Many throughout the world are
presently being severely persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ and for
their testimonies for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Numerous saints of God are
being martyred because they refuse to deny the name of Jesus Christ, they
refuse to bow to the world’s system, and because they will not stop sharing the
true gospel of salvation.
Jesus said we would be hated
as he was hated, and that as he was treated, so would we be treated, if we are
his true followers. So, this should not take us by surprise when this happens,
and it will come to America, too, because scripture teaches us that in the last
days this persecution will increase, and that the dragon will be enraged, as
though he is not already, and he will pursue Christ’s true servants and
witnesses with hateful vengeance.
Yet, we are not to be afraid
of those who can kill the body but who cannot kill the soul. We must believe
that God is sovereign over all things - events and all people - and that
nothing can enter into our lives, outside of ourselves, but what he allows it,
and he has a purpose in it which will bring glory to his name, and many to
saving faith in Jesus Christ. So, trust Him. Rest in His love. Believe Him that
He will work it all for our ultimate good. Divine discipline is painful, but
necessary in order to mature us, to purify us and to make us holy. We are not
here on this earth for our own pleasure, but rather to honor and magnify our
Lord God.
“Praise be to
the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. ~ Lu. 1:68-75
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. ~ Lu. 1:68-75
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,
but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for
fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes
into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has
been done in the sight of God. ~ John 3:19-21
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear
their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the
reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your
good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if
it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. ~ 1 Peter
3:13-17
Why Are You Afraid? / An Original Work / December 5, 2013
Based off Various Scriptures
Do not be afraid.
Your Lord is always by your
side.
Serve the Lord in
righteousness
Before Him all your days.
Those who hate the light
Will not come to the Lord.
They fear their deeds
Might be noticed.
So, they hate the light,
And they embrace the night.
Do not be afraid,
Although your enemy attacks.
Dare to share your testimony
Of God’s saving grace.
Do not fear their threats,
But honor Christ, your Lord.
Be prepared to give an answer
For the hope you have,
With gentleness; respect.
Why are you afraid?
For all that’s hidden will be
shown.
What I tell you, speak in
daylight.
Let the truth be known.
Do not be afraid
Of those who’ll take your
life.
Fear the Lord with
understanding.
Trust Him with your life,
And give not up to strife.
Do not be afraid.
Take courage, it is I, your
Lord.
Bow before Me; now adore Me.
Oh, why do you doubt?
Listen to the Lord.
Get up, and bear His name!
Run and tell the world He
loves them.
Jesus came to save.
Give Him your all today.
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