THE BIG ONE

Fred Sanford didn’t avoid talking about “the big one” whenever sudden stress went over the top.

Most of us don’t talk about heart attacks—OR—emp’s—OR—stock market crashes—OR—

persecution ! ? ! ?

PERSECUTION, really, for me ?
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If you are not a serious Christian, you do not think about it.
If you are a serious Christian, you choose a theology that says we’ll be gone.
Does the last three fourths of Revelation somehow not apply to us reading it now ?
Then why read it ?
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Why don’t Christians in America talk about persecution?

Because persecution is so foreign to us.

Because we’ve had it so good in America, without serious persecution.

Because we don’t know how to talk about persecution.

Because we might get “persecuted” by our friends if we talk about persecution.

Because we’re so busy talking and dealing with other things.

Because we heard theology that says we’ll be out of here before persecution.

Because we don’t listen to the stories of fellow Christians persecuted around the world.

Because we don’t pray for those persecuted Christians.

Because persecution hasn’t struck close to home.

Because persecution hasn’t affected us yet.

Because we hope persecution won’t really happen here.

Because we have the first amendment to protect us from persecution.

Because we’re not ready for persecution.

Because our pastors don’t talk about persecution.

Because our pastors aren’t preparing us for persecution.

Because we don’t like the words, “All who live Godly in Christ will suffer persecution.”

If you are a Jesus follower, what if His words come true for you and me?

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so they persecuted the prophets which were before you.”

Today, many Christians around the world are reporting joy in a special, closer relationship with Jesus, experienced only during severe persecution.

Very soon, Americans who call themselves Christians will get serious about Jesus, or get out.