We need to be wise in our conduct and aware of the flow of our culture and the trends of our times. In 2 Peter 3:17 we are warned to be on our guard so that we will not be carried away and fall from our secure position in Christ. In 1 Peter 1:13 we are exhorted to “prepare our minds for action” and to be self-controlled. The writer of Hebrews continues the theme of being diligent, holding on, and not growing weary.
Hebrews 6:11-12: We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 12:3: Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
We should not mistake the idea of preparing for possible persecution with the idea that we welcome suffering as evidence of some ‘badge of courage.’ Richard Wurmbrand had a correct perspective on suffering when he wrote: “Suffering cannot be avoided in the Underground Church, whatever measures are taken, but suffering should be reduced to the minimum.”
In times of temporal security and ease, we may be set up for being caught by surprise when the tide turns.
The church bears the cross of Christ and Christ bears the suffering of the church.
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“Christianity was birthed in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and will only continue as we have this empowering from above. God is always looking for the willing vessels that will trust Him afresh for the impossible.” from: Principles for the gathering of Believers under the Headship of Jesus Christ.Since 2012, a growing group of believers in North America started to warn of coming persecution to western countries. This message was shared in a variety of ways. One of the responses to this was to compile a book taking principles from underground Churches around the world of how they thrived under pressure and persecution. The volume, Principles for the Gathering of Believers, had in a short time over 50,000 downloads in ebook format and much interest was shown. Some new house churches started through this and other existing groups were encouraged.