Key Truths for Christians in Times of Persecution

Key Truths for Christians in Times of Persecution

We ought to obey God rather than men.[1]

Our first priority is to our LORD. Remember, however, this is in all points of the Word and not just our favorite points. We ought to obey God in those areas of Scriptural instruction we personally don’t care for. 

We are to obey every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.[2]

When we disobey laws we dislike but are not in direct violation of the Word of God, we directly violate the Word of God. This spoils our testimony and weakens our argument about obeying God. If we are going to “obey God rather than men” we had better make sure we obey the ordinance of men in every other possible way.

We are to pray for, respect, and (I believe) love[3] those in authority.[4]

Daniel certainly loved Nebuchadnezzar. He had respect for Darius. John Bunyan demonstrated great respect for Judge Wingate.[5]

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields

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[1] Acts 5:29 (KJV)

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

[2] 1 Peter 2:13 (KJV)

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

[3] Romans 13:8 (KJV)

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

[4] 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (KJV)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

[5] This is, of course, not an argument from Scripture, but Bunyon’s trial does represent an important document in Baptist history and sets an example for Baptists in times of persecution.

Fifty-Three

My 53rd birthday:

• The body is older
• The emotions are more worn
• The energy I once had is beginning to wane

but the blessing of salvation is better now than maybe even when I first got saved.

The world has not been easy but I doubt that it would have been without salvation. Satan not only hates the Christian, he hates all mankind as the object of God's love and grace. It's just that the lost don't realize it. The destruction in society is not merely a destruction of Christian principles, but of morality.

• Marriage
• The family
• Children, even
• Governments and other
• Social influences
are under the attack of the devil and the lost world doesn't know where to point the blame, if they even know something is wrong and must be blamed. No, the world would have been unkind these many years even if I had never trusted Christ or followed Him into ministry.

But what has happened in the last several years is that I have come to look more deeply into myself and the heart and soul of my own motivations. I cannot say I have arrived at anything. Only that I recognize something that is grander than even Christianity has offered me to this date. I am sure that, despite the mess sin has made of everything, even Christianity, Jesus Christ has a glorious resolution. I want to see Him. And until that day I stand before Him I trust that all things, even the more terrible things that happen in this realm of life, will work together to bring about that glorious resolution.

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields

Stand Still

Stand still.
A soldier has fallen to the ground today
The battlefield has had its way
He will not fight another day
Stand still. Stand still.

Stand still.
Stand still and pray for those at home
And for soldiers while they roam
On foreign soil’s combat zone
Stand still. Stand still.

Stand still.
That soul has now gone to beyond
To heaven’s glories or to hell’s real horrors
Stand still. Stand still.

Stand still.
Stand still and thank God for His grace
You did not die in his place
That image could have born your face
Stand still. Stand still.

Stand still.
Stand still and look this once more
To a far off hill on a distant shore
One there did His Father’s will
Stand still. Stand still.

Stand still
Stand still and see Him on the cross
Giving all there was to give
That you and I might get to live
Stand still. Stand still.

Stand still
Stand still and view that empty tomb
In it He found there was not room
So up He rose from that space
And left our sins in His place
Stand still. Stand still.

Stand still.
Stand still if you would have Him win
For you a victory from sin
You cannot earn a home on high
By grace through faith is the Father’s cry
Stand still

Stand still
Stand still come this solemn Day
You owe him that much won’t you say?
A soldier’s fallen to the ground today
Stand still. Stand still.

Marvin McKenzie
For Memorial Day Weekend
5-25-2007