fear devastate families. They are tormented, afflicted and lives taken in martyrdom because of refusal to deny their LORD AND SAVIOR. They have fear, desperation and persecution.
It is forbidden to teach about Creation, Judgment, The Second Coming, GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST, His miracles or even His Resurrection. There are forced abortion and sterilization, torture, abuse and threat of re-education camps. There are forced renunciations, confiscation of Bibles, destruction of churches, Christian prisoners, menacing harassment and death threats.
There are harassments, thefts, violent attacks, abduction and forced conversion to Islam. Women suffer gross mistreatment and are dragged into Islamic culture by forced marriage. There is killing apostate Christians and those who proselytized them. There are hostility, harassment and murder of Christians.
QUOTATION FROM MATHETES
They marry as do all (others). They beget children but they do not cast away fetuses (commit abortion). They have a common table but not a common bed (sharing wives, as the Gnostics did). They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth but they are citizens of Heaven. They obey the prescribed laws and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives.
They love all men and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned. They are put to death and restored to life. They are poor yet make many rich. They are in lack of all things and yet abound in all. They are dishonoured and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of and yet are justified. They are reviled and bless. They are insulted and repay the insult with honour. They do good yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life. They are assailed by the Jews as foreigners and are persecuted by the Greeks. Yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.
PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHURCH
We pray for persecuted and martyred Christian brothers and sisters around the world, The Persecuted Church, those who pray for The Persecuted Church, agencies that support The Persecuted Church and those who persecute The Church. We pray for Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese, Animism, Atheism, tribal religions, and non-Christian religions that persecute Christians. We pray for THE BODY OF CHRIST as we suffer more persecution. We pray for strength in persecution so that we will not deny JESUS CHRIST.
We pray for those who suffer persecution, widows and orphans of martyrs, and families of those who are: intimidated, raped, harassed, tortured, pressured to renounce their faith, discriminated against; denied health care, education and jobs; starved, murdered, hearts broken, stripped of human dignity, poor, refugees and marginalized, imprisoned, kidnapped, degraded, ostracized, abandoned, mutilated, oppressed, malnutrition, conflict, chronic instability, slavery, debt bondage, serfdom; forced child prostitution, soldiers, exploitation and labor; pornography, making and selling drugs, genital mutilation, abortion, fatigue, HIV, AIDS, sickness and disease, confiscation, sex trade, competitive control, girls valued less than boys, prejudice, lust, hate, hopelessness, brutality, violence, witchcraft, curses, abused sexually, physically, emotionally and violently, and evil ancient traditions.
We pray for everyone associated with: American Civil Liberties Union, Freedom From Religious Foundation, National Organization For Women, Americans United For Separation Of Church And State, Planned Parenthood, People For The American Way, NARAL, Pro-Choice America, National Abortion Federation, Feminist Majority Foundation, and their allies to come into THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST.
REFERENCES
1. Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old " New Testament Words by W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Jr., Thomas Nelson Publishers
2. Big Sister Is Watching You and America Shattered by Texe Marrs, Living Truth Publishers
3. The ACLU Vs. America and The Homosexual Agenda by Alan Sears and Craig Osten, Broadman " Holman Publishers
4. Indefensible - 10 Ways The ACLU Is Destroying America by Sam Kastensmidt, Coral Ridge Ministries
5. Their Blood Cries Out by Paul Marshall, Word Publishing
6. Zondervan Guide to Cults " Religious Movements, Zondervan Publishing House