The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum The End of Religious Liberty in Canada

In tonight's study at church, that question came up. Someone mentioned that Christians will face persecution when we live our lives following Christ; we do not need to pray for it.

We need to pray for revival.

The same came up tonight in my church. It was a prayer-meeting, and at one point we were praying for the teaching ministry of the church. The pastor asked for people to tell something they'd learned from one of the previous sermons at church. I said something along the lines of "If trials bring us closer to God and lead more people to the church, then maybe we should pray for those things." This was partly my musing about to a sermon preached on rejoicing during suffering. I also mentioned reading a post on an online discussion board (here) that seemed to hint at praying for trials (sorry again Eleanor if I misinterpreted you).

I got an answer that, no, it is not taught in the Bible, and we are to pray for peace and live at peace with others, so far as it depends on us. We are to be content in all circumstances, and we are to pray that trials will lead us closer to Christ. However, we are to focus on obedience rather than on seeking out trials.

I almost wish I hadn't asked my question, especially since I am new at my church, but I pray that those I was around will forgive me. It was hunmbling, and the pastor was very gracious with his response. He even asked me to forgive him if he was too harsh. I said he wasn't harsh, and that I appreciated his response. So I saw God's grace in that matter.

Hey, I wanted a pastor that corrected his flock if their ideas needed correction by the Word, and I got one <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" />

(Hey, it wasn't any worse than being corrected by Pilgrim, except it wasn't online, it was in public...)

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" /> And I say,

2 Timothy 3:12 (ASV) "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

1 Peter 4:12-17 (ASV) "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed [are ye]; because the [Spirit] of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you. For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters: but if [a man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. For the time [is come] for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if [it begin] first at us, what [shall be] the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?"

In His Grace,

Yes, Marie, I thought I made it clear that what stirred me up was my accepting the scriptural reality of persecution due to recent circumstances. The pain of it was nothing good apart from God's subsequent work.

Thank you for that article by Jerry Bridges, it was extremely encouraging in light of my current struggles.

So we have a right to tell evil people not to make evil comments? If a group of people wants to censor a group they think is evil, what is to stop the reverse? In America, what stops any majority from letting it's moral view being forced?

We cannot force morality. We cannot force moral law. In fact it is absolutely and utterly pointless to try to do so. It will achieve nothing. All we can do is present the gospel. We don't judge the world in its sin or try to force them to live a moral life.