PERSECUTION IN AMERICA?

February 8     Persecution in America?    2 Timothy 3:12

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Yea, and all who will live a godly life in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

For several years, I have been preaching about the fact that our society and our leadership are becoming less tolerant of anything that is not in agreement with the Far Left, Sin-Centered Thought Process of Acceptability.  I recall that I was chided for these thoughts by a man that I have a great deal of respect for.  “What you said can never happen in America!!”  Well, pay attention to the news of the day and you will see the Anti-Christian, Anti-American thoughts and policy changes that are unfolding before our very eyes.  Listen, the Department of Defense, in an attempt to “Cleanse” the “Extremists” within their ranks, are now monitoring attitudes and activities that are deemed unacceptable, or against the popular political thought or support an individual that is totally unacceptable to the “Elitists” that seem to be in charge!  Folks, there is coming a day, really soon, when the pulpits of America will be in the “crosshairs” of the EVIL that is driving popular public opinion!  Do not lose hope…John 15:18 tells us that, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.”  In a Sin-Filled, Anti-Christian culture, you can count on difficult times ahead!  You see, the True and Solid foundation of Truth that is God’s Word, is in the way of this Evil path of Anti-God, Anti-Truth behavior.  “If it feels good, do it” mentality is a philosophy that is directly opposed to God’s Word, and is seen as an obstacle to this type of lifestyle.  Just recently, we had a devotional on personal responsibility, and that is what is required to continue to serve God and to be a witness for Him in these challenging times.  Just because someone doesn’t agree, does not mean that you should stop proclaiming the Truth!  You may not see it; however, there is a push, from the highest positions of our government, to silence the voices of Believers and to force conformity to the “New Order!”  Now, keep in mind, there are folks who will say that what I am saying, is not true.  Alright, this is just an example of the insanity of a thought process that has no basis in truth: “There are 126 gender identities; Christianity is a religion of hate and intolerance…”   As Mama said, “The Truth is the Truth, and it will stand when the world is on fire!!!”  The Truth is; that Satan is opposed to anything that is God-Centered and is founded on THE TRUTH!  This message today is not meant to be a “Doom and Gloom” statement!  It is meant to help you open your eyes to the reality of Christian life in the 21st Century, and to provide Hope for the difficult days that are to come!  Do not lose heart…2 Corinthians 4:8-9, provides real hope, when it tells us that, “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…”  Fellow Believers, I am resolved to serve God and to proclaim HIS TRUTH, using whatever means that are at my disposal!  Our traditions are changing and our procedures are being radically changed, yet, I am determined to adjust to use new means and methods to spread the Good News!  There will be “Troubles on every side,” and there will be “Distress,” and there will be “Confusion and Despair,” and we will be “Persecuted,” yet God has promised that He is with us and that He WILL NEVER FORSAKE US!  Please recognize that your responsibility is NOT TO PLEASE “MAN!”  YOUR JOB, YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, YOUR CALLING, IS TO SERVE GOD IN THE BEAUTY OF HIS HOLINESS AND TO WALK IN OBEDIENCE, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THIS WORLD DEEMS ACCEPTABLE!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!                                                                               (Side Note: I received a “private message” from a reader of the devotions, and the question was posed…”How can you say that the best is yet to be, when it seems that the world is collapsing into chaos and despair?”  Again, I repeat…It is because, “My Focus is not on this World, it is on my responsibility to be a Good Steward of His Grace and Mercy, and to recognize that THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, I AM JUST PASSING THROUGH!!”)