Filling the Persecution Quota

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1 Peter 3:13-17 (KJV)

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 (KJV)

Well, it's official. I can say with honesty I've been persecuted. Granted, it was in minimal and mediocre ways, but still, it's a start. This morning, I had 16 people give me the finger, 5 people yell obscenities, many horns a'honkin', and someone splash snow-slush on my friends.

What were we doing, you might ask? Nothing more than holding a sign outside of Planned Parenthood.

Our goal was simple: stand in front of Planned Parenthood and pray. Through various circumstances, we obtained a sign that said on one side "Women DO regret abortions" and upon the other "Men regret lost fatherhood".

I don't know where you stand; my hope is that if you call yourself by the name of Christian, you do not hold that abortion should be legal. However, I cannot remain silent any longer. I've seen and heard of the atrocities that have been committed, and through abortion, more lives have been stolen than in the Holocaust. And we call Hitler a monster. We look at other countries and wonder how in the world the Christians can let such horrors happen. Turn the finger to yourself: it's likely that thousands of babies have perished near your home, and what have you done? Thus, I cannot retain silence any longer: Planned Parenthood is straight from the pit of hell.

What then can we do?

We must must pray. Prayer is the weapon that wields the power of the cross to destroy the strongholds of darkness. We're not after doctors, we're after Satan. He is the one who has a vice grip upon our country, and he is the one that must be cast down in the name of Jesus.

We must love. Remember, God is after souls, not just babies' lives. God wants the men, women, and children who are affected and have been affected by abortion to come to Him. He is their healer, He alone is their hope. Without Him, there is nothing.

If you aren't sure exactly why I would decry abortion, I suggest you watch the video by Life Project USA:

http://www.lifeprojectusa.com/

America is committing abominations just as bad, if not worse, than what Hitler, Stalin, and all the others have done in ages past. Rise up! Rise up, in the power of the Spirit, and claim the territory that is rightfully Christ's! Ask Him to start you small, with one person, or with something simple. But most of all, pray. Pray until the breaking of day. The power of prayer is what we are missing. Pray!

This is something that a girl at Ellerslie showed me. Considering most of the people following my blog are female, I thought this would be appropriate for today. This is from the Set Apart Girl website, written by Melodious Echo (who was also a student in my Ellerslie class). Whether a man or woman, I pray this blesses you:

I prayed for a man committed to God.

Jesus smiled, “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30

I prayed for a man that would be a spiritual leader.

Jesus unashamedly declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

I prayed for a man of hight standards and integrity.

Others testified, “He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” I Peter 2:22

I prayed for a man of the Word.

Jesus opened up His arms with love as He whispered, “I am the living Word, and I came to live with you.” John 1:14

I prayed for a man that knew how to be a servant.

Then I heard others whisper with amazement, “Jesus made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7

I prayed for a man that was full of spiritual life.

He smiled again, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I prayed for a man of faith and prayer.

Then I watched with amazement as He went out and spend all night in prayer...for me! Luke 6:12

I prayed for a man that would provide for my needs.

He not only fed the five thousand long ago, He also feeds me today! Mark 6:41, Philippians 4:19

I prayed for a man that would be the head of the home and a leader. Someone I could look up to and respect intellectually and spiritually.

Then I realized that not only had Jesus been knocking on my door begging to be allowed to be the head of my home, but He was so far ahead of me intellectually, I would have all eternity to learn from Him. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

I prayed for a man of steel and velvet...someone that could be strong but also tender at the same time.

Then I remembered Jesus’ words as the mails were driven into His hands, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:24 And how, when dying upon the cross, some of His last thoughts were to make sure His mother would be cared for. John 19:26 I also remembered how that when even a little sparrow fell, He noticed and cared. Matthew 10:29

I prayed for a man that knew how to love others...even the unpleasant outcasts.

Jesus replied, “In that while you were all yet sinners [the lowest outcast], I died for you.” Romans 5:8

I prayed for a man that would be the head of the home and a leader. Someone I could look up to and respect intellectually and spiritually.

Then I realized that not only had Jesus been knocking on my door begging to be allowed to be the head of my home, but He was so far ahead of me intellectually, I would have all eternity to learn from Him. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

I prayed for someone that I could share my deepest thoughts and dreams with, someone who would walk with me through joys and through sorrows. Someone that would not only hold my hand, but would hold my heart. Someone that I could stand behind, love, respect and serve with all my heart.

I looked up in awe as He not only began to walk beside me and hold my hand (Isaiah 41), but also to share with me the hidden riches and secrets of eternity...heart companionship and beauty that I had never had with another. (Isaiah 45:3, Psalm 34:8) And I just knew that He was someone I could not only love, but stand behind and serve for the rest of my life!

I prayed for someone that would help me walk closer to God.

And the more I got to know him, the closer I drew to God. Psalm 23, Matthew 6:33

I know this may be frivolous God and it’s a small thing, but could you also send me someone romantic,” I had prayed. “Someone that will love me so much, that he’ll want me and only me! That he’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to win me...even bring me chocolate?”

Jesus said nothing as He lay down His heavenly honor to come to earth to win me.

Although I doubted His love and resisted His advances at first, He slowly, sweetly, tenderly won my heart and love. Then He led me to His great banqueting house, and the banner He put over me was LOVE. (Song of Sol. 2:4) “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good” He tenderly whispered. (Ps. 34:8) And as He looked deep into my heart, I knew that nothing would separate us... (Romans 8:35-39) for He had won my heart forever!!

Last, but not least, I prayed for a man that would not be afraid of pain or trails.

Then it was that I realized it was He, Jesus, that was carrying my cross and making the ultimate sacrifice of love...for not just anyone, but for me! (Matthew 16:24, Hebrews 2:9) Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stood in awe. And my heart melted...

Let us say with Asaph the Psalmist, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

The Map

There once was a young man, many centuries ago, who held an old paper in his hand. It was indeed a legendary treasure map, passed down from generation to generation. Every man was called out by his father to follow the map to its end, wherever it should lead him. This particular young man had studied the map, attempting to understand every aspect of it. When the proper time came, he began to set out on his adventure.

Soon, he came across two other men who were along the path as well, but rather than walking, they stood around and spoke to one another and to all who passed by. Innocently, the young man strode up to them and began conversing. The conversation turned towards the map and the journey the young man was on. One of the men, who appeared a humble and wise man, asked the young man if he could hold the map. This wise man looked it over once and said, “Hmmm… do you really hold to such definite and solid black lines?” The young man nodded, for that was what his father had told him to do.

“Simply ridiculous. You know, no one actually believes this map anymore. Look at how definite and legalistic this is! There’s no room for motion or expression of personality. In fact, I don’t really think it’s trustworthy. I mean, it is only a map made by men after all.”

The second man, who was much younger, held out a piece of parchment to the young man. “Here, this is my repainted map. See, each generation has actually made out its own map to fit its own needs. You follow the map, well, as you see fit. It’s all about you, anyway.”

Confused, the young man took the repainted map and compared it to his original map: they looked nothing alike! Yet, the two men’s words seemed so convincing. Should he really trust such a dusty old relic? Obviously, these two had found something better, and in many ways, it actually appealed to him. They were laid-back and easy-going, whereas the way of the map looked much too hard for the normal man. No, this old map would never do.

Sadly, the young man never found the treasure.

Postmodernism has invaded the church at an entirely new level, especially through the emergent movement. As in centuries past, the biggest attacks have come upon the word of God, but no longer by men outside of Christendom nor even by self-proclaimed liberal theologians. These men have crept in under the banner of Christianity, yet are constantly criticizing and destroying faith in the word of God.

Proverbs 13:13 says, “Whoso despises the word shall be destroyed…” The word ‘despise’ isn’t an outright hatred, as most would think. Rather, it is simply a taking lightly of or a looking on with contempt. These men, who so tear apart the word of God, are placing themselves not just equal with the word of God, but above the Bible, because they are able to take what they feel applies best to themselves and their generation, and leave out the rest.

One of the biggest deceptions has come through The Message. What Mr. Peterson has published is not the Bible; it is his thoughts on the verses in the Bible. The problem is that people are taking his thoughts and calling it the Bible, and thusly, living by it. All the hard sayings of Jesus have been watered down or turned into heresy, and no one can truly find the narrow way through the muddy waters of The Message.

We must realize, by editing, criticizing, and thinking lightly of the Bible, we aren’t just raising ourselves above the words of godly men. The word of God is actually the word of God. Not only that, but John 1 calls Christ the Word, which was in the beginning, and which is God. The way you treat this precious book in text is how you will treat the Word incarnate. This is not something to take lightly.

As Christians, our ultimate authority is the word of God, not because the text is to be worshipped, but because it leads us to the pearl of great price: Jesus Christ. If you mess with the foundation, then you ruin the entire building. You can’t regard the Bible lightly and expect your Christian life to measure up to God’s standards. Without it, the true words, as your foundation, you might as well build a house on Jell-o.

It would seem as though no one cares about the word of God anymore. It is all about how you feel, what you think, and what appeals to you. I myself have fallen into the trap of saying, “Well, I use King James because it’s the one I like” rather than standing firmly on why I believe what I believe. The modern American church scene is sickening to my stomach. When it is all right to visualize God as a woman; when it is all right to “re-paint” all of Christendom; when it is all right to bring into question the entirety of the authenticity of the Bible, you know something is deeply wrong.

The church needs to return to the word of God. It is apparent to me why the church is in ruins, and it is simply because we have abandoned the pattern set forth in scripture. There is no other way. If you stand on the Jell-o of your own opinion, you will falter and stumble. Jesus Christ is the Truth and the Way. You either submit to Him entirely, or spit straightly into His face, saying, “I am better than you. I don’t need you to be my Lord. I don’t need you to be my Master. And thusly, I don’t need you to be my Savior.”

Oh church! When will you learn? Will you choose the way God has set before you in His word, or will you continue in the broad way that leads to hell? Choose your path, and if it seem evil unto you to serve God, than keep glorifying Satan as you are now! Otherwise, come back once more to the Word, in text and incarnate, and submit the entirety of your life unto Him! There is no other way!

My Redeemer Lives!

Being bought doesn’t sound like a very romantic way to start a love story. It could certainly make one feel like wares in a dime store, to a certain degree: “Oh, we’ll take this one!” In the book of Ruth, however, the theme of redemption is central. Not only is it a crucial part of this small love story juxtaposed with the era of the Judges, but it is a central idea in Christian doctrine and living.

In ancient Israel, when the husband of a young woman died, leaving her a widow, it was the job of the nearest kin to take her as his wife, thus preserving the family name. However, there was a price that went along with it. Not only that, but the man could reject the woman, and though it would shame him, he would be free from marrying her.

Ruth, a stranger in Israel, is a Moabitess. This country is known by their gross, fleshly living (see Judges 3 for an example). Even their origin is wrapped up in sinful sensuality (Gen. 19:37). It is out of this land that Ruth comes to Bethlehem from with her mother-in-law Naomi.

Who would want such a woman? Everyone knows she’s a Moabitess – there are certain limitations on the offspring of such a marriage – and that she is a barren widow.
Yet she finds grace in the sight of Boaz, who not only shows her mercy, but pledges to take her as his own. The closer kinsman was unable to do it, and there was no one left but him; as a man ought then, Boaz, using his might, purchases Ruth to be his bride, not ashamed of the fact that she is a Moabitess indeed. She was redeemed from her state of barrenness and widowhood by this man, and the Lord blessed her with the lineage of kings.

This is a beautiful tale; but its value, its inclusion in the canon of Scripture, is not merely because it is a nice tale. The nature of this story is a picture of Christ and the gospel. We, Gentiles, foreign to the good graces of God, have found mercy in the sight of Jesus Christ. If we do know Christ as our Lord and Savior, we must not think this redemption a small thing nor salvation a petty act. It is incredible to me not just that we have been redeemed, but what we have been redeemed from.

1 Corinthians 6:20 tells us that we, as believers, have been purchased: “For ye are bought with a price…” This is not mere money we have been bought with either. Peter tells us “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not bought with corruptible things, as silver and gold… but with the precious blood of Christ…” The enormous price that needed to be paid for our sin is incredibly large. We, as the kinsman who could not purchase Ruth, stand afar off and say, “I cannot do it!” And you would be right; for any man who thinks he could save himself does not know the deepness of the depravity of his soul. It took the very blood of God to save us.

But there is yet more to redemption. For we have not just been redeemed to get to heaven; we, in this life, have been saved from the power of the world, the flesh, and all the forces of darkness. Paul speaks in Colossians 1: 13 of Christ’s saving power, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” As Ruth was brought out of Moab, we have been snatched out of the power of darkness and sin and brought into Christ and His kingdom. No longer do we need to remain in Moab; we can walk free in our Lord Jesus!

How often then do we go on living flesh-led lives, abiding in the whore country Moab, giving ourselves to carnality and wickedness? We say “Amen” in all the right places, but there is no effect in our personal lives. Is it not time to come out of Moab unto our Lord, that He might have the rightful place in our lives? He had bought you; do not shame the purchase nor the price with which He bought you.

May we be a people, who stand alongside Job, and say, “My Redeemer Liveth.”