It's always been dangerous to be a Christian.
From the inception of the faith, those who have espoused CHRIST have been persecuted. Of the original disciples, only Judas the betrayer died by his own hand and only John the beloved died a natural death.
The onslaught of the enemy of men's souls has intensified in this generation and many believe it is because he knows his time is short.
No, GOD'S ancient foe does not know the day or the hour of CHRIST'S
return, so he has always had an antichrist prepared--one to fill the
prophetic role described in the BIBLE (primarily in the Book of
Revelation)--but though many wicked men have come and gone, the SECOND
COMING is still awaited.
As events align ever more fully with those associated with the LORD'S return, we who look for HIS coming recognize that turmoil and strife are part of the end times scenario. The events prophesied may include our own persecution. We certainly recognize that our brothers in lands without religious freedom are daily tortured and slain for their belief in JESUS.
How should we respond as the signs of the times unfold?
First, we must pray fervently to be steadfast in faith, giving glory to GOD in the face of encroaching danger.
Second, we must be bold to proclaim our faith. We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated into hiding in secrecy and silence.
Third, we must recognize that of ourselves, we haven't the resolve or the strength to stand boldly for CHRIST in the face of imminent persecution but that we can indeed, "DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO SUSTAINS US."
Fourth, we must remind ourselves that nothing that we stand to lose because of our persecution begins to approximate to everything we stand to gain because of our faith in the ONE who came that we may have "life and that more abundantly."
As events align ever more fully with those associated with the LORD'S return, we who look for HIS coming recognize that turmoil and strife are part of the end times scenario. The events prophesied may include our own persecution. We certainly recognize that our brothers in lands without religious freedom are daily tortured and slain for their belief in JESUS.
How should we respond as the signs of the times unfold?
First, we must pray fervently to be steadfast in faith, giving glory to GOD in the face of encroaching danger.
Second, we must be bold to proclaim our faith. We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated into hiding in secrecy and silence.
Third, we must recognize that of ourselves, we haven't the resolve or the strength to stand boldly for CHRIST in the face of imminent persecution but that we can indeed, "DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO SUSTAINS US."
Fourth, we must remind ourselves that nothing that we stand to lose because of our persecution begins to approximate to everything we stand to gain because of our faith in the ONE who came that we may have "life and that more abundantly."
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