Linda Wall
A few weeks ago “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians3:18) on the TV show, The View, mocked Vice President Pence for following Jesus Christ. He was even called mentally ill. This incident was a perfect modern-day example of what Jesus told us to expect if we follow Him.
Jesus said, “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12)
Christian persecution in America for following Jesus Christ is escalating. Jesus was hated 2,000 years ago, and He is still hated today. If you are following Him, you are going to be hated, also.
Jesus said, “and ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake, but he that endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)
Today, too many American Christians are whining and acting just like this world when persecution comes, using terms like Christian bigotry, bullying and equality for Christians. Grow up, brethren! Rejoice and be exceedingly glad as Jesus stated.
Recently, I shared with you about the Assembly of God church I was attending that became lukewarm when they took their eyes off of Jesus. At that church, I experienced the worst persecution thus far in my journey: threatened with being arrested.
At the Lord’s leading, I put together a book explaining the erroneous teachings that were coming from the Christian celebrities stopping by on their nationwide tours. My research took me to the College of William and Mary where I discovered many modern-day doctrines had their origins in Hinduism.
Once the research was complete, the Lord had me send copies of the book to forty different church members. It created quite a storm because the pastor was out of the country. Upon his return to America, he called a meeting of staff and key church and choir members.
Some stood to defend the writings because it was all scriptural. The pastor attempted to justify that he was the pastor, and I was nobody. Little did he know that Jesus Christ had taught me God’s Word, and I was being His Messenger.
Eventually, I was threatened by a letter from the pastor’s lawyer stating I would be arrested if I returned to the church. That was a joyous occasion for me. It was just like Jesus said it would be. The ultimate was happening – I was in trouble for standing for Jesus and standing on the scriptures. I rejoiced and praised God that I was worthy to be persecuted for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
It is time to grow up believers. You will be persecuted. It’s not bullying. It’s not bigotry. It is exactly what Jesus said it would be: persecution. Learn to stand upon God’s Word.
Apostle Paul put it this way:
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:11-17)
Vice President Pence isn’t the only one in America to be persecuted for standing for Christ. You’ve probably heard of the baker, the florist, the photographer or the County Clerk in Kentucky to name a few who stood for Jesus and the Word of God. They have indeed suffered consequences for their stands, but great is their reward.
Allow me in the weeks to come to introduce you to some Virginia Christians who are suffering for their stand for Christ and God’s Word: Lisa and Isabella Miller, mother and daughter, Pastor Ken Miller and Phillip Zodiates. I will share the details of the Christian persecution of these four Virginians that began fourteen years ago and is on-going.
