Posted on 07/01/2015 9:53:06 AM PDT by Perseverando
The church is under attack today in every way imaginable – literally as well as figuratively!
We still are reeling from the horrific attacks against the AME Church in Charleston. While our brothers and sisters gathered for a mid-week Bible study and prayer time, they were shot dead. We have seen an amazing display of forgiveness on their part for this cold-blooded killer. Facing the killer in court, several relatives who also attended AME Church extended their forgiveness to this young man, despite his indescribably evil act.
The church has since gone back to their mid-week Bible study, saying, “This is God’s space. We are not giving it up!” God bless them.
Then there are the attacks on Christians in the Middle East by ISIS and other Islamic terrorists, with followers of Jesus being beheaded, tortured and crucified. This is full-tilt persecution.
The church in America is also under attack.
Christians are routinely mocked, marginalized, denigrated and attacked. The Bible clearly tells us that persecution against the church is a sign of the end times. In Matthew 24:9 (NLT) Jesus says: “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.”
How have you faced such persecution – on any level? The New Testament also makes clear that this shouldn’t surprise you. In 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul writes, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
And now the Supreme Court has decided in favor of same-sex marriage.
Needless to say, I am very disappointed by this decision. It is clearly the wrong decision. By making this ruling the court has invalidated the marriage laws of more than half the states, summarily ordering the transformation of a social institution that has formed
(Excerpt) Read more at wnd.com ...
“We have 18 months left folks- he can and WILL do a lot more damage before he leaves office- prepare yourselves”
I’m prepared for him not to leave office at all. He’s violated the Constitution so many times, why not one more.
I’ve gone Galt - moved to the country, are becoming self-sufficient, have like-minded neighbors, etc. And if/when people realize we only have 2 choices - fight or cave - I’ll join in.
Good point. Most probably won’t have the backbone to stand up for principles though.
In an odd way, I am lucky - my original family was so dysfunctional it was easy to distance myself. I have a new loving church family now. So I don’t understand putting up with sick behavior just because of blood ties.
God's goal is to conform us to the image of His Son. Too often we think that the blessing of God means a life of ease & comfort. However, the greatest good He can do for & with me is to mold & fashion me to be as close a copy of the "prototokos" ( think 'prototype'), the Pattern Son, Jesus Christ, "the first-born of many brothers".
When He is working with especially stubborn and hardheaded people like me, He often uses the same methods a blacksmith uses to forge & fabricate a good tool.
A while in the fire until the material is softened.
Then quickly to the anvil for pounding under the hammer to shape.
Back to the fire & repeat.
Finally a quenching, then more precise temperature adjustments to "temper" the steel.
Two of the greatest blessings God has given me were Boot Camp at Parris Island and my 13 months as an infantry Marine in Vietnam. In His grace He let me know during each step of the way that both of those 'difficult' times were a great gift from my loving heavenly Father.
Many times this is far from comfortable, but "I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you (me) will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28
Amen to all of that!
I think you did the right thing...the only thing, for your childrens’ welfare.
We had a similar experience with a family member.
She informed the family that we were to accept her girlfriend just as they accept the spouses of the other siblings. We wouldn’t accept the deal. So she divorced herself from the family to be with her “wife”.
Her loss.
thanks ;)
I see so many conservative friends tolerating bad behavior- 2 or 3 have illegitimate grandkids, kids shacking up, you name it - and they treat it as if it is all a happy family situation.
I am baffled.
And am obviously in the minority, even among self-professed conservatives.
Video of Greg Laurie’s sermon - 50 minute...and HIGHLY recommended. HD quality (720) video
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