Ministry founder: U.S. Christians 'absolutely not prepared' for persecution

sermonindex Jan 2, 2008

~~[u]~~~~[b]~~Ministry founder: U.S. Christians 'absolutely not prepared' for persecution[/b][/u]

The founder of Gospel for Asia says while persecution is increasing worldwide for Christians, he believes it will soon impact believers in America -- and K.P. Yohannan says they need to get ready for it.

Persecution against Christians is increasing worldwide, especially in countries such as India, where attacks on churches and Christians by Hindu extremists have increased dramatically. In fact, when missionaries graduate from Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bible colleges, they are told to expect persecution -- and perhaps even death -- for spreading the gospel.

According to GFA founder K.P. Yohannan, Christians in those countries expect such treatment and are prepared when the tough times come. But he believes Christians in America will soon be faced with persecution as well -- and he is fearful that many are not ready.

"The great falling-away from faith could be worst here in [America] because people are absolutely not prepared to face suffering or persecution -- because we cannot imagine a gospel with the cross and the suffering in it," says Yohannan. "Yet the Bible teaches very strong about it. So as the Word of God says: He who has ears, let him hear."

The ministry leader is convinced that prosperity has caused many Christians in America to focus on material possessions instead of surrendering all to Christ. The result, he says, is that American Christians have become "very naïve" in thinking that real persecution will never come their way.

"These are warning signs," he exclaims. "God is telling us [that] we need to prepare our lives. And preachers going around saying that revival is coming, and everything is okay, and all these things? I think that people are [being] set up for huge disaster and denying their faith when they face problems."

It is estimated that more than 16,000 Christians are martyred worldwide each year for their faith.

Source:

http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/12/ministry_founder_us_christians.php

sermonindex Jan 2, 2008

He certainly did set the trumpet to his mouth on this one.

Major truth and warning here.
Most won't even stand against the apostasy or false doctrines/teachers - so as to not make waves, nonetheless, stand for truth when it may mean losing all that they own.

It starts in the little things. If you'll stand alone for truth now and are willing to be tossed aside by the majority because of it, then God pours out even more Grace to stand alone during persecution.

We must love Truth more than anything or anyone.
We're to love God, Who is the Truth - before or more than even "brothers and sisters".
It's that love of His Truth that measures our love for God and not 'warm feelings inside'.

We'll be persecuted for Truth, and our jealousy for His Word above all other words is being tested - or has been all along.

Time to draw that line in the sand now - to be willing to be first ostracized for truth by the apostate church and with that, God will strengthen for what's coming.

To the degree that we love Truth [are not 'offfended' Mt.24:10] - to that degree we'll Stand.
The stronger we stand for Truth - the more of His Spirit He pours out. 1Pet4:14

Thank you for this urgent warning/plea.

sermonindex Jan 3, 2008

- bump -

sermonindex Jan 3, 2008

Major truth and warning here.

Most won't even stand against the apostasy or false doctrines/teachers - so as to not make waves, nonetheless, stand for truth when it may mean losing all that they own.
It starts in the little things. If you'll stand alone for truth now and are willing to be tossed aside by the majority because of it, then God pours out even more Grace to stand alone during persecution.
We must love Truth more than anything or anyone.
We're to love God, Who is the Truth - before or more than even "brothers and sisters".
It's that love of His Truth that measures our love for God and not 'warm feelings inside'.
We'll be persecuted for Truth, and our jealousy for His Word above all other words is being tested - or has been all along.
Time to draw that line in the sand now - to be willing to be first ostracized for truth by the apostate church and with that, God will strengthen for what's coming.
To the degree that we love Truth [are not 'offfended' Mt.24:10] - to that degree we'll Stand.
The stronger we stand for Truth - the more of His Spirit He pours out. 1Pet4:14

AMEN!!! and this is SOOOOO true.

Sad to say, those who do stand for truth are being accused of being the troublemakers, causing dissension.

We live in a time called "Culture Warriors". It's an art form.....used by the enemy to shut you down.

Love in Christ
Katy-Did

sermonindex Jan 14, 2008

HE_Reigns wrote:
He certainly did set the trumpet to his mouth on this one.
Major truth and warning here.
Most won't even stand against the apostasy or false doctrines/teachers - so as to not make waves, nonetheless, stand for truth when it may mean losing all that they own.
It starts in the little things. If you'll stand alone for truth now and are willing to be tossed aside by the majority because of it, then God pours out even more Grace to stand alone during persecution.
We must love Truth more than anything or anyone.
We're to love God, Who is the Truth - before or more than even "brothers and sisters".
It's that love of His Truth that measures our love for God and not 'warm feelings inside'.
We'll be persecuted for Truth, and our jealousy for His Word above all other words is being tested - or has been all along.
Time to draw that line in the sand now - to be willing to be first ostracized for truth by the apostate church and with that, God will strengthen for what's coming.
To the degree that we love Truth [are not 'offfended' Mt.24:10] - to that degree we'll Stand.
The stronger we stand for Truth - the more of His Spirit He pours out. 1Pet4:14
Thank you for this urgent warning/plea.

And come time, when the newly elected "couple" are sworn into their posts, Lisa's dream will be seen, with parties in the streets and hatred towards us.

For this year - just learn how to stretch meals. Stews, soups, etc.. Learn to make things stretch - even gas. Wisdom! It's a nice word and practice. Amen?

Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

He said, His little flock ~~[b]~~Trust GOD[/b] - He fed the multitude with a few fishes and loaves andnot a sparrow falls..... :-)

Matthew 10

LORD Bless His Elect.

sermonindex Jan 14, 2008

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches"

S

SimpleLiving Jan 15, 2008

Many Americans feel they're persecuted if their favorite television program is interrupted, even for important breaking news. It's downright being tortured if the electricity goes out altogether.

We've created "political correctness" to protect ourselves from being not only persecuted, but having our delicate, thin-skinned feelings hurt. "Don't say anything I don't like! How dare you? I'll sue you!" The sadder thing is, they'll win that lawsuit.

The true church must put on the full armor of God. Come out of complacency and prepare for battle! Soak in the Word and store it in your hearts! Know Him intimately so that during the most raging storm, you can hear His whisper! Put aside the things of this world and become who He says you are in His kingdom! The day and the hour has come when people will cry out for peace and there will be none! Seek Him while He may be found!

T

Tears_of_joy Jan 15, 2008

SimpleLiving wrote:
...they're persecuted if their favorite television program is interrupted, even for important breaking news. It's downright being tortured if the electricity goes out altogether.

Yes brother, and also as brother Ravenhill ~~[url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=1699]~~is saying here[/url] (37min):

'~~[b]~~I know that you had tribulation this morning, the bacon was burned, some other tragedy happened. But did you think this morning, that somebody for Christ's sake is gonna lose his head?[/b]'

SimpleLiving wrote:
We've created "political correctness" to protect ourselves from being not only persecuted, but having our delicate, thin-skinned feelings hurt. "Don't say anything I don't like! How dare you? I'll sue you!" The sadder thing is, they'll win that lawsuit.
Put aside the things of this world and become who He says you are in His kingdom! The day and the hour has come when people will cry out for peace and there will be none! Seek Him while He may be found!

Thank you brother.

sermonindex Jan 15, 2008

SimpleLiving wrote:
...they're persecuted if their favorite television program is interrupted, even for important breaking news. It's downright being tortured if the electricity goes out altogether.

I see so many truths here on this thread. I would have ask the question to myself and others, up to this point, why hasn't Americans endured the sufferings and persecutions of other countries and if it projected to be coming now, why?
If Americans knew the answer to this, not a doubt in mind that it would definitely bring revival to a nation. 2nd Chron 7:14
moe_mac

C

Compton Jan 15, 2008

SimpleLiving wrote:
...they're persecuted if their favorite television program is interrupted, even for important breaking news. It's downright being tortured if the electricity goes out altogether.

Yes brother, and also as brother Ravenhill is saying here (37min):
'I know that you had tribulation this morning, the bacon was burned, some other tragedy happened. But did you think this morning, that somebody for Christ's sake is gonna lose his head?'

Be careful of needless and self serving exaggeration. Besides being untruthful, it hides a weakness of character that will eventually demoralize those around you in a real crisis. Leadership emboldens.

Blessings brethren,

MC

T

Tears_of_joy Jan 15, 2008

Compton wrote:

SimpleLiving wrote:
...they're persecuted if their favorite television program is interrupted, even for important breaking news. It's downright being tortured if the electricity goes out altogether.

Yes brother, and also as brother Ravenhill is saying here (37min):
'I know that you had tribulation this morning, the bacon was burned, some other tragedy happened. But did you think this morning, that somebody for Christ's sake is gonna lose his head?'
Be careful of needless and self serving exaggeration. Besides being untruthful, it hides a weakness of character that will eventually demoralize those around you in a real crisis. Leadership emboldens.
Blessings brethren,
MC

Hello brother MC, probably because of the reason that my English is not my native language, it is hard sometimes to understand wholly your postings (this is case also with brother's Mike crssck postings). But I maybe it's the language, maybe it's the other level of thinking that you have.

Particularly about this post, I understood part of it, but I think not your whole point. Could you be more direct and use more simple words (just in this case) to explain more what you wanted to say? Thank you.

And to expand my previous thoughts and why I quoted that quote was with the purpose that some of our so-called tribulations and persecutions are not are such at all. Bur are just product of our murmuring and comfortable living. And when this will break, we say we are in tribulation and persecution.

And 'woe unto me' if I underrate those who are in real crisis! But that was not my intention at all.

Kire

B

brentw Jan 15, 2008

I'm starting to believe this is how revival will come to the USA??

S

SimpleLiving Jan 15, 2008

Quote:

SimpleLiving wrote:
...they're persecuted if their favorite television program is interrupted, even for important breaking news. It's downright being tortured if the electricity goes out altogether.

Tears_of_Joy wrote:
Yes brother, and also as brother Ravenhill is saying here (37min):

'I know that you had tribulation this morning, the bacon was burned, some other tragedy happened. But did you think this morning, that somebody for Christ's sake is gonna lose his head?'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compton wrote:
Be careful of needless and self serving exaggeration. Besides being untruthful, it hides a weakness of character that will eventually demoralize those around you in a real crisis. Leadership emboldens.

Blessings brethren,

MC

I'm afraid we disagree, Brother Compton. Having been in this industry in the past, I have seen the results first hand. Even if it weren't for my experience in the industry, I've lived all over the US, and in many other countries, so, again, I have seen first-hand how true this is.

sermonindex Jan 15, 2008

It's too late to warn folks already. Jesus told us not to "swear oaths" but "let your yes be yes and your no be no." But Christianity long ago gave up on this command of Christ, and Christians commonly swear oaths in court and legal documents. If Christians so readily give up on something so simple and clearly stated, there is no chance that they will stand against more difficult impositions on religious practice. Particularly if the state can turn public opinion against whatever practice this is.

bub

sermonindex Jan 15, 2008

I love Brother Ravenhill. I think he and Richard Wurmbrand have formed me in my early days of Christianity more than any - and Keith Green.

Thank you Kire for posting the link to his Sermon.

Moe - thank you for your post. There is only one reason - I believe - that The Lord Blesses an individual or a nation with wealth - and that is to be a conduit for HIS Gospel.

While we have had the 'means', we spread the Gospel around the world.

When we begin to spread 'other things', we can expect other things.

Lord Bless all and peace between us all, while there is still time to enjoy each other's burdens and words and company.

Thank you.

C

Compton Jan 15, 2008

I've lived all over the US, and in many other countries, so, again, I have seen first-hand how true this is.

So have I in various capacities, and I find that many of the popular characterizations of Americans (as opposed to the rest of the world) we know can digress into exaggerated stereotypes. Real life is a little more complicated then geographic borders.

People may complain about their television service being interrupted, but that does not make them unfit for trials and challenges. It just makes them consumers. (They got those in other countries too.)

My point is not be contentious or offensive, but to challenge easy categories. No doubt many, many Christians in this country are in a state of disfunction. (Even in this forum.) Polls indicate as much.

But on the other hand, I don't want to become prey to a mindless criticism of everything American. I want to be more conscious then that.

America is anything but one size fits all demographically. There are still many fine people in this country. They are not so weak to call losing their television signal, or burning their bacon as torture.

I just felt it was a lampoon...that's all. I think we are better then to stoop to simplistic generalizations of a society as culturally diverse as the US.

MC

S

SimpleLiving Jan 15, 2008

America is anything but one size fits all demographically. There are still many fine people in this country. They are not so weak to call losing their television signal, or burning their bacon as torture.
I just felt it was a lampoon...that's all. I think we are better then to stoop to simplistic generalizations of a society as culturally diverse as the US.

I see more clearly what you're saying. I think you may have read a bit more in my comments than what was there though. I agree about stereo-typing a group as a whole. It's never profitable or true. While I do believe that much of America is the way I describe, at least culturally (which simply cannot be denied, in my opinion), I did use the phrase "Many Americans" and not just "Americans" or "all Americans."

Just a simple misunderstanding. 8-)

sermonindex Jan 15, 2008

Compton, you are an American?? Now I really DO have something to complain about.

bub

C

Compton Jan 15, 2008

Just a simple misunderstanding.

That's funny, a friend just mentioned to me the difference between saying something in writing and saying something over a cup of coffee with some friends. For instance if I say "Teenagers don't want to work these days" to some friends everyone nods, but if we read that same phrase in a Newspaper headline we wonder if western civilization is over!

Thanks for walking and talking with me a little longer brother. As you know, we both want to make sure we strengthen what remains.

Blessings,

MC

C

Compton Jan 15, 2008

Compton, you are an American?? Now I really DO have something to complain about.

I'm afraid it's true brother. My condolences. :-D

MC