February 9, 2025 -- Philippians 1:27-28 -- Power and the Gospel

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to you or am absent I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation and that from God.
Philippians 1:27-28 ESV
 
Voice of the Martyrs website lists over 6 dozen countries that are openly hostile to the Good News of Jesus Christ. In those countries people who convert from the national religion of the land to Christianity can be deprived of freedom, property or killed. Family members may disown the one who converts. Bibles are unavailable. When Bibles are found they are confiscated. There are democracies, like India, where persecuted believers expect no help from local authorities.
 
Certainly, things are not as dire here in Canada. However, it is important to note that there is growing hostility to Christianity here in Canada. One obvious example of this happened recently.  A man who attended my Bible studies recently went up before the Parole Board of Canada. He was asked to give evidence of the changes he’d made in his life. Among other things he mentioned is how he attended Bible studies at the institutional chapel. He was scornfully informed that “your kind” (criminals) hide out there. The gospel was utterly discredited by those who hold decision-making power to grant or deny parole. It is a sad commentary how some of those who appointed by our government, who are supposed to encourage men and women making positive changes in their life, discredit the Christian faith. There was no apology. No recognition of how violent their words were when wielded against one who is dependent on them. It is sad that this is not an isolated case.
 
The point is Jesus told His followers they will suffer because of their faith in Him. Obedience to Jesus is the obvious evidence that someone is a Christian. Willingness to suffer for Jesus is a warning sign to non-believers, to parole board members, to hostile governments, to anyone in power that in their opposition proves their destruction is sure. God is not mocked. He will avenge His people who suffered because of their partnership in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The steadfast faith which holds believers steady even while they suffer is a clear sign that God is in charge. No government can defeat Him. No regime can stamp out the Name of Jesus. No persecution will destroy the church.
 
One of the Church Fathers, Tertullian (145 - 220 A.D.), wrote “the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church”. What he stated is very much in line with Paul’s words here in Philippians. The more a despot or a tyrannical authority tries to wipe out believers, the more the believers will spread and flourish.
 
Father in heaven let my manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ Jesus, my Savior and King. Unite believers by the power of the Your Spirit so that we will, together, stand side by side for the faith of the gospel. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/cY6k2QhdCn0?si=hqLlh1J0RhrY4swW How Firm a Foundation
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.