Avoiding Persecution

[mikeforjesus]

God will not put any under test if they don’t have ability and He puts whoever He chooses to plan for their life that He enables to.

People only fall away if they never receive the word fully to accept what is required of them and to put faith in God to allow them to do it. They may not have been willing to receive it when they heard the word they do not receive the message in their hearts because their heart is bad compared to soil that won’t receive seed to bear fruit.

Mark 4:17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.

Jesus only knew the disciples were not ready because they were not sure to believe in Him for saying He will be killed it stumbled them to see Him suffer after He rose it gave them confidence and they had power through the Holy Spirit.

Paul said he was ready to suffer and he did .

 

[eleos1954]

That is so as to not get your brothers and sisters in trouble by lying. Denying Jesus gets no one in false trouble it only saves your neck.

so all lies are ok as long as when they are told to avoid life threatening circumstances?

Lies .... about God is what caused the fall of 1/3 of the angels and mankind.

 

[Walk together]

so all lies are ok as long as when they are told to avoid life threatening circumstances?

Lies .... about God is what caused the fall of 1/3 of the angels and mankind.

The angels were cast out of heaven for choosing to follow lucifer if I denounce the name of Jesus that does not mean I chose to follow the devil it means I am a coward and chose to save my neck.

 

[eleos1954]

The angels were cast out of heaven for choosing to follow lucifer if I denounce the name of Jesus that does not mean I chose to follow the devil it means I am a coward and chose to save my neck.

well, I agree with you it is a daunting thing to think about (i don't dwell on it) ... I think none of us really know until put into that circumstance .... however, Revelation says towards the end we will indeed be put in that circumstance.

2 Timothy 1:8

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

John 18:40

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

2 Timothy 2:12

If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

1 John 2:22

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

Revelation 2:10, NIV:

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

 

[Walk together]

well, I agree with you it is a daunting thing to think about (i don't dwell on it) ... I think none of us really know until put into that circumstance .... however, Revelation says towards the end we will indeed be put in that circumstance.

2 Timothy 1:8

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

John 18:40

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

2 Timothy 2:12

If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

1 John 2:22

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

Revelation 2:10, NIV:

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

These verses are rather straightforward and understandable and as you say one never knows the reaction to the circumstances I am in Australia so maybe no head chopping will take place here but I,m quite sure that attacks will be quite immanent non the less. You have pointed out many verses and provided much insight all this has me reevaluating this topic It's something I'm sure most people never contemplate but it pays to be prepared.

 

[water of life]

Well, let's consider the situation.

You're in this situation. It's likely they already know you are a Christian. Believers who face this kind of thing are usually a)evangelistic, they've preached to their family and friends about Jesus or b)they're in a position of leadership in the church (elder, worship leader, pastor, etc). We can assume, in this scenario, you've been acting as a Christian in public.

And if they searched your house, they might find more evidence. Bibles, other Christian material, your web browsing history, etc.

It's more likely they would tell you to denounce Jesus and your faith. Stop preaching about him, cease all involvement with the church or ministries.

Now you could do that. Of course, that means even if you still believe in secret, you have to outwardly act as if you're not a Christian. You can't talk about Jesus, you can't go to church anymore, it's even risky visiting forums like this one. Or you could find yourself back in the same position.
Alternatively, the authorities might decide to use you as a spy. Have you report on other Christians and their activities.

What have you gained here? Is this a life you want to live? And ultimately, they might throw you in prison or have you killed anyway. This has happened to other believers who compromised their faith.

This world really and truly has nothing to offer us.

Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. - Luke 17:33.