Church bulletin:
It is stating the obvious to say that the church once tolerated and even appreciated in the west, is under attack. The examples are too many to mention, but we all hear the news, read blogs, listen to podcasts, receive prayer requests. Perhaps we have experienced persecution ourselves. Christians in NSW were not surprised when the bill was passed criminalising prayer for LGBTQ people. It is now an offense to pray for people whose desires are contrary to God’s will – even when they request prayer. The NSW government legislates who we can and cannot pray for taking away the rights of Christians and the rights of those seeking God’s help.
Increasingly, the words of the Apostle Peter are becoming a reality we need to live by. Having been sanctioned by the authorities Peter said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Christians are understandably anxious about the direction government is taking and the possibility of disobeying the law. What can we do day-by-day in response.
Pray for the government, pray for the church and pray for revival. We are to pray without ceasing and certain things should be perennial both personally and corporately. We must always pray for government. We must pray for government with a view to the health of the church and the progress of the gospel. 1Tim 2:1-4, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Pray for more Christian politicians. Pray for all politicians – for wisdom, right concerns and reasonableness. Pray for the overturning of godless legislation. Use all available means to petition politicians and do so with prayer.
Fear unfaithfulness more than persecution. None of us want to be fined, lose our jobs, or end up in gaol. Our greater concern, however, should be to remain faithful to the truth. Jesus sent His disciples out as sheep among wolves. Just as the world hated Him so it will hate us. If you find yourself on the end of vitriol as a consequence of faith, know that you are in good company. You stand with Christ and Christ stands with you; you walk in the shoes of His beloved. God is with you – Matt 10:28-31, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (29) Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” The apostles saw persecution as a badge of honour (Acts 5:41). In a certain sense through persecution, we participate in the sufferings of Christ and strengthen our union with Him (Phil 3:10-11, 1Peter 4:12-13). Be encouraged by the accounts of faithful Christians throughout history and in the world today.
Live with an eternal outlook. The hatred we experience won’t last forever. Life is short and we will soon pass from this world and so will those who oppose God. The judgement seat of Christ awaits everyone, and we will receive according to the deeds done in the flesh. For believers, it will be a glorious day. 1Peter 1:6-9, “In this [salvation] you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” Suffering is brief and the joy of fellowship with Christ and His people is eternal.
May God enable us to obey Him in all things and remain steadfast to the end.