More Than Conquerors

 More Than Conquerors Twenty years ago, the liberal news media said little overtly about the making of a movie about Jesus of Nazareth, The Passion of the Christ, produced and directed by Mel Gibson. However, a few conservative news agencies reacted furiously to the little they did say. Their fury was directed toward the anti-Christian bias building among the members of the liberalpress and becoming more discernable in their reporting. This prejudicial view was evident in the media's escalating attack on one of Hollywood's beloved actor-directors and action heroes. Mr. Gibson commented at the time that some media types covertly attacked his family and himself because he wasshooting a movie favorable to Jesus. When it comes to promoting Jesus in a positive light, Hollywood does not even exempt one of their own from their liberal scrutiny and attack. It is not saying anything new that bias toward Christians is flagrant in today's media coverage. Secular philosophy among some powerful editors has led to an open bias toward anyone who admits admiration of or allegiance to Jesus Christ. Yet, verbally vilifying a homosexual, a transgender individual, a pro-abortion advocate, or Islamic terrorist is a "hate crime." Do the same to a Christian, and it is free speech, separation of church and state, and downright chic. We live in a very prejudiced and violent world that hates the teachings of Jesus Christ. Even mentioning His name is enough to stir many to riotous behavior. Professing Christians in Asia and Africa live in daily fear for their lives because, although they know little of God's truth, they gather under the banner ofthe name of Jesus Christ. And for that label, they suffer persecution in verbally abusive and even physically violent ways. They are staunchly loyal to the name of the Christ of today's mainstream Christianity. Their loyalty is indeed impressive! As Christians, we hope and pray that our faith will be strong enough to endure such persecution—to death, if necessary. As of yet, however, most of us have not been tried to such an extent. As we near the end of this age, and as we approach the culmination of all the evils of this present Babylonishsociety, our day of the ultimate test may very well come. In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul asks several questions that provide perspective on our Christian perseverance in the face of persecution: Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separateus from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans8:34-39) Those professing Christians losing their lives at the hand of Muslims in Africa, India, and Indonesia are not, for the most part, receiving persecution for walking in the footsteps of Jesus—living as He lived, doing what He did. Those Christiansare being persecuted for their association with a name—a very powerful name indeed!—but without following the example of how He lived. However, true Christians—those who have repented of their sins, been baptized, accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, received the Holy Spirit, and who live and obey the teachings of Christ—suffer with Him all day long because living God'sway of life is contrary to every aspect of secular society. Our daily reckoning "as sheep for the slaughter" keeps us from being separated from the love of God. That makes us more than just associates of a name; it makes us more than conquerors. It makes usthe very children of God! - Martin G. Collins