FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS:
CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE BEING KILLED
CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE BEING PERSECUTED
ARE CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST EXPERIENCING THE WRATH OF GOD?
““For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
–2 Corinthians 4:17
DOES THIS MEAN THAT JESUS IS BEATING UP HIS BRIDE?
“…and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
—Acts 14:22
The media is reporting every day of the martyrdom and persecution of Christians in the Middle East: in Syria, in Egypt, in Iraq. All over the Middle East–and in other places around the world–it’s been estimated that 500 Christians per day die for their testimony of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Which brings up a tremendous question Christians might ponder.
“Is God pouring out his wrath on the Christians of the Middle East?”
Because over 90% of American Christians have been taught that persecution for the name of Jesus is God’s wrath.
But Jesus taught differently. Jesus called those who suffer persecution “blessed.” Who wouldn’t want to be blessed in the sight of Our Lord?
““Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
–Matthew 5:11
According to American eschatology, it is God’s wrath when end times persecution comes to America, but the suffering Christians in the Middle East; the Christians who’ve been putting their lives on the line in China, Nigeria and elsewhere?
Have they been “Left Behind?”
What’s the difference between American Christians–who believe what men say about “Persecution is Jesus beating up his Bride”–and Christians from the Middle East? Is Jesus only beating up part of his Bride?
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”
—Acts 10:24
God is no respecter of persons?
Oh, but to hear most American Christians tell it: He is.
DEPENDS ON YOUR POINT OF VIEW
HOW JAMES SAW IT:
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
—James 1:12
HOW PETER SAW IT:
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
—1 Peter 1:7-9
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
—1 Peter 4:12
HOW JESUS SAW IT:
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
—Revelation 2:10
HOW ISAIAH SAW IT:
“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”
—Isaiah 48:10
HOW MAN SEES IT:
“Why would Jesus beat up His Bride?”
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
–2 Timothy 3:12
[Parts of this piece were first published in End Times Prophecy Report: October 21, 2013.]
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by Jeremiah J. Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
image: ETPR/photostock, Victor Buono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-13. © Mondo Frazier, DBKP and End Times Prophecy Report, 2007-13. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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