GospeLines Ministries

“When a Truce is Called:  Reload”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

Matthew 5:9

Let me get right to the point:  this verse is as radical in its application as it is in its meaning.  First, what does it mean?

1.     What we know for sure is that those who are true “peacemakers” are called the sons of God.  By whom? Other people see their activity and recognize them as sons of God because of their lifestyle!  And the Greek word means that they are called sons of God now, and will continue to be called sons of God throughout eternity!  Praise the Lord.

2.    Real peace comes through righteousness.  “Righteousness and peace have kissed.”  Psalm 85:10

3.     A peacemaker cannot promote REAL peace until he bears righteous fruit.  “Now the fruit of Righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”  (James 3:18)  Peacemakers make peace by sowing righteousness.

Please stay with me… here is where it really gets exciting!

We all want to avoid strife as often as we can, whether it is in the family, business, church, or any other situation.  BUT IF WE AVOID CONFLICT TO THE POINT OF SACRIFICING TRUTH, WE COMPROMISE OUR BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.  Thus, we won’t have true peace but a truce, in which everyone will simply RELOAD! 

Diplomats, statesmen, ambassadors, presidents, and kings have sought to bring peace through political agreements but have always failed in the end.  If two people are fighting it’s because of sin; nations are divided because of sin; and sin is the reason for world conflict.  Until Jesus comes to meet His church in the air, and establish his kingdom upon the earth, there will be no true peace.  World rulers and politicians cannot bring lasting peace no matter how much we wish they could.  In the spiritual sense, they are not peacemakers.

It’s hard to be a peacemaker in a fallen world.  When we see people who are fighting against each other, or fighting against God it’s our responsibility to tell them how to experience peace.  We won’t always be well received for our effort, because some will ridicule us and shun us for doing the work of the ministry.  As a peacemaker we are required to tell others the truth: first, there is no peace for the wicked (Isa. 48:22); second, peace comes through the blood of Christ (Col. 1:20). 

A final word of caution:  When nations have agreed upon diplomatic solutions, and people have decided to put aside their spiritual differences “and agree to disagree,” this is only a truce.  Christian, “reload” and get ready for the next phase. 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”  Ephesians 6:12-13

Are you a peacemaker?  Have you become an ambassador for real peace?  Embrace the responsibility of every Christian and boldly proclaim the gospel of reconciliation to everyone who needs the peace of Christ in their lives.

GospeLines Prayer:  Father, I grew up thinking the ambassador for peace was a flower child standing on the corner flashing the peace sign!  And then you gave me this verse and shattered my idea of the peacemaker.  So if you really think I can do it, I yield myself to Your will… in these last days, I will “reload” and get ready to do whatever You want me to do.  Amen and amen.

Tommy Harrison

www.gospelines.com

This message was inspired in part from a sermon by

David Curtis, bereanbiblechurch.org,

Preached Aug 4, 2002

“Does Anyone Want to Persecute You?”

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:10

Christian persecution has reached global, epidemic proportions and will certainly reach your nation soon, if it has not already.  Tuesday afternoon I researched the subject and the headlines I found are startling:

• Street Preachers Killed In United States
• Iran Government Closes Evangelical Church; Nine Detained
• News Alert:  More Christian Killed In Iraq
• Churches, Shops Destroyed in India’s Punjab State
• Eritrea Christian Dies In Prison Camp; Pastor Released
• Morocco Security Forces Raid Bible Study; American Deported   
• Ethiopia Detains Bible Distributor On “Terrorism” Charges

• Pakistan Christian Serving Life Imprisonment For “Blasphemy”
• Muslim Mob Burns Christian Home After Killing Man

• Cuba Pastor Remains Behind Bars After Losing Appeal Right
• India Militants Attack Christian Birthday Party, Pastor
• Christians Jailed As North Korea Observes Leader’s Birthday
• Pakistan Bombings Kill At Least 5 Christians
• Muslim Mob Storms Pakistan Church; 65 Injured

 (Source:  http://www.christianpersecution.info/)

In the USA, I have not heard or read one credible Christian leader who believes that our nation is immune from the curse of persecution.  Many pastors believe that it has already begun in the form of the deterioration of Christian values and protections which were originally given to us in the constitution.  While we may feel “persecuted because of righteousness,” our torment pales in comparison with members of the early Church during the days of the Roman Empire. 

William Barclay described the troubles of Christians as “terrible beyond description:”

“All the world knows of Christians who were flung to the lions or burned at the stake; but these were kindly deaths.  Nero wrapped the Christians in pitch (tar) and set them alight, and used them as living torches to light his gardens.  He sewed them in the skins of wild animals and set his hunting dogs upon them… They were (also) tortured on the rack…”

Generally speaking, Christians are persecuted because they do something that is “illegal” or they perform a forbidden religious activity like praying in the wrong place or carrying a Bible where it doesn’t belong.  God forbid that we should ever publicly practice our faith!  We certainly wouldn’t want to offend anyone, now would we?  Beloved, I pray that God will prepare us for the day when we must choose to speak up, knowing that when we do, our certain fate will be persecution for righteousness sake.

GospeLines Prayer:  Father, I am puzzled.  Why doesn’t anyone want to persecute me?  The laws have changed in my nation and I feel that I have changed with them.  I have become too cautious, too guarded in my words, too tentative in my faith practice, and certainly too politically correct in my public profession of Jesus Christ.  AND I WONDER WHY NO ONE NOTICES ME?  God help me to grow a spiritual spine and stop quivering in the corner of cowardice; give me courage to stand up and speak up, without fear of reprisal.  Hasten the day when we shall all rise from the dust as a mighty army of Believers who are ready for the battle before us!  Amen and amen.

Tommy Harrison

www.gospelines.com

“Blessed are the Insulted”

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12

Not all persecution is for righteousness.  Believers may be persecuted for poor job performance.  Others may suffer because they are simply obnoxious and lack common courtesy.  The persecution addressed in this beatitude is the result of God’s character being seen in the life of the believer.

The verses in our text are clearly connected with verse 10, which we covered Wednesday (contact tommy@gospelines.com if you missed that devotional).  This is the God-given truth:  Every Christian who does his/her job will suffer persecution sooner or later. 

So why mention this blessing twice?  First, a Christian who suffers for righteousness sake will receive a double blessing from God in heaven.  Heaven is the great equalizer for earth’s problems.  Another reason this blessing is repeated is that a couple of specific adversities are named in verse 11 which are missing from verse ten:  “when people insult you,” and “falsely say all kinds of evil against you.”   One refers to those times when people “call you out” in public or private to berate you because of your Christian faith.  Over time, we learn not only to anticipate those moments but how to handle them in Jesus Name.

The other is harder for me to take:  it is when someone talks about you behind your back for the purpose of discrediting you for your beliefs.  Their message may be true or completely false, it doesn’t matter, because the damage is done the moment the words are spoken.  That’s what we have to look forward to every day that we are walking in the Light!  People will stand toe to toe with us, and they will talk about us when we walk away.  They will confront us openly and privately.  Let me put it another way.  One sure indication that your salvation is real, and that you have gone all the way in your commitment with Christ, is that you will have people talking about you and against you.  If there is no persecution in your life, you have reason to question.

When your spouse rejects you for your faith, when your friends ridicule you, and when your parents disown you because of the Gospel, will you continue to feel blessed?  Will you then come back home to this Beatitude with rejoicing in your heart, content that your great reward in heaven will be enough? 

GospeLines Prayer:  Father, when I sincerely pray, “O my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” please know that I hurt because I am suffering from the loneliness of commitment.  In those times, do NOT let me detour from my course, but remind me that I am doubly blessed because Your Great Heavenly Reward will one day take away all tears the insults of this earth have caused.  Amen and amen.

Tommy Harrison

www.gospelines.com