Posted on 01/21/2011 8:01:00 PM PST by Iam1ru1-2
On this week's edition of "The Hal Lindsey Report": I address a subject that has loomed in the thinking of American Christians only as a hazy shadow in the far-off future. Well, that hazy shadow is beginning to come into sharp relief. That shadow is the specter of persecution.
Of all nations on earth, the United States of America seemed to be the last place where the persecution of Christians would be a problem. But it's no longer such a far-fetched idea.
I believe we are seeing a crescendo of events and changing attitudes -- political, cultural, spiritual, and economic -- that will soon coalesce to put evangelical Christians in the cross-hairs of our society. Many of you are already facing some of these challenges at work, at school (or your child's school), or among your neighbors or family members. "Political correctness" is even now a problem, but I don't believe it will be too long before being "politically incorrect" will land you a fine or a jail term. When that happens, we will be faced with a choice: be "politically correct" or stand boldly and speak out for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters are already facing that dilemma. Some are even paying for their boldness with their lives!
This week, I want to share with you the story of a man who faced that moment and stood tall. In fact, two of the 28 chapters in the Book of Acts are dedicated to "A Man Called Stephen." His defense of the Gospel before the Sanhedrin was so brilliant, powerful, and Spirit-directed that he drove the council of learned scholars into a frenzy. They mobbed him. Then they took him out and stoned him to death.
Now, you're probably thinking that it doesn't sound like Stephen offered a very effective defense if it resulted in his death. Consider this, though. He was an ordinary Israelite who allowed himself to be so completely used by the Holy Spirit that he literally confounded the most educated religious leaders of his day. When they finally realized they were guilty of the grievous charges with which Stephen accused them, they gnashed their teeth and killed him. Yet during the inquisition, the power of the Holy Spirit was so strong upon Stephen that "his face was like the face of an angel." And when he fell asleep, the Bible implies that Jesus Christ Himself stood in honor of Stephen's obedience!
Not only did this ordinary believer, who allowed himself to be used by the Spirit, so please Jesus that He stood to welcome him home, but his example no doubt inspired one of the young rabbis who witnessed the entire ordeal. Saul of Tarsus would later become history's greatest evangelist: Paul the Apostle.
So, don't despair that days of persecution may lie ahead. Jesus Himself promised that He would give us the words to say when that moment comes. And rather than our darkest hours, those moments may be our brightest.
Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration, CPM Network, various local stations, Hal Lindsey Report or His Channel
God Bless,
Hal Lindsey
mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email to: comments@hallindsey.com
web: Hal Lindsey Report
I suspect this will be good for the church. It will help flush out the Osteen and Warren types leaving true followers of Christ.
That is the kick in the back side about representing yourself. Not only do you have a fool for a client , the appeal for ineffective assistance of counsel never seems to get traction.
If Christians in America get persecuted, a few things will happen.
One, the false believers will leave, reducing the American church by about 80%.
Two, the remaining believers will go through a 60-180 day adjustment period, then figure it out and roll with it. God will give them strength, and they’ll move forward under a new paradigm.
Three, the church will go underground and grow strong, just like the church in Russia, China, Vietnam, and everywhere else there is persecution.
You can try to stomp out the church, but it is un-stompable.
Jhn 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
The Gubmint and the MSM are the world and they HATE all Christians.
And now lookit what's going on. Charged rhetorical vitriol, classical literature, next the Gospel.
The Gospel is already illegal in parts of the US (Michganistan) right now.
“The Gospel is already illegal in parts of the US (Michganistan) right now. “
This is a fascinating comment. Please provide more. I am not being critical. What is going on in the Great Lakes State other than the economy imploding?
Amen, Mr. Lindsey!
We are on the very brink, even at the door, of all hell breaking loose in our country. We Christians are called to always watch and pray, and not to be surprised if we are called to give our “all” for the cause of Jesus.
Since Warren was given the singular opportunity that an evangelical had to have access to the “president” he had the responsibility and the duty to ask the most obvious and revealing question but did not and I believe deliberately so to ingratiate himself with his new ruler.
No matter how Obama or Warren stall, “For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11
Freudian glasses: Thought it said “politically corrupt government of the United States.”
bookmark
I suspect part of it is the rise of Islam in that State.Seem to have heard some about that.
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