A little persecution now and then is good for the soul.
Stand firm in our faith and follow the Lord’s lead.
Like Peter in the garden, we must do as He asks, not as our human conscience desires.
In each instance the author mentioned, we can and should use these episodes of persecution to evangelize.
For example:
The Little Sisters could stop providing health care and spend that money instead on outreach and mission work spreading the Gospel. POWERFUL statement of faith at work.
Hitching Post Wedding Chapel should make a portion of EVERY ceremony a description of what Christian marriage is and its origin....including every scripture condemning homosexuality and extolling virtue. Be sure to include that we are saved from our sin, not in it. How many Gays or Lez’s will line up for that ceremony?
The IRS and churches....the only power the IRS has over churches is that of the tax deduct-ability of member donations....a weak weapon indeed...drop the non-profit status and be wholly free from the rat bastards and speak the truth shouting it from the roof tops.
The baker could put appropriate scripture on EVERY pastry and invoice that extolls virtue. Let them choke on it and let it lay sour in their stomach.
Our children should flee the government schools in their millions to be educated in the church schools. It is easier to do today than in 140+ years with home schooling clubs everywhere and charter schools in many states.
Bottom line.
Persecution will harden the body of Christ.
Persecution will turn an insecure, whining, flabby, mewing milieu of “go alongs/get alongs” into a hard core disciplined and confident army of God peopled by true soldiers of Christ roaring like lions.
Let the minions of Hell hammer away. Let the weak be burned and beaten away. Let the heat and fire forge the faithful into a sharp sword of the Lord whose edge does not dull.
Sure, get out and vote.
But we have far more powerful tools at our disposal. If we truly stand with God, who can stand against us?
But that is just my opinion and what the heck do I know.
If we truly stand with God, who can stand against us?”
no one.
Faith wothout works is dead.
We need to be reminded of that NOW perhaps more than at any time in recent history.
Therefore, since Christ suffered £for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2
There are many blessings from persecution. I wish the church was prepared for what's coming.
But also Jesus said to sell your cloak to get a sword as well.