Concerns about survival of Christians in the US

[n david]

Originally Posted by Amanah

Sister Selah,

I am sorry that you feel so fearful, it seems as if you are worrying about things that may happen that you cant change.

Stay close to Jesus and trust Him to take care of you. In the meantime, enjoy your family and church, enjoy your life, don't live life in fear.

Very good advice.

[SelahForever]

I will be back tomorrow, I have to sign off to do dinner with my family.

[n david]

Originally Posted by SelahForever

Anyway, I was wondering most is, if anyone has had any similar sort of thoughts.

My family and I were attending a home church last year. The pastor's wife is very much into politics, end times, etc. She had their garage filled with non-perishable foods and other things "just in case" something happened. Several times we were told that if something did happen -- riots, disaster, etc, we could all join them at their home to pray and be together until the danger had passed.

I would say to be aware of what is going on, but as Amanah said, don't live in fear.

"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

[Michael The Disciple]

Selah,

I dont assume that your just walking in fear. You are considering things that Jesus taught. Namely that his people would be hated by all nations. That some of them would be persecuted even to the death.

I wish that all Christians would be awake to the possibility of these things. Millions of believers world wide DO suffer for Christ. So first off I am glad you are concerned. Many Americans completely reject the idea the disciples of Jesus being persecuted despite Jesus solemn warnings.

No doubt it will get worse the closer we get to his coming. Second are you part of a Church or fellowship that teaches the post tribulation rapture? If so you will have other believers who share your end time vision. You would be able to turn what others call being to fearful into a life's mission.

Basically living close to Jesus. By faith living out his words. Teaching families and friends that yes we may suffer for our faith. But when it happens everyone will be prepared IN THEIR HEARTS.

If we indeed ARE CLOSE to Jesus we will be able to stand in the seriously hard times. Make it a real part of your Bible study. You wont go wrong teaching these things as part of your life.

Jesus was a doomsday preacher. Yet his vision included the RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD AND LIFE ETERNAL for his people!

It included the gaining of spiritual treasures both now and in the world to come. When we contemplate the coming of Jesus Christ and the end time disasters and events remember that God is going to be making war upon the wicked at the same time the wicked are making war on us.

Be diligent to absorb the whole counsel of God. And step out in faith when it seems the Lord is moving on you to witness to others. God ordains such encounters for his people. It brings the lost out of darkness and believe it or not there is joy in witnessing to the lost even when they oppose you. You will be a stronger believer when you witness to others.

Peace and love!

[votivesoul]

My wife and I wrote these songs together (I helped some with the lyrics, she with the rest). They sum up my feelings on the matter, and perhaps will be a blessing to you, Sister Selah (the second one was performed and on a not perfectly tuned piano, plus kids in the background!):

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by SelahForever

I only have a few minutes, so I will elaborate on my thoughts on this later. I have lurked here occasionally on an off for the past few years, and have thought here and there of chiming in my thoughts sometimes. I haven't done so, just because I usually am somewhat shy in regards to expressing myself and debate sometimes, and usually others would say what I'm thinking.

Anyway, recently I've been thinking about survivalism for my family and my fellowship's families more and more. Not so much in regards to a natural disaster or economic disaster, although I have considered that too. (We have prepared ourselves a bit with that) More so, in regards to every day living for my children and grandchildren, and maybe even myself and my husband. (We are relatively younger couple in our early 30s.)

What I wanted to discuss is this thought that has been on my mind often lately.
An elder apostolic lady, an old family friend told me a few years ago that the days were approaching soon, that one day Apostolic Pentecostals would only be able to employ and rely on each other and would be essentially blacklisted in regular society in the the US. That just by the fact of being a bible believing Christian, you would become a target.

Our family aren't really even political people, (I'm trying to avoid talking politics too much) but the fact that sometimes others can observe we seem traditional in our private lives has already drawn ire, from acquaintances at times. I'm going to be really frank and admit I haven't done much evangelism outside my small circle of influence in a few years, so it's absolutely not that. I think for us, that part of it is that I'm a stay at home mom with a young children, I'm a homeschooler and I'm a Christian. I'm not pushy about any of it, (unless someone asks about Jesus, then of course I gladly share!) but that's just not enough for some people. Honestly, I've tried to tone down my usual way of dressing, as to try to blend in the best I can. For example, I've grown up to a degree wearing jean skirts and I enjoy wearing them. They are comfortable and they match nearly everything and I can get down in the dirt with the kids with most of them. Anyway, I almost never take them out of the closet now unless I'm going to a friends house to fellowship and that's it. I also am careful not to mention homeschooling as one example with acquaintances or neighbors. I've had some bad experiences and encounters with people before when people discover we aren't the average every day family next door. This has happened even when I've been very kind and accepting of others in general.

I was wondering if this thought is on any one else's mind. I wondering if the future about say employment, or education and just further persecution in general. And if so, what might be do to prepare for that in the church as a body? Any thoughts on this? It's not quite as simple as prepping for a disaster and doing lots of food storage and things like that. So any other ideas?

For us, I know I need to lean more on Jesus in prayer about this, and I absolutely will. But I need to be honest and say, yes as of right now I am a bit scared. When I look down the road for my family and others, this is on my mind. Yes, I am very very concerned for my children's future too. One of my parent's is a duel citizen of another country, and I keep wondering if we should emigrate at some point if possible, and consider building a life there if we can. Or pray on that as a possibility anyway. One problem is, I doubt that country would be much friendlier to us, and may not provide these religious freedoms at some point in the future either. Anyway, I was wondering is anyone has had any similar sort of thoughts, and concerns and also if anyone had any ideas about how to maybe prepare for that.

1. The fear of man bringeth a snare.
2. Food storage is good for prepping for famine times. However, humans have primarily lived and survived by getting into food production (growing and raising your own food supplies). With greenhouse technologies and intensive gardening techniques food production is easier than ever before. It takes time to learn (you probably won't become food independent your first year) but every year/season you learn more and get better.
3. Humans are social animals. Networks of friends, family, and neighbors is essential to human survival, unless you are a hermit living by yourself scrounging wild edible plants. So, identify which neighbors, friends, and relatives are open to what you are doing, and which ones may be problematic (that is, they are not on board with what you are doing/living). Avoid the problematic ones, keep a low profile, and network with the ones who aren't.
4. Do everything you can, one step at a time, to become less and less reliant on "society" for your needs. This involves reducing your perceived needs (do you really need multiple smart phones? etc) as well as finding alternative sources (for water, food, shelter, hygiene, etc). Depending on the local WalMart or the local electric company or water company are weak points that should be addressed.
5. Improve your position daily. There is something, even some little thing, that you can do every day to improve your situation, no matter what it is. Find it and do it. Every little bit helps, and adds up after awhile.
6. Survival is a lifestyle, not an "ism". We only think of "survivalism" or "prepping" as something out of the ordinary because our society has spent several generations living artificially.
7. Study the Bible and pray for guidance. But don't just study and pray in a "general" sense, be specific. Study the Word for guidance on how to accomplish your specific goals. Pray for the same things. Above all, seek the will of God for your situation.

Regarding neighbours, here's a short Bible lesson:

2 Kings 20:12-18
(12) At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
(13) And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
(14) Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.
(15) And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
(16) And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.
(17) Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
(18) And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

So, the lesson is, not everybody needs to know everything.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

My wife and I wrote these songs together (I helped some with the lyrics, she with the rest). They sum up my feelings on the matter, and perhaps will be a blessing to you, Sister Selah (the second one was performed and on a not perfectly tuned piano, plus kids in the background!):

Yes amen!

[Scott Pitta]

Religious expression is protected by the First Amendment.

Cast your fears aside.

[Amanah]

awesome advice from everyone!

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

Religious expression is protected by the First Amendment.

Cast your fears aside.

And that amendment can never be changed right? And all Americans respect the Constitution?And Americans are "exceptional" people who would never be intolerant or bigoted!

Think about amendment number 2. Has it ever been altered? Are there people constantly calling for its repeal?