FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
The Red Dot
As Pastor Pete continued with his teachings through the Book of Revelation, a statement he made stood out among many: When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior, life does not suddenly get easy. In fact, it gets harder. The red dot will be upon us, and the persecution of our faith will only intensify.
Indeed, persecution is a reality that many Christians around the world face due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Yet as believers, we are called to stand firm and respond with grace and love, even in the face of adversity. But how? How does a Christian truly navigate the challenges of persecution while maintaining their faith and witness. How do we keep from withering away, living in fear of our faith?
No doubt, persecution can take many forms – from social ostracism and discrimination to physical violence and imprisonment. Jesus Himself warned His followers of the trials they would face, saying, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Understanding that persecution is part of the Christian journey helps us prepare mentally and spiritually.
So, what are the biblical foundations for responding to persecution? Are there any? Indeed, there are.
First, The Bible encourages us to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Prayer not only seeks God’s intervention but also transforms our hearts towards our persecutors, fostering forgiveness and love.
Second, James 1:2-4 teaches us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds,” knowing that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Rejoicing in suffering is a profound act of faith, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and purpose in our struggles.
Third, Hebrews 12:1-3 urges us to run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross. Endurance is a testament to our faith, showing the world that our hope is steadfast despite adversity.
Fourth, 1 Peter 3:15-16 advises believers to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have, doing so with gentleness and respect. Our conduct in the face of persecution can be a powerful testimony to others.
Easier said than done, I know. But with biblical foundation in hand, Pastor Pete also teaches us that there are practical steps to handling persecution.
SCRIPTURE: Regularly reading and meditating on the Bible strengthens our faith and equips us with God’s promises and truths. Scriptures like Romans 8:35-39 remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
COMMUNITY: Engaging with a supportive Fire Team and/or church community provides encouragement and practical help. Fellow believers can pray with us, offer counsel, and stand with us during difficult times.
WISDOM and DISCERNMENT: Pray for wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay silent (Matthew 10:16). Discernment helps us navigate complex situations, balancing boldness with prudence.
SERVE and LOVE: Acts of service and love, even towards persecutors, reflect Christ’s love. Romans 12:20-21 encourages us to overcome evil with good, transforming hearts through kindness.
Truth be told, throughout history, many Christians have faced persecution with remarkable faith and courage. Stories of martyrs and modern-day believers who stand firm inspire us to remain steadfast. These testimonies remind us that God is faithful and that our suffering is not in vain.
Persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian Walk, but it is also an opportunity to grow closer to God and witness to others. By grounding ourselves in scripture, prayer, and community, we can respond to persecution with resilience and grace. Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Through faith, endurance, and love, we can navigate the trials of persecution and continue to shine the light of Christ in a dark world.
To the Kingdom.
Joe Bouch
