Spiritual awakening: Our only hope - Greg Laurie -
http://www.wnd.com/2015/09/spiritual-awakening-our-only-hope/
Pastor Greg Laurie urges Christians to stand strong in face of persecution
The church is under attack in every way imaginable right now, both literally and figuratively. We are still reeling from the horrific attack on the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, where nine Christians were murdered earlier this year.
But the church is also under attack around the world. Christians are being slaughtered today in the Middle East. Because they are followers of Jesus Christ, they are being kidnapped, beheaded and even crucified by ISIS and other terrorist organizations.
Then we look at our own country and see the persecution of Christians getting stronger here as well. This is a sign of the times. The Bible says that the persecution of believers would be one of the signs alerting us to the soon return of Jesus Christ. Speaking to his disciples in Matthew 24, Jesus said, "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers" (verse 9 NIV).
Every Christian will face persecution in some way, shape, or form. It may show itself physically. But it also can show itself verbally. Believers have all faced it in some way. People have laughed at us. They have mocked us. They have ostracized us. If that has happened to you, congratulations. Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV). This is a badge of honor for the believer. In fact, the Bible tells us, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).
Ultimately, this is bigger than a challenge to traditional values, cultural values, or even Western civilization. It is biblical truth that is being challenged today. As Christians, we stand on what the Bible says. This is the Word of God, and we believe it. We believe every word of it is inspired and given to us by God himself.
Yet some will hear Christians talk about marriage being the union of one man and one woman, and they say, "Why would you not want someone else to get married? What does it matter to you?"
Let me respond by saying that first of all, we believe that God created marriage. It precedes all civilizations. It precedes culture. It precedes everything. God brought a man and a woman together in the Garden of Eden. God himself effectively performed the first wedding. The first miracle that Jesus performed during his earthly ministry was at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, showing his endorsement of it. Jesus was very clear about what the purpose and objective of marriage is. He said in Mark 10, "But 'God made them male and female' from the beginning of creation. 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together" (Mark 10:6-9 NLT).
The Bible describes this union as taking place only between a man and a woman when they commit themselves to one another in marriage, in this special bond before God. A oneness takes place, the Bible tells us. And as Christians, we stand on what the Scriptures say.
Understand, the things that are happening in our culture today might be frightening at times. But consider this: Just as it seems that things are coming apart, in another way they are coming together. Bible prophecies are being fulfilled before our very eyes.
So what should we do in light of all that is happening around us right now? First of all, we shouldn't panic. The fact is that the church often thrives when it stands in sharp contrast to the cultures around it.
Think about what the first-century church faced. They were living in the most pagan culture imaginable. They could not get out and register to vote and cast their ballot for who the next Caesar would be. It isn't as though they could live out their lives as openly as they wanted to as followers of Jesus. They were persecuted. They were hunted down. They lived in the backdrop of cultures like Athens, Corinth and others that worshiped false gods. Immorality was rampant. Yet in relatively short order, the church turned their world upside down.
How did they accomplish this? It wasn't through protests, boycotts, or marches. The first-century Christians outlived, outloved, outprayed, and outgave the nonbelievers.
We need to remember that Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible, and it is still true: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (NLT).
In the Old Testament story of Joseph, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20 NIV).
The psalmist said of the Lord, "Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans" (Psalm 119:91). And Psalm 76:10 tells us this about God: "Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon" (NLT). God is in control.
We also need to show the love of Christ to everyone. We need to meet them where they are and engage them with the Gospel. God loves everyone, no matter what they have done. Deep down, everyone is searching for a relationship with God. It may seem like certain people can never change. But no one is beyond the reach of God.
Lastly, we need to pray. When the disciples were told by the authorities not to preach anymore in the name of Jesus, what did they do? They prayed ... for more boldness to preach more. Then they went out and did that.
We need to pray that America has a spiritual awakening. That is really our only hope. There is no political messiah that will save us. This is bigger than politics. This is bigger than culture. We need a spiritual solution. The United States needs a spiritual awakening like it has never needed before. We need to pray for that. And we need to pray for the church.
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