Tag: Christian persecution

Wake Up Church

Wake up Church

It’s Time To Wake Up Church

What started out as a great day yesterday, September 10th, quickly turned into one of shock and sadness.

I was working on a big project in my office when my husband came in and told me about the horrific shooting of Charlie Kirk, who later died.

I had just listened to one of Charlie’s podcasts from a college campus just a couple of days ago. Even closer to home, friends of ours attended one of Charlie’s college tours when he came into town not that long ago.

We are completely heartbroken and still shedding some tears over this.

Charlie Kirk was always professional and fair, even to the college students who disagreed with him. He was the first to say that any student who wanted to debate current issues to step up to the mic first, so that they could discuss their differences in religion and politics.

Charlie never hesitated to talk about his belief in Jesus. He was cursed at often, yet he always maintained his cool and exhibited grace towards those who were verbally attacking him.

I have no doubt that yesterday, and for eternity, this man of God, devoted husband and father, a champion of faith, family, and freedom, is now rejoicing in the arms of our Savior.

Lord – hold his family and friends tight as they grieve their loss. Give us wisdom and a godly perspective, Father, as we process through our grief after losing this American treasure.

The horrible murder that happened yesterday is pure evil on display.

Those in politics, the news media, and the online commenters who are laughing about this tragedy are also showing you evil on display . . .  and they do not care.

Charlie’s death is yet another example of Christian persecution on our own soil.

How can this be happening in America?

Wake Up Church, and please pray.

Wake Up Church, Condemn Violence of Any Kind

No matter what side of the political aisle you are on, violence is never the answer.

Some in the big three mainstream news media will spin this tragedy and place blame however they are directed.

They will use this event to push for “controls” and whatever else fits the agenda.

No, what is to blame is an evil heart.

All human life is precious – from womb to adulthood.

Personally, I’d rather hear what our God in Heaven has to say.

No matter what evil and troubles that we see around us, God is still on His throne.

In John 16:33, Jesus told His disciples in His farewell sermon,

These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. – John 16:33, (NASB). 1

“You will have tribulation . . .”

We are seeing increasing acts of hatred and violence on the world stage, and right here in our America.

This is not the America I grew up in.

Evil and darkness hate the light so we can expect more.

Satan’s mission is to lead humanity to hell.

Evil is very real, not only with what happened to Charlie Kirk, but today we also remember 9/11 and the loss of over 2900 lives.

Wake Up Church: Seek God’s Perspective

I urge everyone to avoid the political vitriol on news stations.

Seek instead a godly perspective.

God created us so that, in all that we do in the short time we’re here on earth, we can use our talents and abilities to give the glory to Him and show the world evidence of His saving grace.

Charlie Kirk did that.

This truth remains: in all of this turmoil, our peace can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us that we can expect “tribulation,” but we also have a conquering King who offers us peace in the midst of it.

Wake up, Church.

As a nation, we need to pray for a spiritual revival and repentance.

May we all be so bold as Charlie Kirk, in sharing our faith in Jesus, and charging forward with the knowledge that our eternal victory is in Christ.

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4, (NASB).2

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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God’s Not Dead 2, My Take

My Take On The Movie God’s Not Dead 2

April 1st marked the nationwide opening of the movie Gods Not Dead 2.

Have you seen it yet? If not, I want to encourage you to check it out.

The movie God's Not Dead 2My husband and I went with some friends, and we all enjoyed it.

You never know if the sequel to a successful movie will be better than the first. I’m happy to say that the new one is my favorite of the two.

Admittedly, it’s better to see Part 1 first. It’s not a requirement, but just better. That way, you’ll understand the references to some of the situations and character involvement in the first movie. Even so, this sequel stands on its own, and its message is vital in today’s world.

Would we, could we, stand up for our faith, even if doing so threatens our job and some of our relationships?

The movie is a very realistic story of ordinary people finding their faith and, in some instances, defending their faith and supporting each other through the resulting challenges.

Realistic Movie Plot

God’s Not Dead 2 follows a similar plot line to the first movie in that the main character faces a significant degree of persecution for his/her Christian beliefs, with potentially devastating consequences.

The story takes place once again in Hope Springs – this time, at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial High School.

A popular history teacher, Grace Wesley (well-played by Melissa Joan Hart), raises controversy in the classroom when she answers a straightforward question from one of her students about Jesus Christ. Next thing you know, Wesley is called before school administrators and legal advisors to face disciplinary action. She has an opportunity to recant and get her job back. Otherwise, she stands to lose everything if she refuses.

Church and state separation concept

Would you agree to deny the existence of God just to save your job?

Ms. Wesley bravely declines, and the courtroom battle begins. Her attorney is portrayed by the talented Jesse Metcalfe. I enjoyed watching him transform from a bottom-of-the-totem-pole attorney to resourceful counsel in a surprising twist during the jury trial.

All Star Cast

The all-star cast includes Sadie Robertson (of Duck Dynasty) and Robin Givens, who plays the school’s principal. 

Separation of church and state is the primary topic of the legal proceedings. The actual concept of “separation” has an origin that you don’t usually hear about in current debates.

As Christians going forward in our hostile world, we could lose some of the people in our lives who are offended by our faith. It’s the nature of being around unsaved friends and family members who may block us on social media or turn completely away. Remember, even Jesus’ family members at one point questioned His sanity. We can expect challenges ahead.

God’s Not Dead 2 runs about 2 hours. You may want to take your whole family, but please note, a sizable portion of the film focuses on the courtroom drama so younger kids may get lost in a sea of legalese.

We Must Be Aware of What’s Going On

I highly recommend the movie God’s Not Dead 2 because there’s a growing and concentrated effort to force Christians to defend their faith under intimidation, face ridicule, or worse. We need to be aware. There’s no hiding our heads in the sand. It appears that, no matter what reasons Christians provide for their belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, it’s not sound enough for belligerent atheists. The fact is, God is the Author of Light and for those unbelievers who remain unsaved, they will never have eternal life with Him. (2 Cor. 4:3-6).

Stand With God and Expect to be Judged by the World

On a side note, I checked out the reviews of some secular critics. Granted, we all know that no movie is perfect. As I expected, I found it interesting that one of the movies loved by these critics, a film full of profanity and nudity throughout, was highly rated. So, I give little credence to their “paranoia”, “religious nut” assessments of a faith-based film such as this one. These critics are choosing to ignore documented headlines of Christian persecution worldwide and here in America. Watch the list of documented court cases shown during the movie’s credits and you’ll see what I mean. Do these secular critics unquestionably think there’s no Christian persecution simply because the mainstream media doesn’t report it on the nightly news? Certainly seems so.

Please note: there’s an additional scene that you’ll want to stay for at the end of all the credits.

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