Suffering in the Footsteps of Jesus

1
Suffering in the Footsteps of Jesus

• Suffering for Christ in the U.S. how will we
  handle it? Rom. 816-18

2
Introduction

• Weve already discussed the suffering that exists
  in this world because of sin.
• How God cursed Satan, man, and the earth because
  of sin. Gen. 314-19
• How sin further compounds the suffering
  experienced in this world.
• How God allows/wills for His children to suffer
  in this sinful world. Lk. 2426 Jas. 12-4

3
Introduction

• More specifically persecution comes against
  Christians for proclaiming the name of Jesus.

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that
we are children of God, and if children, heirs
also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,
if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also
be glorified with Him. Romans 816-17
4
Recent Worldwide Persecutions

• Aug 04, 2009 BANGLADESH POLICE TORTURE PASTOR,
  TWO OTHERS
• At the urging of local Muslim leaders, police in
  western Bangladesh have tortured a pastor
  (Habibur Rahman) and two other Christians for
  legally proclaiming Christ
• The first question the police commander asked
  him, Rahman said, was, Why did you become
  Christian?
• Using a lot of filthy words, he charged me that
  I was teaching the Bible and converting people to
  Christianity in this area, the pastor told
  Compass.

5
Recent Worldwide Persecutions

• Aug 11, 2009 TEHRAN, IRAN Christian Women
  Pressured to Recant Faith in Christ
• Maryam and Marzieh were originally arrested on
  March 5, 2009 and have suffered greatly while in
  prison, suffering ill health, solitary
  confinement and interrogations for many hours
  while blindfolded.
• In its report, Elam Ministries says "On
  Saturday, August 8, Maryam and Marzieh were
  summoned to appear in court on Sunday, August 9
  in order to hear a verdict on their case.

6
Recent Worldwide Persecutions

• In Court On August 9 Elam Ministries says that
  during one tense moment in the questioning,
  Maryam and Marzieh made reference to their
  belief that God had convicted them through the
  Holy Spirit. Mr. Haddad told them, "It is
  impossible for God to speak with humans."
• Marzieh asked him in return, "Are you questioning
  whether God is Almighty? Mr. Haddad then
  replied, "You are not worthy for God to speak to
  you. Marzieh said, "It is God, and not you, who
  determines if I am worthy."

7
Recent Worldwide Persecutions

• Aug 11, 2009 NIGERIA Death Toll Climbs
• With 12 Christians confirmed killed in rioting
  ignited by an Islamic sect opposed to Western
  education, the Christian community in northern
  Nigeria's Borno state is still counting its
  lossesThe rioting instigated by an Islamic
  extremist sect known as Boko Haram left hundreds
  of people dead and large property losses. Islam's
  strict Shariah law is already in force for
  Muslims in 12 northern states, but the sect is
  fighting to have it enforced more broadly in
  those states and to impose it throughout Nigeria.

8
Introduction

• The fact is, however, such affliction upon
  Christians in the U.S. has been relatively very
  mild.
• The writing is on the wall our decades of
  comfort are turning to increasing conflict.
• We need to gird up our loins, prepare ourselves
  to endure the coming afflictions, and count
  ourselves worthy to suffer shame for the name of
  Jesus. Cp. Acts 541

9
Why Have We Suffered So Little?

• In the U.S. today our nation has had a history of
  security, peace, comfort and wealth.
• We know that God is able to lift any nation who
  seeks after Him. Prov. 1434
• Our history is filled with people/events in which
  our God and Savior was at the forefront of our
  conscience.
• During this time the Lords church experienced
  great growth and untold peace. Cp. Acts 931

10
Why Have We Suffered So Little?

• At some point our free society started
  minimizing our God and the name of Jesus Christ.
• We have come to accept that Jesus is only
  acceptable within the walls of the church
  building.
• Not coincidentally, we like Israel of old
  have become a prideful and complacent nation. Cp.
  Deut. 811-14

11
Why Have We Suffered So Little?

• A weakened and materialistic church.
• Instead of reaching the message of Christ to the
  lost we are content to limit the message of the
  cross to believers gospel meetings, bible
  studies, forums, lectures, etc.
• Instead of primarily contending against
  non-Christian religions we primarily fight among
  other churches of Christ. cp. Mk. 325
• Instead of being generously benevolent among our
  saints we stockpile the Lords money to protect
  ourselves from the proverbial rainy day (or more
  beautiful buildings).

12
Why Have We Suffered So Little?

• In reality, were (currently) not being afflicted
  in our cause for Jesus Christ.
• Satan doesnt have to attack Gods people if we
  are not trying to win souls for His cause. Cp.
  Mk. 325
• If Satan is not attacking us will our Savior
  condemn us? Cp. Rev. 31-3

13
The Writing Is On The Wall From Comfort to
Conflict
14
Reports Within This Country are Steadily Growing.

• Aug 05, 2009 LODI, CA The Right To Pray in
  Jesus Name
• A former military chaplain who battled the U.S.
  Navy over the right to pray in Jesus' name is
  waging a similar fight in Lodi, Calif. In May,
  representatives from the Freedom From Religion
  Foundation sent the council a letter complaining
  about the practice, saying the prayers "lead a
  reasonable observer to believe that the Council
  is endorsing not only religion over nonreligion
  but also Christianity over other faiths."

15
Reports Within This Country are Steadily Growing.

• Aug 10, 2009 COLUMBUS, OH Teen threatened
  with life converting from Islam.
• Fathima Rifqa Bary, who turned 17 today, says
  her father twice threatened to kill her after
  learning she had become a Christian and had been
  baptizedShe is now seeking emancipation from her
  parents, claiming they would kill her to defend
  the family's honor if the Florida Department of
  Children and Families (DCF) returned her to their
  custodyShe and her family immigrated from Sri _
  Lanka and are not U.S. citizens.

16
Reports Within This Country are Steadily Growing.

• Aug 10, 2009 LUBBOCK, TX Threatened by
  Muslims while teaching/preaching in local prison
• Our guard was a female about the age of 50, and
  it is my firm belief that if those men had
  wanted to, they could have harmed or even killed
  us yesterday before she could have received the
  help needed to squelch the attacks. It is my
  conviction that yesterday was a glimpse of the
  future for all Christians in America.

17
The Writing Is On The Wall From Comfort to
Conflict

• We need an attitude/endeavor shift if were going
  to meet the challenge.
• Will we become like the church of old worthy to
  suffer shame for His name. Acts 541
• This attitude is a paradox that many Christians
  in this country have difficulty grappling.
• Many of us will fall away because we will not
  want to give up our comfort and ease.
• Our endeavor needs to expand beyond the four
  walls of our fellowship teaching and preaching.
  Acts 542

18
The Writing Is On The Wall From Comfort to
Conflict

• Our lives need more closely follow in the
  suffering of our Savior. 1 Pet. 41-2, 12-16
• When this happens we shouldnt be surprised when
  our attitude/endeavors follow more closely to
  that of our Lord.
• We will be hated by the world (not simply
  disliked) for Christs name. cp. Matt. 1022
• By persecution/affliction coming from our
  government.
• By jihadists.
• By atheists.

19
Conclusion

• Satan will take notice and start persecuting us
  like he has those who are martyrs for Christ.
  Cp. Rev. 213
• The question is which one from among us will
  follow in the footsteps of our suffering Lord?