seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Matthew 10:16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
Ok... so before I go any further.... If you are in a bad marriage.... verse 25 may be the escape clause. Up until 1991 [or there about] women were not allowed a vote. Women were property of men. If the man of the house said "No church" then there was no church for the whole household. The man was king and the house his kingdom... and some men were just downright mean about it. So, if the head of the house is a Satan.... then the disciples were instructed to beware of that household. Ignorance was bliss, I guess.
Back in the late 70's, a Baptist Preacher came to visit. I don't know how he got my name or address. I hadn't visited his church yet. But he showed up at my door, not once but a few times... until I let him in. He told me, if my husband was holding me away from the church.... I should leave my husband. He quoted Jude.... but he could have used verse 25 here. If my husband was keeping me from going to church.... then I could leave.
Back in the days of Jesus.... being a Christian was forbidden. Everyone had to worship God.... Jesus was not even acknowledged as a prophet let alone the Son of God. He was said to be insane. His own family wanted Him thrown off the cliff, which is what they did with the insane back then. So, if someone were to claim to be a Christian in those days.... well, it was a very, very, very brave thing to do.
Jesus said...[paraphrased]... "don't worry about what happens when you claim Jesus as your Savior. God knows who you are... He knew you were going to make that move.... after all God knows everything about you.... even how many hairs are on your head. God will protect you."
It was so dangerous to be a Christian in the days of Christ.... it could be deadly. Jesus said... [paraphrased]..."If they murder you... I'll introduce you to my Father in Heaven. "
So, this poses the question.... What's the worst thing that can happen? You wind up in Heaven.... I'm good with that!
