Category: persecution

Bands of Love

Sunday, October 4, 2015

“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them” (Hosea 11:4 KJV).

Oh, what gracious love JEHOVAH God had for hateful, ungracious Israel!

Have you ever loved someone and he or she just trampled it underfoot? You truly cared for them and they truly could not care less about you. They had no time for you unless they could get something from you. You did a lot to help them and they were so ungrateful. They dragged your name through the mud. They mocked you, hurt you, and slandered you. How did that make you feel? Bitter, angry, sad, disappointed?

“[1] When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. [2] As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. [3] I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. [4] I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.”

It is most pathetic to find, in the context of today’s Scripture, that Israel has thrown God’s love in the garbage! They did not want fellowship with the one true God, the God who had felt sorry for them and who had rescued them from such deplorable Egyptian slavery. They preferred to offer sacrifices to worthless idols that could not think, hear, talk, or love them. This is no different today. We love our religion. Unlike Jesus Christ, our religion never loved us to die for us. Why are we so devoted to denominations? We love our sin. Unlike Jesus Christ, our sin never loved us enough to die for us. Why are we so loyal to our sin?

Friends, may we never throw away the identity that God offers us in Jesus Christ. Let us learn the lesson from Israel’s tragic history. May we be content with God’s grace. With each passing day, let us thank Him for it!

Lewd Fellows of the Baser Sort

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

“But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people” (Acts 17:5 KJV).

Our King James Bible abounds with interesting phraseology. Today’s Scripture is no exception. As a pastor friend often comments about the verse, “You may not understand that expression ‘lewd fellows of the baser sort’ but you at least know it does not sound good!” We will analyze the phrase and learn just how “bad” it really is. Context first, though.

While Paul and Silas were conducting Paul’s second apostolic journey, they came to Macedonia (northern Greece), to a city named Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. For two or three weeks, Paul reasoned with them out of the Scriptures. He used the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was Christ. Some in the audience believed the Gospel of the Grace of God—Christ Jesus died for their sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Luke writes in chapter 17 of Acts, verse 4, a great multitude of religious Greeks and many chief women believed unto eternal life. Today’s Scripture picks up the account. Satan was very upset!

Unbelieving Jews who followed Paul everywhere, became envious that God was now working amongst and saving the pagan Gentiles. In response to Paul’s ministry triumphs in Thessalonica, these lost Jews gathered a mob of the worst people they could locate. These men were “lewd” (wicked), but to make it worse, they were “of the baser sort” (the worst of the worst!). That mob then caused a riot in Thessalonica. It physically attacked a Christian, Jason, and his household. After that intense day, Paul and Silas by night barely escaped to nearby Berea with their lives (verses 6-10)!

Saints, may we learn this simple lesson. Let us brush off the silly and snide comments, awful frowns, and rude gestures from the lost world. After all, the Bible says Christians have been assaulted (literally) “by worse!” 🙂

Ever-Learning Athenians

Thursday, September 3, 2015

“And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)” (Acts 17:19-21 KJV).

Athens was the chief intellectual city of the ancient world. What will its citizens do with God’s Word, true wisdom?

Recently, while reading a world history book, I came across the following statement: “The Athenians believed that life was empty unless people tried to gain new knowledge and live freely.” Today’s Scripture came to mind. See, dear friends, when the Bible speaks of history, it speaks with accuracy!

While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy (verse 15), he was deeply affected to see Athens “wholly given to idolatry” (verse 16). After disputing with the Jews in the synagogue, and the religious people, and in the market daily with people who met him (verse 17), “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection” (verse 18).

As the Bible and history affirm, the Athenians were always eager to hear of something new. Yet, there was something odd about Paul’s “new” message. They saw him as a “babbler,” someone who had picked up secondhand tales and was now passing them along. After Paul’s extensive Gospel sermon (Acts 17:22-31), “when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter” (verse 32). Verse 33 says Paul left them, with certain men joining him and believing those words of eternal life. Still, the majority of Athenians were “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). When it came time to receive “some new thing” that was also something eternally significant, the vast majority could not care less. Saints, let us not be discouraged when people act the same way toward us today! 🙂

Paul and Dispensationalism #5

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

“And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 KJV).

What else can the Apostle Paul teach us about dispensational Bible study?

Today’s Scripture is part of a larger context (verses 1-15). Paul rarely writes about prophecy, so when he does, we had better take note. Verses 1 and 2 explain Paul’s purpose in writing it: “[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, [2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”

Erroneous (false) teaching had distressed Thessalonica. Someone had forged a letter using Paul’s name! The Thessalonian believers were suffering immense persecution for their Christian testimony (see 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6)—actually, some had already been killed (1 Thessalonians 4:13)! Evidently, that forged letter taught the Thessalonians that they had missed the Rapture, and they were now experiencing the horrors of the Daniel’s 70th week, the seven-year Tribulation! (Sound familiar?) These poor Christians were like many poor Christians today—“shaken in mind” and “troubled.” It is not uncommon for “Christian” people to say today, “I refuse that Mark of the Beast! Look at this computer chip, this smartphone, this I.D. card! Oh Lord, help me resist the Antichrist!” Frankly, beloved, this is foolishness! Paul wrote today’s Scripture to correct such flawed theology.

Our Dispensation of Grace has—we have—nothing to do with Israel’s program. Nothing! Theologians may not see it (because they refuse), but today’s Scripture says our program is postponing Israel’s prophetic program. Paul’s words in this second chapter of 2 Thessalonians can save us from sensationalistic prophecy preaching. May we let the Holy Spirit use today’s Scripture to comfort and encourage our souls—the Body of Christ is appointed to heaven, not wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9)!

For more information about this, you can see our study, “Is prophecy being fulfilled in the Dispensation of Grace?”

For more information about the King James Bible’s wording in 2 Thessalonians 2:2, you can see our study, “Should the King James’ term “Christ” actually be “Lord” in 2 Thessalonians 2:2?”

Paul and Dispensationalism #2

Sunday, August 9, 2015

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;” (Ephesians 3:1-5 KJV).

What else can the Apostle Paul teach us about dispensational Bible study?

Protesters of dispensational Bible study often resort to the ridiculous claim, “Dispensationalism was invented in the late 1800s-early 1900s by Darby, Larkin, and Scofield.” Bless their dear hearts—they need to hush and study today’s Scripture in their 1611 King James Bible. The Bible term “dispensation” existed long before the 1800s!

Beloved, we do not recognize, believe, and teach dispensational Bible study to be different (although we are different for recognizing, believing, and teaching it). Friends, we do not recognize, believe, and teach dispensational Bible study to be ridiculed (although we are ridiculed for recognizing, believing, and teaching it). Brethren, we do not recognize, believe, and teach dispensational Bible study to be shunned (although we are shunned for recognizing, believing, and teaching it). So be it! Let us be different, ridiculed, and shunned! Praise our Lord Jesus Christ that we are in the same predicament as the apostle He sent to us Gentiles!

Unless someone did not want to see, he or she would understand that “the dispensation of the grace of God” was given to the Apostle Paul (today’s Scripture). Jesus Christ revealed to Paul a secret, “the mystery of Christ.” Verse 6 elaborates: “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” The secret was that He would form a body of believing Jews and Gentiles, the Church the Body of Christ, separate and distinct from the nation Israel. This Body of Christ was to be formed, strengthened, and manifested to all, through Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon. God delayed Israel’s program to form this new agency!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is prophecy being fulfilled in the Dispensation of Grace?”

Bible Believers Boldly Broadcasting Beliefs

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

“For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:8,9 KJV).

Brethren, be Bible believers boldly broadcasting blessed beliefs.

JEHOVAH had commissioned the Prophet Jeremiah to warn sinful Judah of the coming Babylonian invasions, to warn them to get right with the God of their fathers. Now, 20 chapters into his ministry, Jeremiah has received some “feedback”… and it is not positive! Pashur, the son of the priest, the chief governor in the LORD’S house (Temple), hears Jeremiah speaking against Judah’s sins and foretelling God’s judgment using Babylon. Does Pashur believe JEHOVAH’S message? Nay, on the contrary, Pashur physically beats Jeremiah and places him in the stocks (structure to imprison, holding hands and feet, for public display) (verses 1 and 2).

Today’s Scripture is excerpted from Jeremiah’s pity party: he was just as human as we. He laments that no one wants to hear him preach God’s Word, that he was now being mocked for speaking truth. So, Jeremiah determines just to shut his mouth, not to speak at all about JEHOVAH, or preach anything else in His name. It has gotten him into trouble and—like most—he wants to avoid persecution for the sake of the God of the Bible. But then, Jeremiah just could not keep it inside anymore. God’s Word was just bursting forth! It was exhausting trying to keep quiet when people needed to hear the truth! He preached for many more years, despite further persecution and imprisonments!

Have you ever greatly wanted to share the Gospel or the Bible with someone? You just had to say something because you could not stay quiet any longer. Jeremiah felt the same way! May we study God’s Word, especially Paul’s epistles, and may we believe those words, so they burst forth from our lips for all to hear… no matter the cost! 🙂

Quarantined for Christ!

Sunday, June 14, 2015

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets” (Luke 6:22,23 KJV).

Christ in us is contagious… and they do not want to “catch” Him!

Recently, a Christian was telling me how another Christian had “Christian” family members who emotionally and spiritually abused him. She claimed that this individual was treated as though he had leprosy. They had no time for him unless they could benefit from him in some way. It undoubtedly was a spiritual battle. It was a great division, a battle between good and evil, a situation wherein one party stood for sound Bible doctrine and the other party was entrenched in religious tradition. Today’s Scripture came to mind.

We can be “quarantined” for various and sundry reasons. Perhaps we live a “gutter life,” one filled with violence and crime, and (understandably) no one wants to be associated with us. Or, maybe we just like to gossip and backstab and people thus avoid us. These are negative. But, to be “separated… for the Son of man’s sake” (today’s Scripture), that is the noblest type of quarantine. It is not easy to handle, and it does hurt, but Jesus Christ forewarned His disciples that it would come. They should not be shocked or “frozen,” unable to react when it happened. But, how can one in that predicament be “blessed,” happy, “rejoicing,” “leaping for joy?” It takes the mind of God to understand!

If ever people associate you with the God of the Bible, you have given a clear testimony of the God of the Bible in your behavior and lifestyle. There was no phoniness or cravenness in you. You were candid about your Saviour, they saw the light, and they refused to see that light any further. They knew you were “infected” with Jesus Christ, and they sealed you away, lest you “communicate” Him to them! Indeed, rejoice, beloved, jump for joy, when the world places you in “quarantine!” 🙂

The Key to Harmony

Saturday, May 2, 2015

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV).

Behold, the key to harmony!

We all recall times when fellow Christians mistreated us. We all remember times when we wronged other Christians. While Father God has granted us abundant forgiveness in Christ (today’s Scripture), it is very difficult to apply that forgiveness to others. What they did to us hurt, and what we did to them hurt. Some wrongs are especially painful, very tough to relinquish (which then fester to become grudges). When we see these people, what they did to us immediately comes to mind. It was five, 10, 20, or over 50 years ago, but we still remember what happened. Our emotions (tainted by sin) then get involved, and how we want to lash out at them!

As a brother in the ministry once said, “We grace Christians need to be the kindest, gentlest, most loving people.” Today’s Scripture should be committed to memory. No, we are not to be doormats, but we should make every possible effort to make any situation better, especially if it involves another member of the Church the Body of Christ (Romans 12:18; Galatians 6:10). Sometimes, because of pride, the other party refuses to yield. They decline to reconcile—no apologies are offered, no kindness is shown, wrongdoing is denied, et cetera. Some matters just cannot be straightened out. Unfortunately, they will only be made right in heaven (when neither person’s flesh is in the way).

We need to take a moment to pray for those who have wronged us. If they are unsaved, may we be burdened to pray for their salvation unto eternal life. They need to believe the Gospel of Grace now before they die and go to hell and have to pay for those sins forever. If they are Christians, we need to pray ever so earnestly that they grow in God’s grace, and straighten up, and hurt the cause of Christ no more. Yes, they have done us wrong, but Jesus Christ took care of it at Calvary, and we need to send those wrongs there! 🙂

The Common Prison and The Extraordinary Message

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison” (Acts 5:17,18 KJV).

Oh, man’s shameful treatment of God’s faithful apostles!

For several months now, Peter and the 11 other apostles of Israel have been preaching to their Jewish brethren, pleading with them to trust Jesus as their Messiah, that they not be consumed in His wrath when He returns. The Holy Spirit has been working mightily in and through these 12 men: they have performed various healing miracles, confirming the kingdom message that they are preaching (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:3-5; et al.).

Israel’s religious leaders know the apostles’ activities threaten their organization. In the chapter previous to today’s Scripture, Israel’s religious leaders “commanded [the apostles] not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (verse 18). Peter wisely answered, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (verses 19,20). The apostles were further threatened but not imprisoned.

Today’s Scripture is some time later, after many other healing miracles occurred, after many other sermons about Jesus Christ have been preached. Israel’s religious leaders arrest the apostles and throw them into prison. Not the prison for political or elite wrongdoers, but the “common prison.” The apostles are thrown into a dangerous environment. The worst criminals—the murderers, rapists, et cetera—are in the “common prison” with them! God certainly had His eyes on these dear Israeli apostles. In fact, they miraculously survived that “common prison” until the angel of the Lord came by night to release them (verse 19)!

Israel’s apostles went on from the common prison to preach again to the common people. Praise God that they were not bitter or slack. Despite their persecution, they preached their hearts out. Nothing could keep them from talking about the Messiahship of Jesus. They eventually gave up their lives for Him! Beloved, surely, in light of what these men faced for Jesus Christ, we can endure name-calling and ostracism! 🙂

“Deranged” for the Lord

Tuesday, April 6, 2015

“And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself” (Mark 3:21 KJV).

If they called our Lord “crazy,” surely we can count it all joy when they do it to us!

Jesus told His Jewish disciples on the night just before His death, “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; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).

When Festus heard Paul’s testimony, he said, “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad” (Acts 26:24). In other words, “Paul, you are loopy, gone off the deep end, insane!” Just as the Bible says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). To the un-regenerated spirit, the Bible is nonsense, madness, craziness. It is literally a foreign language to them.

It will be a happy day when each and every Christian realizes that, before the lost world hated us, they first hated Jesus Christ. They do not hate us personally; they hate Him Whom we represent. We should not get mad at them; they are only acting naturally, for they know of no other way to think or live. They cannot get at Him, for He is not physically here, but they can get at us, we who are physically here. We should not expect lost people to act any differently than lost people acted 2,000 years ago. If they hated Jesus Christ living His flesh, they will hate Him living in our flesh. If they called Him names, they will call us names. If they mistreated Him, they are sure to mistreat us.

Still, I have a dear friend in the ministry who likes to say, “I would rather be a ‘fool’ for Christ than an idiot for the Devil!” We agree with this brother wholeheartedly! 🙂