Entering the Kingdom Through Many Tribulations.

     There seems to be this idea in our western evangelical mindset, that once we have come to Christ, everything is somehow supposed to go smooth for the rest of our lives. Thousands of modern day American Christians are comfortably waiting for the day when we will be raptured, and go to glory, with no troubles, no persecution, no dying for our faith.
     This idea however, does not really resemble the way the Christian life is portrayed in the scriptures. Look at the words of Jesus in the sermon on the Mount. He tells us that we are blessed when we are persecuted, slandered, and insulted, because of Christ. Just as the prophets of old were persecuted, we too can expect the hatred of the world (Matt 5:10-12). Jesus tells us that the disciple is not greater than his master. As Jesus was persecuted, so will we be persecuted (John 15:20). Jesus is telling us to expect it; it will happen. As Paul states, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12). Once again, if we truly desire to live out our faith in a radical way, we will be persecuted for it. By radical, I mean to follow the commands of Christ. To be radical is to take scripture serious enough to actually put it into practice. To do this will invite the scorn of the world. This also includes the religious world. Backslidden, as well as nominal Christians are offended by truth, whether lived out in front of them, or spoken.
     In the book of Acts we read that it is through many tribulations that we enter into the kingdom (Acts 14:22). There has been persecution since the days of Cain and Abel. God's children have always suffered at the hands of wicked men. Jesus tells us that brother will betray brother to death, fathers will deliver up their children, and children their parents. We are clearly warned by Christ that the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matt 24:10-13; Mark 13:12-13). This is not the gospel that we hear in so many of our churches today. Thousands of Christians have suffered for their faith down through the centuries, and thousands are suffering even now. We tend to look at it as a geographic issue. We live in a country that tolerates Christianity better than other countries. It is true, we don't face some of the dangers that a Christian might in a more hostile country, but we are wrong to believe that we somehow are blessed enough to avoid persecution. If that was the case, the above mentioned scriptures would be false.
     The fact of the matter is this, the world stands opposed to true righteousness. Anybody who takes a real stand for the truth, who boldly lives by biblical standards, and who fearlessly proclaims the word of God to the lost world around them, will invite the world's hatred. A person who hates God, will hate you, if you take His name in truth.
     Jesus tells us that if we are ashamed of Him and His words in this wicked and sinful generation, He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26). Sadly, we see a carnal "Church" that is ashamed to stand up for Jesus. They reject His words as being offensive and intolerant. This is a big reason why we see so little persecution here in America. It is difficult to differentiate between the "Church" and the world. Let the true Christians stand up however, and the world will despise them. You will lose friends, people will insult you, slander and malign you, if you but only stand up for Christ.
     You can see the moral climate changing here. It will only get worse for those who love Christ, and are willing to live and speak for Him. Remember, Christ has told us these things beforehand, to keep us from stumbling (John 16:1).