Musing – Are We About to be Persecuted as Jesus Anticipated?

 Hebraic Musing – Are We About to be Persecuted as Jesus Anticipated?

We Americans have a God-given constitution granting us Life, Liberty and the Right to Pursue Happiness.  But those rights have been rapidly disappearing in recent years at an especially rapid and alarmingly rate!  What are some of the ungodly lifestyles, dictates, beliefs and programs we are experiencing that are orchestrated to destroy the America we once knew?  And what does the Bible say about each of them?

·      The Progressive agenda is attacking our social, political, educational, news media, TV programing, religious and familial lives.  Their cultural agenda is right out of the Marxist playbook.  We are being attacked; when do we declare war?  And there are casualties in wars!  Christian, what are you afraid of?   Jude 18 warned us - “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 

·      The LGBTQ agenda(s) and Sexually explicit curriculum in public schools are contrary to Biblical Marriage (see my Book*).  “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”  Gen.1:27 NIV   Why do we hear young people asking “Why get married?”?

·      Racial divisions & Marxist funded BLM movements feed Victimhood.   This creates races/groups and pits them against one another.  i.e. women vs. men, cops to defund, critiquing lack of equality in the family, etc.  All those issues ignore the fundamental biblical doctrines of original sin and individual responsibility.  And actually, we are all one race Biblically; all our DNAs trace to Adam & Eve; or more specifically, Noah!

·      Rioting, destruction and world-wide rebellion is the new way of exerting influence instead of utilizing a democratic voting process.  The Bible tells us to respect our elders - “Honor your father and your mother…” Deut.5:16;  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Rom.13:1   

·      Are Individual rights are more important than group rights?  Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 
How often do we cave in to our “self-centered feelings”?

·      Stir up “Feminine ferment” by claiming there is no difference between men & women.  Equality has become an issue – Right to vote, equal pay, etc.   “He created them male and female”  Gen 5:2  I’ve heard the French say “Viva la difference!”  Science identifies many emotional, physical and psychological differences. 

·      As mothers are encouraged or required to go to work, children will have to attend state day-cares and schools.  But the education of a child is the parent’s responsibility. See Deut. 6:6-9 

·      Planned Parenthood founder, Margaret Sanger, had notable quotes – “No Gods, No Masters” and “reproductive freedom” and “Submission to husband is evil.”  That is in contrast to the Biblical family structure - “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Col. 3:18  NIV

·      Compassion is being used to override our judgement of ungodly lifestyles.  But Paul admonished us. “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” Acts 20:27 NIV

·      Exaggerated promises of Free Stuff, Benefits, Hope & Change, Income Equality, Justice, etc.   These all appeal to our Sinful and greedy nature.  “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jer. 17:9 

Are Christians trying to find a lighter cross to bear.  “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34  Jesus did not expect the masses to be saved!  “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many… will try to enter and will not be able to.” Luke 13:24

Was Jesus anticipating these times when He told us “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  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,”   Matt.5:10-12   NIV 

And God has encouraged us.  “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh.1:9  NIV

Final question – It might be too late to reclaim the culture; but can we reclaim the Church of Jesus Christ?

Points to ponder

Why might a persecuted Christian consider it an honor to be persecuted?

“Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight…” and what did God do?  Gen.6:11-13

Are we prepared to stand for righteousness WHEN persecution comes?

Are we prepared for “House Churches” as a mode for survival if & as necessary?

What comes after persecution in this world?  And for how long?

“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.'
          If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”  John 15:20  NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 16, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
* “Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings” http://insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Note – Inspired/excerpted from “We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture's Assault on Christianity” by Erwin Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago.  His stated purpose – “I want to inspire us to have the courage to walk toward the fire and not run away from the flames.   God has brought us to this cultural moment, and our future cannot be taken for granted.  As has been said ‘In a time of universal deception, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.’”