As the Chinese government prepares for the arrival of athletes from all over the world, they are apparently on a campaign to make sure that "troublemakers" are kept away. At the VOM Persecution Blog, you can gather more information about these troublemakers and how they are being dealt with in order to keep them as far from the games as possible. This is just another face of the persecution poured out on believers of the Lord Jesus throughout all time. More pain, suffering, and tears for the people of God.
God's people have always been "troublemakers" to one group of people or another. This is very clear as I read the daily entries in the book The One Year Christian History that I was privileged to receive this Christmas. The afflictions suffered take on various forms, but it has been and continues to be a part of the Christian faith.
Troublemakers tend to get into fights. Is the Christian life a fight? What do you think? I say it is. It's a fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil. I've often spoken of this--that we're soldiers and that this is warfare. We make trouble for those who hold the banner of error and falsehood. We make trouble by preaching and teaching truth. A sharp sword indeed. Put on all your armor, you troublemakers! Got on your shield? You really do need it in this day of battle! The brethren in China are wearing theirs, are you wearing yours?
Would anyone fight the fight of a Christian soldier successfully and prosperously? Let him pray for a continual increase of faith. Let him abide in Christ, get closer to Christ, tighten his hold on Christ every day that he lives. Let his daily prayer be that of the disciples: 'Lord, increase my faith' (Luke 17:5). Watch jealously over your faith, if you have any. It is the citadel of the Christian character, on which the safety of the whole fortress depends. It is the point which Satan loves to assail. All lies at his mercy if faith is overthrown. . . J. C. Ryle
I'm in a fight and I have my shield. I guess that makes me a troublemaker.
9 comments:
Dear Maxine, I am thankful to say that I, too, am in that fight. Like the songs once said, "This is a battlefield not a playground." I am a solider of the cross. Thank you for this great post. connie from Texas
Beautifully written! I'm in the same army. :)
Thank you for your prayers for Carissa! Keep praying until we know that this has been completely resolved.
Love and Hugs,
Sharon
Bless you Maxine, well said! I am a troublemaker too. I've got my shield and my armor is on.
Thank you for sharing this today. I am going to post a link to this post on my blog.
Thank you for always being an encouragement to me.
Blessings, Patty
Great post, Maxine ~
Yes, people don't always want to hear what we have to say, for sure. Isn't there a Bible verse - the battle is the Lord's. We just need to remember that sometimes. Your music is very lovely.
Yep--I'm wearing my armor too!
Blessings!
When I was a kid, I used to love to sing the song, "I may never march in the infantry, ride in the calvary, shoot the artillary. I may never zoom on the enemy, but I'm in the Lord's army - yes sir!"
I've enjoyed teaching that one to my kids and the kids at church through the years.
Yes, we are in a spiritual battle and many times it exhibits itself physically in persecution.
I'm right there in the ranks with you my friend. Onward Christian soldiers!!!
I hope I'm a troublemaker too! I'm glad we are all fighting this same fight!
Persecution is coming to a neighborhood near you. Near me. Here in America. It's only a matter of time before we face persecution as well in what we think is a free Nation.
you shared,
We make trouble for those who hold the banner of error and falsehood. We make trouble by preaching and teaching truth.
I'd like to express some sorrow I have for this understanding here today in our own churches from our own brethren. (John MacArthur states)'We're not supposed to draw any definitive lines or declare any absolutes. That is regarded as backward, outmoded, discourteous. And while this attitude toward biblical discernment is expected from the secular world, it is sadly being embraced by an increasing segment of evangelical Christianity.' Amazingly even Christians find the stated Truth to be offensive especially if it contradicts what they believe to be truth. But they needn't agree with me but rather with God because that's who they're really arguing against. There are not many truths. There is one. And it's whatever God says it is.
Thank you for bringing our brethren to remembrance. How easily we forget when we live in peace and plenty.
How nice it is to hear from you again, Sparrow. I'm always blessed by your thoughtful, and biblical, comments. I praise God and read on with anticipation every time I see that you've left one. Thanks for these thoughts.
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