PERSECUTION-Are We READY or NOT???
Just presume, for the sake of argument, that the church will go through the greatest of all its ordeals before Christ returns. Though that view is not often heard today (compared to the popular pre-trib view), for many centuries it was the only position widely believed. In fact, before 1800 the pre-trib outlook was hardly known at all. That does not prove it wrong, but it does give us good reason to study seriously the post-trib viewpoint too-rather than just brush it off because it hasn't produced any exciting novels or films! (Worse than that, some folks don't dare consider it because they don't want it to be true. Who desires to go through dreadful suffering?) There are a number of fine pre-trib scholars, of course; but there are also many excellent post-trib teachers of the Word. And neither view has a monopoly of strong supporting arguments. So, back to our opening challenge: Just suppose, for the sake of argument, that the church will go through the greatest of all its tribulations before Christ returns. Are we ready and willing - or not? Am I? Are you?
With such questions in mind, here are some challenging thought-stimulators from various people, times and places. May we consider them soberly.
Thought-Provokers from Here and There--on Persecution
Our Lord Jesus: "A time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God! I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:2,4,33)
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Tertullian (160-240 A.D.), an outstanding teacher and church leader: "The pagans have their own heroes, men willing to die for their country, but if a Christian is willing to suffer for God he is called a fool. But go to it, my good magistrates. Torture on, rack us, condemn us, crush us...God allows us to suffer all this. But nothing whatever is accomplished by your cruelties...It is the bait that wins men for our school. We multiply whenever we are mowed down by you. The blood of Christians is seed. 1/
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*A writer in an Asian Christian magazine-- "The wind, rain and flood of persecution will not be kind. Our work will be tested. Have we produced Christians ready for any storm? Or have we produced Christians for the sunshine only?"
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The Apostle Paul: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse." (2 Tim. 3: 12)
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Richard Wurmbrand, during the height of Soviet persecution: "I never met one single lukewarm Russian Christian. The Underground Church is a poor and suffering church, but it has no lukewarm members." --Tortured for Christ
The Apostle Peter: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Pet. 4:12f.)
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A Call to Disciples made by the Asian Theological Consultation (1976, but still timely): 'We call the churches to prepare themselves in spirit through deeper fellowship with our Lord and Savior, through prayers and the study of the Word of God.
"We urge all Christians to give more attention to memorization of scripture and hymns...
Dear Alex, Winston Allen’s son here. I have just found the Word & Work web site and was glad to see you still serving the Lord through your writing. I appreciate your stirring up Chritstian’s minds to their need to be ready to face persecution whether or not it is a result of going into the tribulation or not. I’m still learning what is ahead for us prophetically…my mind and heart is open to more truth from the Word. Many people are not willing to consider something other than they are “used too” Have finished Physical Therapist Assistant school and need to pass State of Iowa Board tests and find work. Have been without work since August 2008. The Lord has provided. God’s blessings. Norman Allen
Norman– Larry Miles, here– thanks for the comments and glad you “found” us on line. Please keep us in your prayers.– Larry Miles, Web Servant