A subtle form of persecution

Ever since the Christan faith came into being the followers of Jesus have been persecuted.  Indeed, Jesus warned His followers that we would be hated because we belong to Him (John 15 v 18-21).  Moreover, in 2nd Tim 3 v 12 we are told that all those who seek to live godly lives will be persecuted.

This hatred is played out in various forms, the most extreme being physical violence resulting in martyrdom.  Over the last 100 years more Christians have been martyred for their faith than in the previous 19 centuries put together.

However, persecution doesn't always occur through physical violence.  Sometimes opponents of the Gospel use other tactics eg. dismissal at the workplace for wearing a cross or speaking about Jesus.  Another tactic is to target Christian guest houses and insist that homos can book to stay there.  Still another way these people work is to use innuendo and false accusation -  in this I have suffered persecution.  When I open my blog I frequently find comments from people accusing me of being full of hate.  This very morning I read a comment from one Barry Duke, the editor of the "Freethinker", in which he accuses me of being a homosexual.  He also makes this assertion on the comments page of his blog knowing that I don't have the right of reply.  This shows that, as well as being opponents of the Gospel, Mr Duke and his ilk are cowards. They fire off vitriol and spite at those who dare to speak up for the truths of God's infallible word, and then scurry off into a corner -  no doubt sniggering to themselves like silly kids in a school playground.

What should be our response to this kind of behaviour? 

First of all, we should not be cowed into submission.  This kind of attack will only strengthen my resolve to continue writing the truth of God's word and shine the Gospel light in the midst of a wicked and perverse nation.

Secondly, we should resist the temptation to engage in the same tactic of juvenile name-calling as that would be to simply go down to their level.

Thirdly, we should pray for them; we should pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and implant the gift of faith.  Some of the most zealous Christian evangelists today were once fierce opponents of the Gospel and persecutors of Christians.

Let us remember the words of the Saviour in Matthew 5 v 11-12 when He stated that those who suffer insults for His sake will have their reward in Heaven.

Remember, too, the old saying "The one who laughs last, laughs longest".

Nazi tactics from the government

One of the ways in which the Nazis, under propaganda minister - Joseph Goebbels, gave the impression that Germans fully supported them was to stamp out free speech.  Of course, such a thing doesn't exist in our freedom loving land - or does it?

Over the last few months there has been an outpouring of opposition to Cameron's plans to re-define marriage by allowing Homos to "marry".  The petition set up by the "coalition to save marriage" has passed the half-million mark and is still rising.  Tory MPs are getting a sackful of post or e-mails from voters voicing their concerns that a conservative Prime Minister should support such a thing.

Cameron claims that people are being given the chance to give their views to the government in a "consultation" process.  However, this so-called consultation is a sham. Many feel that Cameron has already made up his mind and is rigging the consultation process.

The "coalition to save marriage" set up a site that enabled people to put their consultations to the government; but the thousands of submissions passed to the government through that web-site have been blocked.  This is a sinister development as it proves that we don't live in a democracy where free speech prevails - we live in a "liberal-fascist" state.  In such a country you can freely express your views as long as they agree with the liberal elite.  This is a subtle form of persecution but it will not silence those who belong to the Lord and wish to proclaim the truth of God's infallible word.

I would not seek to do any harm to homos but the Bible is crystal clear - homosexuality is a gross and vile perversion, it is an abomination.  Those involved in it, and their supporters, need to repent and seek God's mercy by trusting Jesus as their personal Saviour.  If they don't do this then they WILL face the flames of an eternal Hell when they die.

Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 20 v 15