"but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect;" 1 Peter 3:15 NASB
Have read of at least 2 that have made it to the headlines concerning schools coming down on students for sharing their faith on their own time. In Washington State school officials began checking a students bag for tracts or a Bible before they entered the school.
One student in Florida was harassed during their own time for reading their Bible.
It's happening here. We often cannot be the first to speak of anything to do with our faith at work because the policies are written that way. If someone asks then it may be ok.
The thing is there's always going to be risks in speaking about Jesus with people.
Peter and Silas risked being arrested.
Paul was just about chased from city to city.
"Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12 NASB
We who are in Christ Jesus should never shirk our responsibility to be a light in a dark place. Those in the darkness are GOING to complain about the light. We are told this ahead of time.
Yes you may risk a lot in doing so, but who gave you what you have? Who owns what you think is yours? Who has brought you this far in life? Who? It sure wasn't you.
If you lose your job over it, don't you think that God's got a plan concerning you to take care of that? Don't you believe the Scriptures? That God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose?
Jesus said we WOULD face tribulations in this world. But to be of good cheer because He’s overcome the world.
It can be intimidating. But what else does the Bible say? Don't be concerned about what you will say because in that very hour the Spirit will give you the words to say.
You are either planting seeds or you are tending plants. If the time is ripe then you will be there for the harvest and see someone come to Christ.
To go and make Disciples is our job. Not what we do to make a living. We are to be alert to the Devil's schemes. We are to be ready as it says in 1 Peter.
Wisdom is from God especially concerning the things of God. The Bible says that God gives wisdom freely to all who ask.
We are going to see a rise in persecutions in all corners of this world. We are going to see policies and laws enacted that come down on Christian people. Satan hates Christians and he hates Jews. This is a fact of our world. Read your Bible...there's no skating by in the Christian life. Those who desire to live a Godly life will face persecution in some way shape or form.
Our embracing the world will not keep us from this. Many try to live as close to how the world lives in order to avoid this. It will never work nor has it ever worked. You will eventually provoke the Spirit into doing what must be done to keep you growing in Christ Jesus or He will take you from this world to protect His Name.
Pray pray pray. Our witness is the game changer that helps people see the love of God. We aren't here for fame, fortune, great physical health, prosperity or anything else than for reaching people who don't know yet the love God has for them. That they are in need of a Savior who is Christ Jesus.
As we get closer to the return of Jesus Christ we will see more of these things.
We are to be about the Father’s business, not absent from it.
Ask God what is needed of you.
Ask God to open your mouth regardless of what may come next.
Ask God to keep His promise to always be with you in these times.
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