Musing – What Can We Do About the Inevitable Persecution?

Hebraic Musing – What Can We Do About the Inevitable Persecution?

I would rather expect and be ready for hardships and persecution than to be caught by surprise.  Jesus warned us that persecution is inevitable.  If you’re not being persecuted, maybe your Christian faith is not showing! 

Joel Richardson’s “The Islamic Anti-Christ”* provides enlightening descriptions of the Islamic religion that us non-Muslims might not be aware of.  Study to understand the impending challenge; Jesus warned us “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”  Mark 13:33 

Here is a quick sampling of perspectives relevant to the Islam religion which will likely become a key role in the “End Times.”  Later we will look at some critical “Action Steps.” 

·      We are not fully aware of the degree to which the future of the Christian church, indeed, the future of the entire world and the future of Islam are divinely and directly interconnected?

·      The 2009 book was written nine years ago, and in it he claimed that Islam will bypass Christianity and become the world’ s largest religion in less than 20 years.  Their higher birth rate is a big reason.

·      Muslims wrestle with the question of why Allah has allowed Islam to remain an inferior presence on the earth compared with Christianity.  Will the day come when Christians too will have to wrestle with the question as to why our God allowed Islam to bypass Christianity in terms of both growth and influence?

·      End Times eschatology played a prominent role in the early church; today belief in the “last days” has become optional and/or ignored.  Not so with Muslims’ beliefs; they are counting on “last days” events.

·      Central to Islamic faith is the Mahdi who is a future Muslim world leader who will not only rule over the Islamic world, but the whole non-Muslim world as well.  And many of their teachings say that the Mahdi will reign for seven years. (Interesting number!?)

·      Here are some of the 21 characteristics of the Mahdi who 1.5 billion Muslims eagerly await: *(p.31-32)
1. He is Islam’s primary messianic figure.  2. He will be a descendent of Mohammed and bear Mohammed‘s name.  3. He will be a very devout Muslim.  4. He will be an unparalleled spiritual, political and military world leader.  5. He will emerge after a period of time to create turmoil and suffering upon the earth. …....
11. He will make a seven year peace treaty with a Jew of priestly lineage.  ......   15. He will cause Islam to be the only religion practiced here on earth.    …..21.  He will be loved by all people of the earth.

·      Beheading is the prescribed means of executing Christians, those who refuse to convert. (Read the news!)

·      There are many more parallels between the Bible and the Qur’an’s description of “End Time” events.

This description of the Islam religion is not exhaustive but provided so we recognize that a tipping point is approaching.  And the two religions, Christianity and Islam, cannot co-exist; thus persecution of Christians appears to be inevitable.  Our Bible and the words of Jesus have much to say about the persecution we should expect.  (Relevant references are provided after this musing.) 

So, how to be prepared?  What are our “Action Steps”?

1.      Some people get saved and recognize the need for Jesus from “Hell-fire” messages.

2.      WWJD – Like Jesus, let’s talk about and preach warnings about the expectation of “End-times.”

3.      God put eschatology throughout the Bible, and “Whatever Daddy says must be important.”

4.      The inevitability of “End Times” events is too important to ignore!

5.      We may well live to see these events.  Will “Pre-Trib” believers be able to handle the surprise?

6.      Gain understanding and prepare your hearts.  Draw near to Him and Pray for strength!  

7.      We are commanded to always be alert.  Too many references to list!

8.      Prepare yourself for a prophetic office in the Church; a ministry highly overlooked.

Points to ponder

What events are in the headlines of Mid-Eastern countries like Israel?

Are you ready to deal with the consequences of being outnumbered by Muslims?
The song ♫ Are you ready, are you ready… ♫  takes on fresh significance!

Let’s “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Rom. 12:14        

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          December 18, 2018  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Excerpts & quotes from “The Islamic Antichrist” 2009/2014 by Joel Richardson  (worthwhile insights into Islam)

Headlines in Israel News

CHRISTIANS FACE ‘IMMINENT EXTINCTION’ IN THE MIDDLE EAST, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY WARNS: … followers of the faith were subject to the “daily threat of murder” and the situation was the worst “since the Mongol invasions of the 13th century”. Figures suggest that just one in 400 Syrian refugees given asylum in the UK last year was a Christian.

IRAN ARRESTS OVER 100 CHRISTIANS IN CRACKDOWN ON CONVERSIONS: Iranian authorities have over the past few days reportedly arrested more than 100 Christians, as the regime seeks to crack down on conversions and what it construes as preaching by evangelicals.

Source - Barry & Batya Segal <news@visionforisrael.com>

Relevant verses speaking of the persecution we should expect.  (all NIV)

Fear not for I am with you.  Revelation 2:10   “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  

Hebrews 10:32-34    “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.  Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.  You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”  

Romans 8:35-36   Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:  "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 

Jesus warned us about seed in rocky places in His parable of the sower – Matthew 13:21 and in Mark 4:17-18  “But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”  

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount – Matt 5:11-12   "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  

When He warned us about the “End Times” He said -- "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.”  Luke 21:12

And perhaps the most relevant – John 15:20  “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

Musing – What Does It Mean to Be “Fishers of Men”?

Hebraic Musing – What Does It Mean to Be “Fishers of Men”?

What might Jesus have been thinking when He told Peter, and us, to be “Fishers of Men” in Matt 4:19?  In red letters Jesus said "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Was Jesus referring to the variety of fish to pursue?  Different species – fast or slow swimmers?  Bottom or top feeders?  

Where should we find the catch of the day?  In lakes, rivers, streams, among reeds or in ponds?  I’ve even traveled to lakes in Canada and to Gulf of Florida to catch big ones!

Should we use a boat or cast from shore?  In my fishing days, while we were waiting to launch the boat we’d be casting from the shore or from the dock or fishing under the dock.  We tried everywhere.  We never knew where we might get lucky!

Did Jesus provide us fishermen with different baits and/or lures?  Some varieties of fish require specific baits?  Live bait, worms, smaller fish, etc.   Special baits are used for the cautious fish; you know, the ones who’ve been caught once and are now more wary.  A famous fisherman named Paul once said “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”  1 Cor. 9:22

Fishermen learn to be patient; not expecting instant results.  But a good fisherman will move on if he doesn’t get at least nibbles.  Nibbles are good; the fish are showing interest! 

Fishermen know that not all fish are catchable, but we keep trying patiently!

What techniques do we use?  Casting, net, trolling, bottom fishing…?  (Analogies have limits.  When evangelizing, remember that God loves even the “Bottom-feeders.”)

We “Fishers of Men” have a big advantage; we have the best fishing guide!  The Holy Spirit tells us how, what, where, when and why to fish!!!  And He constantly reminds me to “Be Alert.”

And after catching fish, the fisherman needs to clean them.  BTW – You can’t clean them before catching them!  And a friend recently reminded me that “sometimes it gets messy”.

Points to ponder

Do the above fishing techniques also apply to evangelism?

If we have to “Go into all of the world” to fish,
will we be looking for and finding fish
 with different characteristics, backgrounds, experiences, flavors? 

Have a good fishing trip.  Hope you fill up your ice chest.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          December 11, 2018  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Here is an “End Times” Scenario that Makes Sense!?

Hebraic Musing – Here is an “End Times” Scenario that Makes Sense!?

I confess to avoiding study of eschatology as too many teachings just didn’t quite fit.  But reading Joel Richardson’s books brought out scenarios that line up perfectly with things I hear, read and observe in today’s world.  Now I can understand why the news media is blatantly under-reporting anti-Semitic events!

Mystery Babylon* is an in-depth look at the prophecies in Revelation 17 and 18 (Provided in full at the end).  This musing will be best understood if you read and refresh those chapters in your mind.  Here are some key points, characters and references to consider:  (Saving you having to read 500+ pages)

Last Days Babylon – Which “Babylon” should we be looking to?  “Mystery Babylon will be the capital, the very heart of the coming revived Islamic empire.”  Many of the proposed ideas are past, which one is left? 

It’s all about Israel – What’s the religion of all neighbors surrounding Israel?  Are they peaceful neighbors?

Islamic Caliphate – From the beginning of Islam (circa 622AD), the “Arab-supremacists forces crushed and erased the cultures and religions of the people it conquered…due to the intolerant nature of Islam…epitome of totalitarian ideology.”  BTW – “Islam” actually means “Submission” in Arabic.   Saudi Arabia and Arab nations are clearly NOT religiously tolerant!!!

Mother of all Harlots – She has to be “the greatest false religion humankind has known, but also a profoundly tyrannical faith system, one that persecutes and seeks to exterminate…”*   Descriptions – “Drunk on the blood of the saints!” Rev.17:6  And “By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.” Rev.18:23

Corrupter of Kings – Mecca and the port city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia fit the description of the “Great City” –  Port, Desert, Wealthy, Corrupter, etc.)  Sunni Muslim “kings” dominate Saudi Arabia; and their incomparable oil wealth and luxuries provide the money and power to entice even presidents Carter, Bush, Clinton (and Trump?) with weapons deals and lobbyist support.  (Interesting, the author did not mention Obama!) 

Islam’s Pagan Roots – Rituals, artifacts and symbols have Hindu origins.  Col. 2:18 warns against angelology!

Second coming – The Mahdi (Islam’s coming redeemer) and the Antichrist may actually be one and the same.  We Christians are typically unaware of the similarities between the biblical Antichrist and Islam’s expectations of a returning Jesus.  And we are also unaware of many other similarities!

Missions efforts of Islam – The “Islamic Antichrist” is a book to read to understand Islam and for insights into the world's fastest-growing religion and the future of the world.  Apparently the Muslims will outnumber Christians within our lifetime!  (So there is urgency to share this with all y’all) As a “Seducer of Nations” Rev. 18:23 “Muslims living in America are encouraged to ‘behave as if on a mission behind enemy lines’”* 
(I have often wondered why Muslims in America promote themselves as a religion of peace, but obviously not elsewhere in the world?) 

Many Christians convert to Islam –  Why?   Here are some reasons Islam appeals to “quasi-Christians”:
(a) Both are Monotheistic, an easy foundation; (b) Allah does not need a son to do his work, so one can avoid accepting Jesus as Lord; Jesus is real but redefined as a mere prophet; Muslims also look for his return. (c) Islam is not founded on Man’s unredeemable sin nature. (all based on author’s descriptions of Islam.)

Military, legal, political solutions will not solve the ultimate problems.  “Radical Muslim will continue to expand and explode throughout the nations.”  Read the news, it’s happening in other countries! 

Points to ponder

Does this background help to explain and understand patterns of events in our daily news?

Are you ready to deal with the consequences of being outnumbered by Muslims?
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt. 28:20

How to lead Muslims to faith in Christ; without worrying about self-preservation?

Let’s “go and make disciples of all nations”    Happy Hanukah y’all

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          December 4, 2018  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Inspired by, excerpted and quoted from “Mystery Babylon: Unlocking the Bible's Greatest Prophetic Mystery” 2017  and “The Islamic Antichrist” 2009/2014, both by Joel Richardson. (Worthwhile insights into Islam)

Revelation 17 & 18  NIV

1  One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries."

3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 This title was written on her forehead:

MYSTERY        BABYLON THE GREAT       THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES   
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.   When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the angel said to me: "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.

9 "This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10 They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while. 11 The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.

12 "The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings — and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

15 Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. 16 The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled. 18 The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."

Chapter 18   1   After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:
"Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!
    She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit,
      a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.
3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
    and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries."

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:  
"Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins,
    so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done.
    Mix her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
    In her heart she boasts, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.'
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine.
    She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.

9 "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry:
"'Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!'

11 "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men.

14 "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.' 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out:
"'Woe! Woe, O great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!     17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!'

"Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' 19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: 
"'Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!
20 Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets!
God has judged her for the way she treated you.'"

21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again.
22 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again.
No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again.
23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again.
Your merchants were the world's great men.
    By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth."