Freedom House Church and Healing Centre

To follow Jesus is to suffer with Him

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2Tim. 3:12)

Hello fellow followers of Jesus,

I have been wrestling with the whole idea of Christian persecution since the death of Charlie Kirk. I have really only one reference for analyzing whether true persecution is taking place or not – the Bible. I can go to Voice of the Martyrs website and read real stories of real followers of Jesus persecuted and killed just for being Christian or attending church – they were not in the public square antagonizing the masses, they were just living their lives as Christians in a hostile environment - for that they suffered. Yet, this is the call of every Christian according to the Bible. Desiring to “live godly” could get you killed! What does that mean? Here is Strong’s Lexicon definition: “identifies a manner of life that is consciously oriented toward reverence for God, expressed in conduct that accords with sound doctrine. It is not a merely external piety but a posture of the heart that shapes every sphere of thought, word, and deed.” If I could sum it up, it is to simply fear God and obey the Bible…from a heart of love, not legalism. That attitude and practice could get you in trouble; why? Because it is absolutely counter-cultural and really upsets those living in darkness and godlessness. Read 2Timothy 3:1-12 and see the condition of the world – to live godly is to really stand out as different, opposite, counter-cultural. When we do that, we “live in the light” of God’s revelation, and those in darkness “hate” it because they love their sin (John 3:19-20). So what we have is followers of Jesus living according to Kingdom of God rules/principles in a society that is run by Satan – there is bound to be a clash! “Do not be surprised if the world hates you.” (1John 3:13) A ‘hatred’ not necessarily from our preaching in the public square, but for living a radically different lifestyle than those who don’t know God and for identifying as a follower of Jesus (Ephesians 5:11). Just take this week reflecting on the following scriptures to see what your witness is to the world – the Greek word “witness” is actually the word “martyr”. Think about it…witnessing to Christ by your beliefs and lifestyle, may get you killed!

• If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:18-20)
• Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt. 5:10-12)
• Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. (1Pet. 4:12-14)
• For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps (1Pet. 2:20-21)
• And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matt. 10:22) 
• We sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. (1Thess. 3:1-4)
• We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed --  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2Cor 4:8-10)
• Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2:10)
• Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16. Read vss. 1-18)
•  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Rom. 8:16-17)

Suffering with Christ leads to a great reward – the crown of life. Ultimately, we were not created for eternity on this earth, but eternity in heaven, the Kingdom of God. This world is not our home; we are just aliens in a foreign land (1Pet. 2:11; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 11:13), so…let’s live like it, even if it costs us our lives.

 Enjoy wrestling with the truth! 

"Advancing the Kingdom of God by releasing Spirit-filled followers to serve Jesus in freedom and joy."