It’s a Verse many of us have learned. But it has been “foreign” to our way of life. At least for those of us who live in the so-called free world.
1 Peter 4:12 … “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”
As we grow nearer our Lord’s Return, persecution of us Christians (world-wide) is going to increase. Already international mission agencies say that over 300 Believers a day die for their faith, are murdered, martyred!
I once would have said, “Not in America!”
Now I am not even sure there exists an America. (United States?) We certainly are no longer a world power. Events of recent days have proved that fact.
Paul was right, after all. “ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12, not just in foreign lands, mind you … “ALL!”
We had best accustom ourselves to the static, overt opposition, and hatred that is one the way!
Another way of saying “think it not strange” when such trials come.
“Fiery trials,” Peter?
Maybe even like this … “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Hebrews 11:38-39
We’re going to have to toughen up!
Like Paul forewarned Timothy … “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
It’s on the way, folks. Persecution of Christians is spreading like wildfire. And our government is no longer strong enough (or perhaps even willing) to protect Bible Believing Children of God.
And when it happens, not if it happens … “Think it not strange!”
Just consider how much of the New Testament is written either by persecuted saints or to persecuted saints.
I know. I believe in the Rapture too. It could happen any second. But should the Lord not come soon … we’re all going have to memorize and practice “the Verse of the decade!”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Let’s let Jesus have the last word … “Remember the word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20
Well, one more Verse after all … “And they (the Disciples, after having been beaten and imprisoned) departed from the presence of the council, REJOICING that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” Acts 5:41
Wow!
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