Christians Who Thrive Under Hostile Government
Channel: Galen Currah
Date: 2019-01-15

Christians Who Thrive Under Hostile Government
Seven guidelines by Dr. Galen Currah
Bible quotations from English Standard Version (2016)
wordwatchers.currah.us 2019

Jesus warned his followers that the world would treat them in the same way that it treated him. 

Jesus said: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18

Therefore, he left us with several guidelines, to help us thrive under persecution from hostile governments.

1. Fulfill all of your legitimate civic responsibilities, including the paying of excessive taxes.

Jesus said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Mark 12:17

(The main thing that government officials want from you is taxes, secondly that you cause them no trouble.)

2. Lead an exemplary life in peace, honesty and self-control.

Jesus said: “Be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

(Most government officials approve of any  community whose members live honestly.)

3. Avoid all public activities that Jesus does not require.

Jesus said: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them… When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” Matthew 6:1-6

(Jesus commanded very few traditional church activities, and he never approved of church buildings.)

4. Pray often for God to help government officials do their work, and to leave your community in peace.

Jesus said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, … for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-45

(Our task is not to replace bad governments, but to change them through continual prayer.)

5. Keep on starting new little churches whose members experience the Presence of Jesus.

Jesus said: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

(Tiny gatherings of new believers easily reproduce and multiply even under hostile governments.)

6. When arrested by authorities, bear witness to them about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said: “When they bring you before … the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say,  for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12

(The police do not hate you, but all police officers despise liars.)

7. If they kill you, then die with joy, knowing that you will have a great reward.

Jesus said: “Do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. … Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not.” Luke 12:4-7

(Jesus suffered a violent death in order that we may live forever; and if we must die a violent death, then we shall have even greater joy with him.)