Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Psalms 138:7 (KJV)
Saint of God, you are in a war. You are constantly battling against wicked principalities of the air. These principalities are evil spirits, and they control people who refuse to come into the light of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes, you have to defend yourself with your shield (faith), and other times you have to thrust at your enemy with your sword (Word of God). You are battling against the deceived who like the dark because they do not want to turn from their sins.
If you are a true Saint, then you are filled with God’s Spirit and His light; consequently, the deceived will hate you. “…men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20, KJV).
Daily, you encounter enemies of the Gospel everywhere, at the store, on your job, or maybe even in your church. Nevertheless, you are blessed. You are blessed because many Christians have it much worse.
All around the world, there are people who fear for their lives simply because they are Christians. They stand by their faith and they boldly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior (Matthew 10:32-34). Their confession may land them in a prison or it may even land them in a coffin. Furthermore, their governments are fully aware of it and sometimes those same governments are the instigators of the persecution!
If you don’t believe me, then do a Google search on Christian persecution. It will open your eyes. “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake” (Matthew 24:9, KJV).
Right now, most of the Christian persecution is happening outside of the United States of America. However, that is beginning to change. Slyly Satan, the master of deceit, is stripping away every one’s Christian rights through the guise of promoting tolerance. This evil spirit promotes tolerance for sin, but at the same time, it demonizes Christians’ rights.
In many places, it is no longer safe to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Even here in the United States, numerous graduating students this year were ordered not to mention the name of Jesus during graduation ceremonies. Thankfully, some students refused to be silenced and they stood boldly by their faith.
What is it going to take before you are willing to boldly stand up and confess to the entire world that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior? Not only must you confess it through your words, but you must also confess it through your actions. You have to live it as well as you speak it. This includes you, me, and every Christian around the world.
This very hour, completely dedicate yourself to God—begin lighting up the dark through sacrificing your flesh. Live a holy life, a life that is consecrated fully to God. Voice your Christian beliefs through your political power, vote exclusively for Christian candidates who support Christian rights and protection all around the world. Become vocal...Speak up!
Live a true Christian life through your church attendance, supporting only ministers that preach and live the full Gospel. The full Gospel means the entire Bible, all the way from Genesis to Revelation. This includes Leviticus 18:22 and even Ephesians 5:2-7. And since there is a current movement in the world today to partner with various religions, you better stop and take a look at 2 Corinthians 6:14-17.
It is time for all Christians, here in America and in foreign lands, to band together and as one voice boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Let God silence those who will try to muzzle us. “…You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me” (Psalms 138:7, NLT).
Stop hiding under that bushel basket. God has appointed you as a watchman to the world; thus speak the Word of the Lord…be silent no longer (Ezekiel 33:1-9). “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33, KJV).
I can’t speak for you, but as for me, I am climbing out from under my bushel basket and letting God’s light shine forth.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Luke 9:24-26 (KJV)
Three Key Concepts:
1. Christian persecution is intensifying.
2. God shields His children for His glory.
3. You have a duty to speak up.
