"Are We Close Enough To Jesus To Be Persecuted?"
By Charles Hodge
The familiar in scripture needs to be read more closely, "But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (I Peter 4:13).
Man, naturally, wants to be popular. Criticism, persecution, hate HURT! So we must be positive. Never negative. We must tickle ears not break hearts. Political Correctness does not allow rebuke, criticism, condemnation. Pulpits today are toothless, worthless. Preachers needing to be fired are honored; preachers needing to be honored are fired. Jesus (JESUS?) was hated, persecuted, cursed, cast out, crucified!!! The New Testament church was never popular - it was the "sect everywhere spoken against." Our job is not to be popular; our job is to be like Jesus!!!
"Are we close enough to Jesus to be persecuted?" "Are we close enough to be hit?" Those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12). POW! The "Prosperity Gospel" fails! TV preachers are wrong! Jesus said they hated Him and they will hate us (John 15:18,19). Our text says Christians are privileged to enter into the sufferings of Christ! Peter and John rejoiced when they were counted worthy of persecution. Paul rejoiced in his sufferings. He bore in his body the marks of Jesus (Galatians 6:17). Paul took pleasure in persecutions (II Corinthians 12:10).
Where are the thundering pulpits today? Where are the courageous disciples standing upon profound convictions? Is the church more interested in being accepted, popular, honored?
"Are we close enough to Jesus to be persecuted?" Jesus will be persecuted! Will we?