Persecuted

Persecuted

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This morning I read an article about a lady named Paivi Rasanen. She’s a Christian politician in Finland, a mother of five, a doctor, and a pastor’s wife who is facing charges that could result in up to six years in prison. What’s the crime she’s charged with—three counts of “ethnic agitation” because of statements she made about her Biblical beliefs concerning sexuality and marriage. Prosecutors in Finland say her remarks discriminate against and defame LGBTQ people. In a statement concerning these charges she says, “I do not consider myself guilty of threatening, slandering, or insulting anyone. My statements were based on the Bible’s teachings on marriage and sexuality.”

That’s where we are today. This past Sunday 4,000 godly preachers in Canada and the United States joined to preach on the subject of Biblical marriage and sexuality because governments around the world are passing laws in an attempt to silence anyone who would dare speak Biblical truth into a culture deceived by lies. My intent is to join them this Sunday.

Jesus warned us of these things. He said over an over that true Christians will be persecuted for standing on His truth, but He also told us those who receive such persecution are blessed. You see, when you make a stand for righteousness and you are persecuted for it that is proof that you will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paivi Rasanen was questioned for over 13 hours in a Finland jail where she was asked over and over to renounce her statements. But she answered by saying, “I will stand on what I said about these things… because they are a matter of conviction, not opinion.” She went on to say that during those 13 hours she ministered and testified to the police officers holding her. She said it was a “privilege” to do so. I pray we all have the courage to stand as she has.

Have a God Filled Week,
Brother Donnie