Before heading to the streets with the gospel, Bro. Brent read the following in his daily devotions….
“the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church” (Acts 12:1)
“apprehended him, he put him in prison” (Acts12:4)
“spake against those things which were spoken…contradicting and blaspheming” (Acts 13:45)
“made their minds evil affected against the brethren” (Acts 14:2)
“Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord…But the multitude of the city was divided…there was an assault made…to use them despitefully” (Acts 14:2-5)
Bro. Joel read I Thessalonians 2:2-4 this morning to the group at the mission house…
“But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”
Why is it that we think we can escape the example of our forefathers? Why do we claim them yet reject their methods and mistreatment? Why do we expect to be able to minister the gospel without opposition? Why is it considered a normal thing to have an easy life while claiming to be a fervent Christian without persecution? How is it that the majority of Christianity NEVER hears a cross word from the world or its authorities? Is it normal now to be so homogenized with the world to the point that the church never interrupts or angers the multitude of the ungodly? Or is it that THE CHURCH, THE SAVED, THE BELIEVERS are not truly engaged in the work of the gospel in the public arena as our forefathers, and therefore, we blend into the scenery of the world behind the closed doors of our churches which beautify their neighborhoods with the preaching of the gospel safely tucked out of view and earshot, never to offend or upset those who are damned without God.
Opposition to the preaching of the gospel is growing is Thessaloniki. We have expected no less. Today, Bro. Joel preached several times from his heart to the people. Benjamin Logan also preached and was enabled by the Lord to preach much in the Greek language. Bro. Brent preached. Bro. Angelo preached. People ripped up tracts in our faces. Two men at separate intervals got in Bro. Brent’s face as he preached. Women and men screamed, threatened, and cursed us. Many threatened to call or go to the police. Some did. All held up their religion as the god of their lives. They spit on the Bible and the words of Jesus while proudly clinging and fighting for a vain religion that has done nothing to change their lives. We continue to plead with them to repent of this their wickedness and pride. We beg them to trust Jesus alone. Above all, we preach the gospel of Christ which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.
Brethren, the opened door of opportunity held open by our great Master will not last forever. We must work and pray while it is day. The night is coming. I can see as we continue our evangelism that there is coming a day which could greatly impede our efforts.
The masses of threats were made good today as the police came. We showed our passports. Bro. Brent reasoned with them to no avail. The officer refused to speak to our lawyer who was on the outstretched phone wanting to speak with them. “You must leave now. If you do not leave, then you will have to go to the police station.” After about 10 minutes of discussion, Bro. Brent said we would leave in 30 minutes. The police said, “You will leave now. You can come back tomorrow but now you must leave.” Bro. Brent asked if we were doing something wrong, and if so, then why were we allowed to come back the next day. The policeman said, “The people are very upset. You must go.” Bro. Brent said that he would not go to the police station without being arrested since we have legal permission for our religious activity in Greece. The standoff continued. Finally, Bro. Logan acquiesced by telling the officer we would finish in about 15 minutes more. We had been there about 2 hours. The officer insisted we leave in 5 minutes. Bro. Logan walked away without agreeing to such. The police left. We stayed another 15 minutes, passed more tracts, publicly knelt in prayer for Greek souls, and sang Amazing Grace together. We left unimpeded and thankfully rejoicing in the work of the Lord. It had been a moving day. The Spirit of God had dealt with men. The reaction had been very visible. A multitude of scripture portions had gone out. Jesus Christ had been preached to the world.
Thank the Lord for Sister Niki, a dear saved Greek lady, who we have known for several weeks. She interceded for us to the police officer and was a great help just at the right time. Our Lord gave the victory this time, but I am telling you, that vigilance in prayer is needed. Only the grace and mercy of God will keep us from more serious problems in the future. And if they come, then is HE not worthy of our persecution (I Thess.3:3, II Tim.3:12)? Is it such a strange thing (I Pet.4:12)? Have we gotten so weak that our opinion of persecution is the endurance of health/medical problems instead of the sufferings that come with the reproach of Christ for being a public witness? If these things come in the future, they will not be wished for or desired, but they will be in harmony with the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has resulted in YOUR SALVATION.
Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause
Or blush to speak His name?Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease?
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?Sure I must fight, if I would reign
Increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy word.
