PERSECUTION Acts 8:1-8

<font color="purple"> Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Acts 8:4

Some of the greatest advances for Christ have been made during times of persecution. In the first century as persecution increased, believers were forced to leave their homes and flee to other areas. As they went they preached God's Word and their number increased. The pressure brought on these early Christians simply enlarged ever widening circle of witness.

Others have also given their best when persecuted, such as John Wesley.

We know little of suffering for Christ in this good land. Still, some persecution comes to dedicated Christians by people who do not like to see a strong witness for Christ.

If persecution comes your way today...use the opportunity to tell others of Jesus. His rewards will be greater than any suffering we may endure. (See Romans 8:18)

Thanks Liberty. I took over the smallest christian school in the UK last Dec (6 kids) cos God told me too. I love it but my life has been rocky and I know he is giving me difficulties to grow through.
He supports me and carries me Is.8 v 18. but am having probs with husband of 20 years (porn addict; well hid until 7 years ago - God wants to bring things into the light) who seems to derail me efforts. Can the enemy be within?

Certainly the enemy can be within the camp Call in the heavies on that one

There has been much persecution in this land also. Joseph Smith was imprisoned under miserable conditions until he asked God why. (He was informed that he was not yet as Job). Eventually he was killed for his belief, and so were many others. The state of Missouri drove the Mormons out and passed a law that Mormons should be exterminated. That law stayed on the books there into the late 20th century. And persecution continues to strengthen, rough as it is to go through the fires at the time. The analogy to a refiner's fire seems to be very accurate.

Ok, I hope this doesn't cross any line....but aren't we "westerners" being persecuted by the radical jihadists?

Sky: aren't we "westerners" being persecuted by the radical jihadists?

I'm inclined to view it as a matter of perspective... For example, I can well imagine that a woman living in Iraq or Afghanistan might pose a similar question -- Aren't we being persecuted by radical Westerners? Of course, that woman may not be a radical jihadist, she may simply be a woman trying to eke out a life for herself and her loved ones, much as you are likely trying to do the same.

Timothy McVeigh was a Christian and a terrorist. Osama Bin Laden is Islamic and a terrorist. Both were/are radical extremists and this, I believe, is where the true harm lies -- extremist thinking. Extremist thinking can be found in every religion and every identified group on earth. It does not belong specifically to one group, i.e. radical jihadists.

I think you draw up the very next point to be made (though I've touched on it earlier) SE...

Just because someone is a Christian, does NOT mean they won't suffer the normal and at times abnormal maladies that happen to human beings. There is a strong spiritual explanation for this, but I will leave that for now.

Another thing, many ppl claim to be Christians. For me, many ppl can even accept Christ and not be a Christian, because that "title" refers to living as Christ would have them. One can have assurance of salvation but not progress in the faith.

If McVey claimed he was a Christian, then I would be allowed to judge him, and would have to study as to whether he was disordered or just really not a Christian.

I was specific in my use of jihadist. The typical Iraqi or Afghanistani is not radical and doesn't wish ill on anyone that I know of. I don't wish this to go to the politically religious argument, please...

Just for being a Westerner is why the radical jihadists are out to kill the Christians... that IS persecution for the faith. If they also feel persecuted for their faith, then they can also claim the verse

Sky: If McVey claimed he was a Christian, then I would be allowed to judge him, and would have to study as to whether he was disordered or just really not a Christian.

I confess that those considered "disordered" are among some of my favorite people but I wouldn't place Timothy McVeigh in that class. Clearly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

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Is it not funny how God lets us become our greater judge?