In the beginning of the church, as the Hebrew Christians began seeing the glory of Christ, they also started to suffer for Christ. In the first century, to embrace Christ meant to suffer. Whenever a Christian said something or did something that was not politically correct in those days, it resulted in them getting arrested or having their property plundered or their homes burned.
Herein lies one of the main reasons why the church in America is so anemic. We are at home in this world, while the early Christians were aliens and exiles whose true home was in heaven and in the age to come with Jesus. That world was so real to them and so precious that they did the unthinkable: rejoiced in their suffering! The key to their joy in the midst of danger and loss was that they simply did not put much stock in this world. They had been transferred into the kingdom of God's Son (Col. 1:13). They had passed from death to life. Their lives were hid with Christ in God.
This has been the pattern wherever Christianity has shined the brightest. Are we to expect America to be exempt? Are there any signs in our nation that Christians may soon suffer in the same way the first century church has? How will this effect those in our churches?
Rather than causing us to fear, may this text prepare us and fill us with a longing to be free from the comfort-seeking, entertainment-addicted American religion and turn to knowing Christ in the fellowship of His suffering (Phil 3:10).
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“ Great Sermon! ” Persecution is not coming here. It is here. What we are seeing now **worldwide** is Psalm 2 in HD! We as believers need to choose to obey the Lord Jesus Christ no matter the cost. While we will not experience God's wrath (Is. 53:6-10; Heb. 2:17; I Jn. 4:10), we will experience unregenerate man's wrath. Persecution will purify the Church, and God's work will go forth. The gates of hell will not prevail against it! Please, brothers and sisters, be faithful while you still have breath. This is the highest level of praise and thanksgiving that we can give to our glorious Lord.
Bro. Nick Nicholas (4/28/2018)
from from Anniston, AL
“ 'Biblical CHRISTianity' - vs - Laodiceanism ” The last comment made to this Biblically sound message of WARNING and PROMISE was 3.5+ YEARS AGO
- so how many 'Religious People' actually care ?
- ONLY the very-very few of us who truly are 'Biblical CHRISTians'
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- It is my Biblical understanding that the very proud and self-centered 'Amerikan church' of 'Lukewarm CoeXist Ecumenical Laodiceanism' is very much NOW 'the norm'
- AND that this 'New' pseudo-Christian Religion is constantly 'evolving'
- AND it is being shipped all around the world by nearly every one of the 'Amerikan' 'missionaries'
- AND 'Amerika' is ALSO the primary source of the constantly increasing numbers of 'new and improved' Bible perversions
- AND NOW California is ready to make 'Assembly Bill 2943' into Law - which will effectively ban 'Biblical CHRISTianity'
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- That which is written in Luke 21:34-36 [AV] is coming to have more and more personal importance to me !
- YES - I have counted 'the cost' and my choice - ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD - is to do that which Joshua personally declared - and then 'lived'
- As "it is written" in Joshua 24:15 [AV] :
"...: but as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD."
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David Nusbickel (9/8/2014)
from NE AL
“ Church Warning ” When you hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 recited, which part is omitted? "and turn from their (our) wicked ways"! America is addicted to wicked ways, and the church is no longer a SANCTUARY from evil.
Intimidation over the "separation of church and state" has produced compromise that SEPARATES the Church FROM GOD!
Hank Hudson (4/13/2013)
from Deerfield Beach, Florida
“ Powerful Sermon! ” This is an eye-opening sermon -- one that probably will not be heard in 99% of our churches. True Christians should be prepared for very difficult and persecuting times until Christ takes us home either by death or the Rapture. This sermon will separate the believers from the lost churchgoers who compose most of the church pews today. I am study the OT and NT deeply each day and am growing greatly as a follower of our Lord and Savior -- it's such a great comfort. God Bless Pastor Joseph for his deep insight and comforting message.
Laura (9/6/2011)
from Florida
“ Great Sermon! ” We are going through very difficult times ... This sermon is very inspiring and helps us to remain strong on God's truth. Thank you very much.
Sandra (11/30/2009)
from Ohio
“ Excellent Sermon! ” This message is so badly needed because the US is being judged by God and Christians are the favorite whipping post of people's frustrations. Persecution is a test, to measure for ourselves how much we love what Jesus has done for us.
David Sacramento (7/28/2009)
from Europe, Portugal
“ This will happen even more!! ” Hi friends in Jesus. Yes its true, i think the persecution will meet a BOOM in the next years because everything in this world is forgeting the word of GOD and doing what god hates most. In my job some of the guys already know that i love jesus and they tell me awfull things about god in my front, just to mess with me and i think that every true cristian in the world is being persecuted in some way right now.
Sometimes i think about this and i feel fear, fear of dieing in the hands of these god haters. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
R.F. in PA (10/12/2007)
from Penn.
“ Timely and Accurate Message ” If it be a universal and present truth(and I believe it is) that "those who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" and also that "the world loves its own",why is it popular today in America to be a church-goer? The above words are addressed to posessors of His Spirit and His Truth. They alone will experience such hostility from the world as well as the religious world. Listen and Learn. May God open those ears which He Himself has created.
Laurie (10/12/2007)
“ I was encouraged by this wonderful message. ” I recently lost my job of 13 years because of my faith in Christ. I scratched my head at others who claim Christ, but never suffered any persecution, and dare not 'rock the boat' for fear of backlash. I praise my God Almighty that I am numbered with the ranks of the great, and this short-term persecution is not even worth dwelling upon. I draw nearer to my Jesus and lean upon His breast, waiting for words of encouragement, which I found in this message, and instructions for what's next!
Raymond (10/11/2007)
from Northern Ireland
“ Thank you ” Really blessed by the message on Persecution - we too believe that it is coming to our United Kingdom. We are very encouraged to know of your witness in New Jersey.
Charles (10/11/2007)
from The bible belt
“ Yep, rite here rite now ” Rome, sodom, egypt, babylon, yea thats what it's like to me here in the USA. Everything was ok until I began speaking Gods word daily to everyone. The religious people were the first to put me out and now a messenger of satan delivers an evil report to everyone I meet to hinder fellowship or friendship. It is spiritualy dark all around here and an offensive against followers is definitely underway. Three responses to me directly from everyday people
1st "If you dont like what were doing in america you can just leave" (catholic) 2nd "the bible doesn't matter, there's just good people and bad people" 3rd "one true god, call him what you may" (catholic)
I just began singing again and revival has begun in my soul. Wow what a journey, glad it's real:)
Psa. 119:116
Tracie Hall (10/6/2006)
from Wilmington, NC
“ Much Needed Message For Christian America! ” This message is a profoundly sober, but yet encouraging message. It is time for all Christians in America to soberly consider what is said here.
A native of New York, Pastor LoSardo was saved by the grace of God in 1986 after hearing the Gospel from his brother, while pursuing a career in scientific research. He was ordained into the ministry in 1995 and served as the Associate Pastor of a large Messianic Congregation...
