No More Hypotheticals

For many years, preachers in American congregations of the church of Christ have tried to warn and prepare the brethren of hardships that were to come.  Different verses have been used to emphasize the growing threats.  Take for instance the following, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12)  That verse does not say that persecution might come, but rather it is stated that it shall come.  Sadly, some might take this declaration too flippantly.  They might have allowed themselves to believe that persecutions only take place in other countries.  Likewise, they might believe that as long as they stay in The United States of America, then they will be fine.  This line of thought can give us a false sense of security.

Time after time, preacher after preacher, the brethren have been taught lessons about persecution that were mainly hypothetical.  Something might have been said like, “If things do not improve, then I hate to think of what life will be like for my children and grandchildren.”  Friends, as I write this article, recent events have shown that persecution is no longer to be thought of as a hypothetical future.  Instead, we need to accept that persecution is here right now!  People are being ridiculed, berated, vilified, and yes, even killed because of their belief in God and His Word.  While I will readily admit that not all who claim to be Christians are actually Christians, that does not change the fact that if you are believed to be a Christian, then you are subject to attacks from others.  That includes Christians in The United States.

Not only does this persecution exist, but sadly, there are many who believe that they are justified in their actions.  Keep in mind, Paul once thought that he was right to persecute the church (Acts 22:3-5; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6).  In fact, Paul believed that he was doing work for God by doing such (Acts 9:1-2; 1 Tim. 1:13).

There are many enemies of the cross who believe that Christianity, as is taught in the Scriptures, is something that needs to be silenced.  Multitudes have become disillusioned into believing that their sinful lifestyles are not only to be accepted, but also promoted and encouraged.  The very moment that a person takes a stand against such sins as those committed by the LGBTQ+ community, he is labeled as “homophobic” or “transphobic”.  These designations are intended to label the believer as “hateful” and “narrow minded”.  Truth be told, to be “homophobic” or “transphobic”, one has to be afraid of those committing such sins.  It is not fear that drives me against the wicked choices that some make, but rather it is love for God and His Word that compels me to stand for the truth (John 8:32; 17:17).

It is my earnest desire that the readers of this article will likewise love God and His Word so much that they will be willing to endure whatever persecution arises.  For the Christian, it is imperative for his soul that he does such.  Jesus said, “…Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:34-35).  Also, Jesus pronounced to the church in Smyrna, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:  behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:  be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

Friend, my intent is not to cause undue anxiety, but rather it is to awaken us to the realization of what is happening.  We need to check our level of faith because it will be tried.  Peter wrote, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye:  and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Pet. 3:14).  John wrote, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (1 John 3:13).  Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).  Paul taught, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (2 Cor. 4:8-10).  Finally, Jesus taught, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:10-12).  We are no longer dealing with hypotheticals.  The persecution is now here in The United States of America.  On which side do we choose to be?