> General Discussions
Persecution
Heidi:
I looked up what the word "persecution" means in Strongs and the different versus, for instance,
Romans:8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of the Christ? tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Mark:4:17
have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled.
Matthew 13:21
But since they have no root, they last only a short ...
When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. ...
When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles. ..
1 Thessalonians 3:7
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ...
Hebrews 10:33
Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. ...
The Oxford dictionary states the following on the meaningof the word:
1. The act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs
the victims of religious persecution. They fled to Europe to escape persecution.
2. The act of deliberately annoying somebody all the time and making their life unpleasant
When reading these scriptures I noticed the preceding words to persecution, such as tribulation, insult, distress, pressure etc.
I am encouraged because my life is a pressure pot of all the above. I am not physically stoned for my faith but through much tribulations must enter the kingdom of God.
Heidi
indianabob:
Hi friends,
Having read thus far I have some thoughts to share that are intended to add light, so please bear with me.
I am having difficulty comparing tribulations with "religious persecution"
I have had a few tribulations in my 84 years that so far as I am aware had nothing to do with my faith or belief systems or the exercise of same.
I suppose that some of my tribulations could have been caused by authorities in high places, but have no way of knowing that.
It seems from the daily news that people of other "faiths" or no faith at all, maybe "pagan" have had even worse tribulations.
So we may attribute our often serious tribulations to God preparing us for the Kingdom, but is it due to our open, public belief in different religious doctrines? Is it due to our offending other people who believe differently? I don't see it.
When in the past I observed the seventh day sabbath there was a direct effect on my public work schedule. Someone had to cover my work shift on Saturday so that I could be off. Now that was not the fault of any other employee or of my employer who had established a business without my help may years previously. I did have the option of finding another job out of loving consideration for my fellow workers. What in scripture compels me to put difficulty in the path of my fellow workers who otherwise cover a seven day a week schedule, each taking their turn as needed. [smile]
When our beliefs conflict with public policy it can make our lives more difficult, but is it persecution?
Wanda:
--- Quote ---The "invisible" persecution happens in the pews from the pulpit.
--- End quote ---
Oh my yes, and it's mighty powerful. Coming out of an extremely oppressive religion, this form of persecution was much worse than any of the visible I experienced. There is no escape until the truth sets you free.
--- Quote ---Read what God inspired into scripture about The Lord Jesus, Stephen and Saul/Paul. Where did it come from? What did it lead to? How did the Lord Jesus and Paul "survive"/thrive?
--- End quote ---
The biggest threat of persecution that Jesus, Stephen and Paul had to contend with came from the Jewish religeous powers at that time. They were powerful enough to influence government leaders as well. Because of these powerful religeous leaders Jesus was crucified and Stephen was stoned, as well as many others.
The persecution had a purpose, it was actually demonstritive in spreading the gospel at that time. It also enboldened the ones preaching the gospel. We can see the same boldness with missionaries who go into dangerous areas of the world to teach, even if they don't teach the gospel of grace it still has a purpose in Gods plan.
Of course the majorty of us don't experience this severe form of persecution because we don't have to contend with religeous leaders with that kind of influence and power, but what many of us do contend with, is the oppressive form of persecution that comes from the religeous leaders, of the very churches we were called out of.
Oppress - synonym
To burden spiritually or mentally : weigh heavily on, oppressed by a sense of failure, oppress by intolerable guilt
Musterseed:
From the LOF part 11 ( all caps are Rays)
And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they { everyone,
you, me, THE WHOLE WORLD } CRUCIFIED HIM.
But before our Saviour died, He prayed this prayer.’FATHER, FORGIVE THEM,,,, for they know
NOT what they do.”
Meditate on that verse for a few hours or ....years,etc.
WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS?
For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision , which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly and circumscion is that of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men but of God.
For we are THE CIRCUMCISION , which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in the Christ Jesus
and have no confidence in the flesh.Phil.3:3
And they , ( , everyone, you , me, ALL OF US ,,, Matt 27:35,,, CRUCIFIED HIM
JER.17:9,,, The heart( of carnal, unconverted , mankind) IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS
AND DESPERATELY WICKED; who can know it?
Rom. 8:7,, Because of the carnal( natural) mind is enmity ( a deep seated hatred against God);
for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
I agree Wanda , that persecution has a purpose. “ Forgive them Father for they KNOW NOT
what they do”
FROM THE MYTH OF FREE WILL
Quote Ray,,,, even Gods Chosen Elect we’re once deceived
THE INVISIBLE HAND OF DECEPTION is an awesome study also today I am studying,
speaking in tongues, languages, there is a lot more to this one than I thought.
Love to all
In Christ Pamela
Wanda:
Rolihlahla, no worries, I was just adding food for thought myself.
Octoberose,
I agree our persecution does not have to be severe to be considered persecution. I'm pretty sure I am currently experiencing it to some degree, but because it's not as severe as when I was still in the church, which by the way strengthend my resolve, I consider it more of an annoyance than anything else. The real battle is from things not seen, not of flesh and blood.
Things that were once a burden, that caused great saddness, have been replaced with an understanding of the why of it all. There is great freedom in that knowing.
Actually, being isolated has worked in my favour, because all of the distractions that get in the way of studying, and spending time with God have been removed. Perhaps that is why God has isolated many of us .
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