“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Jesus Christ in Rev. 2:10
“For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” – Heb. 10:36
Category: Escape Persecution? Page 1 of 2
A dream from my lovely Jesus where I find myself in a controlled city where testing is being done on things hidden inside the “pokes” and it’s revealed to me the mark is almost ready.
Article includes video!
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From: Daily Mail
China demolishes hundreds of churches and confiscates Bibles during a crackdown on Christianity
7 August 2018
- Locals in Henan stated concerns of a move by the atheist ruling Community Party to control Christianity
- Residents were asked to replace posters of the cross and Jesus Christ with portraits of President Xi Jinping
- Experts say the government is waging the most severe systematic suppression of the religion since 1982
- Chinese leaders have ‘always been suspicious of the political threat’ that Christianity poses to the regime
‘Chinese leaders have always been suspicious of the political challenge or threat that Christianity poses to the Communist regime,’ said Xi Lian, a scholar of Christianity in China at Duke University. ‘Under Xi, this fear of Western infiltration has intensified and gained a prominence that we haven’t seen for a long time.’
Officials once largely tolerated the unregistered Protestant house churches that sprang up independent of the official Christian Council, clamping down on some while allowing others to grow. But this year they have taken a tougher approach that relies partly on ‘thought reform’ – a phrase for political indoctrination.
Last November, Christian residents of a rural township in south-east Jiangxi province were persuaded to replace posters of the cross and Jesus Christ inside their homes with portraits of Xi, a local official said.
‘Through our thought reform, they’ve voluntarily done it,’ Qi Yan, a member of the township party committee, told the AP by phone. ‘The move is aimed at Christian families in poverty, and we educated them to believe in science and not in superstition, making them believe in the party.’ …
‘Xi is a closet Maoist – he is very anxious about thought control,’ said Willy Lam, a Chinese politics expert at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. ‘He definitely does not want people to be faithful members of the church, because then people would profess their allegiance to the church rather than to the party, or more exactly, to Xi himself.’
Various state and local officials declined repeated requests to comment. But in 2016, Xi explicitly warned against the perceived foreign threats tied to faith, telling a religion conference: ‘We must resolutely guard against overseas infiltrations via religious means.’
Better to be right with God, to be liked by Him — than be a sellout, focused on getting liked by people!
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Constitution teacher KrisAnne Hall in Anchorage, Alaska 8/21/16 at Anchorage Baptist Temple
I was blessed to be there, and was able to discuss something I think she didn’t get quite right here.
Important topic. Many good points. Romans 13.
Being Holy Spirit led is key, and then: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
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Special Guest KrisAnne Hall 8/21/16
From: Z3News.com
Corrie Ten Boom: Beware of False Teaching of Pre-Tribulation Rapture
In 1974 Corrie Ten Boom wrote the letter shown below to warn Christians about the false teaching of the pre-tribulation rapture. This teaching is very popular in America, even though there is no scriptural basis for it. Many believers have bought into it because they have heard it taught by their pastor or by other Christian leaders, but we must study the scriptures for ourselves.
God has promised to deliver His people from the wrath of God, which will be poured out near the end of the seven-year tribulation period. However, there is a big difference between the persecution of Christians and the wrath of God. God never promised us that we would be protected from persecution. In fact, He promised us we would be persecuted just as Jesus was also persecuted.
The pre-tribulation rapture is a dangerous teaching because it will cause believers to be confused and even abandon their faith when they see tremendous persecution coming upon them during the tribulation. Many will fall away at that time, which is also foretold in the Bible. It is called the apostasy. I am posting Corrie Ten Boom’s letter to help warn people while there is still time.
Related:
Remember Jim Bakker? He’s doing well now, and is one of the few telling the truth on TalmudVision (TV). I’m recording all episodes.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE: http://bit.ly/1Q9o3JY
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJzKhhUTlCI
The Immediate Results of an EMP – Jim Bakker Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-ICjxfRrxM
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP4xmyB39Ps]Jim Caviezel warns world of END TIMES (2016)
From: midnightwatcher.wordpress.com
Lost in Translation: ‘Not Appointed Unto Wrath’ – What Scripture Is Really Saying
Buy a book written by virtually any popular Bible prophecy teacher today and you are guaranteed — at some point within the confines of its pages — to read a sentence or two that sounds a little something like this: “The Bible says that we are not appointed unto wrath, which means that Christians are not destined to suffer the wrath of God. Since the Tribulation is the wrath of God the Church must therefore be removed from the earth before the Tribulation begins. Otherwise, the Bible is lying.” You get the idea. It sounds reasonable, right? Because if the premisses are true then the conclusion must be sound, correct? In theory, yes, but only if all of the premisses are true. So allow me, if I may, to take a closer look at the “not appointed unto wrath” proposition that leads many of us to conclude “removal from the earth”, and join me as together we delve a little bit more into the text in an effort to better understand the wrath that we see in the Book of Revelation, and the wrath that we specifically are not appointed unto. Something very, very important has been lost in translation.
First, let’s begin by looking at all the verses which tell us that we are not appointed to wrath, or are saved from wrath:
- 1 Thess 1:10, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”
- 1 Thess 5:9, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”
- Romans 5:9, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
- Eph 5:6, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
[…]
The “Orge” Wrath of God in the Book of Revelation – When Does It Begin?
Next, let’s examine the wrath of God that is described in Revelation. The word “wrath” itself is found 13 times in English translations of Revelation, but what many teachers of Biblical prophecy fail to delineate is the fact that, in the original Greek, the word translated as “wrath” is not just simply from the Greek word “orge”. It is from two separate words — “orge” and “thymos.” Since many Christian teachers fail to identify this significant distinction they also then fail to realize that the “orge” wrath of God that we are promised to be saved from according to the verses above is itself only found six times in Revelation. And here’s the kicker: Each time “orge” is found it is always used in a post-trib context only:
1 and 2. It is mentioned AFTER the cosmic signs and the revealing of Christ Jesus (Revelation 6:16-17). Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms that these signs happen immediately AFTER the tribulation (Matthew 24:29).
3. It is found AFTER the SEVENTH trumpet (Revelation 11:18). When the 7th and last trump begins to sound we find the rapture described in Revelation 10, which is explained in detail here.
4. It is used to describe the final torment of unbelievers in hell (Revelation 14:10, the wine of the “thymos” of God is poured out into “the cup of His indignation“- orge).
5. It is found AFTER the SEVENTH vial/bowl (Revelation 16:19). (The trumpets and bowls are two sides of the same coin. They are separate descriptions of the same events whereby the trumpets are the cause and the vials/bowls are the effect).
6. It is used in connection with Christ’s Second Coming (Revelation 19:15).
[…]
What is the Difference Between “Orge” and “Thymos” Wrath?
When presented with this reality, some will then incorrectly assume that both the “orge” and “thymos” wrath of God must somehow have essentially the same meaning. If that were the case, however, then why did the Holy Spirit inspire the writers of the New Testament to use them both? Why were they both used at times in the same verse? Why does God-breathed Scripture only tell us that we are saved from the “orge” wrath? Obviously, although both “orge” and “thymos” could have similar meanings they must still be qualitatively distinct. Here are some examples where they are both used in the same verse:
Related:
12 Reasons NOT To Expect a PRE-Trib Rapture
(audio) David Pawson: Will Christians Escape by Secret Rapture? — “Let’s get ready for trouble, realizing that when it comes, it’s only for a short while, and then He’s coming back” (Dispensationalism birthed this false doctrine that’s leading so many into false hope)
Corrie Ten Boom: Prepared for the Coming Tribulation “There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days.”
Warmongers Unite: Rapture Ready – The Christians United for Israel Tour with ‘Pastor’ John Hagee
John Hagee – Enforce UN Thought Crimes Law
Preemptive-Striker John Hagee Endorses 100-Years-in-Iraq John McCain
John Hagee: “Jesus Did Not Come To Earth To Be the Messiah”
Pastor Baldwin: Ron Paul’s Israel Problem [Evangelicals Led Astray?]
Alex Jones: The pre-trib rapture doctrine is a big, sickening, psyop, bringing US into tyranny! “Most of you are a bunch of torture loving, war loving people…” — Truthful commentary by a non-pastor
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?
Michael Boldea, the grandson of Dumitru Duduman preached this during Hear the Watchmen Conference in Dallas, Texas, 3/19/16. His message was entitled “Peace Through the Storm.”
“The storm that will be upon us will be cataclysmic, and it will be inescapable. And it will be so sudden that those who have not prepared spiritually will not have the time to prepare spiritually.
We put off the most important things, and cling to the most irrelevant ones.
Are you ready to weather the storm, that is the question. And if you’re not, you better get ready because it’s here. … The things that God has been speaking 20, 30 years now are coming to pass before our very eyes.
And you have one group of believers checking their watch waiting for Jesus. You have the other group of believers digging holes in the ground protecting themselves. And you have those who still stand on the battle [mound?] and cry ‘Jesus!’ And they take it from both sides, don’t they. The world hates them because they preach the truth. And those they call brothers are so quick to unsheathe their long knives that it would make the Roman senate blush. …
It’s time to concentrate on Jesus, because He’s the only one who can carry us through this.”
– Michael Boldea
Transcribed by Jeff Fenske from the pay-per-view video series
Related:
From Let Us Be ONE prophecy, part 23: Failed Churches—Hate that Destroys the Yoke of Unity
Why not pray? Why not be like Me. Do you realize that what is to come is so full of wrath, and you want to be on the winning side at all costs.
Give your life to Me, now, while there is still time to prepare. If you wait, others cannot take you into where you belong. A crash course can’t happen at the last minute, enough to get you in, because you are festering with demons.
Your heart won’t change if you let rebellion keep you from Me now. Now is the day of salvation. Why wait?
“I fear many will deny the Christian faith when horrific suffering engulfs them and they realize there is no secret pre-trib rapture to get them out of this suffering. Jesus said he who endures to the end will be saved, not he who gets raptured out and misses the persecution.”
– Rick Wiles, host of TruNews
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From: OmegaShock.com…
Jesuit Pretrib Rapture
February 20, 2013 by John Little – OmegaShock.com
That’s right. The originators of the pretribulation rapture theory are none other than the Jesuits. And, I can’t say that I’m too terribly surprised.
Dumitru was a serious, very credible pastor from Romania, who smuggled Bibles into Russia — was tortured and survived the electric chair. I hold him in high esteem. His story is here:
(video) Dumitru Duduman: Wake Up America
See also:
From: Hand of Help Ministries
A Vision Received by Brother Dumitru Duduman April 22, 1996
I prayed, then went to bed. I was still awake, when suddenly I heard a trumpet sound. A voice cried out to me, “Stand!”
In my vision, I was in America. I walked out of my home, and began to look for the one who had spoken to me. As I looked, I saw three men dressed alike. Two of the men carried weapons. One of the armed men came to me. “I woke you to show you what is to come.” He said. “Come with me.”
I didn’t know where I was being taken, but when we reached a certain place he said, “stop here!”
A pair of binoculars was handed to me, and I was told to look through them.
“Stand there, don’t move, and look,” he continued. “You will see what they are saying, and what they are preparing for America.”
As I was looking, I saw a great light. A dark cloud appeared over it. I saw the president of Russia[;] a short, chubby man, who said he was the president of China[;] and two others. The last two also said where they were from, but I did not understand. However, I gathered they were part of Russian controlled territory. The men stepped out of the cloud.
The Russian president began to speak to the Chinese one. “I will give you the land with all the people, but you must free Taiwan of the Americans. Do not fear, we will attack them from behind.”
A voice said to me, “Watch where the Russians penetrate America.”
I saw these words being written: Alaska; Minnesota; Florida.
Then, the man spoke again, “When America goes to war with China, the Russians will strike without warning.”
The other two presidents spoke, “We, too, will fight for you.” Each had a place already planned as a point of attack.
All of them shook hands and hugged. Then they all signed a contract. One of them said, “We’re sure that Korea and Cuba will be on our side, too. Without a doubt, together, we can destroy America.”
The president of Russia began to speak insistently, “Why let ourselves be led by the Americans? Why not rule the world ourselves? They have to be kicked out of Europe, too! Then I could do as I please with Europe!”
The man standing beside me asked, “This is what you saw: they act as friends, and say they respect the treaties made together. But everything I’ve shown you is how it will REALLY happen. You must tell them what is being planned against American. Then, when it comes to pass, the people will remember the words the Lord has spoken.”
Who are you?” I asked.
“I am the protector of America. America’s sin has reached God. He will allow this destruction, for He can no longer stand such wickedness. God however, still has people that worship Him with a clean heart as they do His work. He has prepared a heavenly army to save these people.”
As I looked, a great army, well armed and dressed in white, appeared before me.
“Do you see that?” the man asked. “This army will go to battle to save My chosen ones. Then, the difference between the Godly and the ungodly will be evident.”
Excepted from:
Dreams and Visions From God
Copyright © 1994, 1996, 2000
Related:
(video) Dumitru Duduman: Wake Up America
[2-hour audio] Henry Gruver with Steve Quayle: Visions of War – Visions of Heaven
[mp3 audio] Henry Gruver’s Vision of America being invaded by Russia
[47-minute audio] Henry Gruver: Russian Invasion of America
The WW3 Prophecies (includes prophecies by others)
RED DAWN: ASIAN MILITARY INVASION OF USA? (prophecies by many others)
Skousen: U.S. Intentionally Vulnerable to Nuclear Attack from China/Russia
Skousen: Analysis of Strategic Threats in the Current Decade
12 Reasons NOT To Expect a PRE-Trib Rapture
All 100+ of my Joel Skousen posts (10 posts per page; latest appear first)
“We must know the Lord, know His voice, and obey Him in all things in order to make it” —Rick Joyner
“We must know the Lord, know His voice, and obey Him in all things in order to make it.”
– Rick Joyner
From The Path
Related:
David shows how dispensationalism birthed this false doctrine that has put so many to sleep, spiritually, given them false hope.
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“Let’s get ready for trouble, realizing that when it comes, it’s only for a short while, and then He’s coming back.”
– David Pawson
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From: davidpawson.org/resources/resource/361
Will Christians Escape by Secret Rapture?
Author: David Pawson
Series: Part 6 of the series Revelation Riddle
Play Audio Download MP3 Buy CD (UK) Buy CD (USA)
Related:
12 Reasons NOT To Expect a PRE-Trib Rapture
Corrie Ten Boom: Prepared for the Coming Tribulation
Warmongers Unite: Rapture Ready – The Christians United for Israel Tour with ‘Pastor’ John Hagee
John Hagee – Enforce UN Thought Crimes Law
Preemptive-Striker John Hagee Endorses 100-Years-in-Iraq John McCain
John Hagee: “Jesus Did Not Come To Earth To Be the Messiah”
Pastor Baldwin: Ron Paul’s Israel Problem [Evangelicals Led Astray?]
Alex Jones: The pre-trib rapture doctrine is a big, sickening, psyop, bringing US into tyranny! “Most of you are a bunch of torture loving, war loving people…” — Truthful commentary by a non-pastor
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?
From: geraldhsu.wordpress.com
Felix Manz (ca. 1498-1527)
Felix Manz, a Swiss Brethren Anabaptist in Zurich, Switzerland, and the first martyr of Radical Reformation was born in 1498 as the illegitimate son of a Zurich canon. Though records of his education are scant, there is evidence that he received good education, with a thorough knowledge of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. …
Differences of opinion arose when Felix Manz and Conrad Grebel in the group demanded the abolition of Mass, tithes, and interest. Zwingli hesitated the changes (although he agreed with them on the Biblical basis for the demand). …
..the true Reformation in Zurich was indefinitely postponed. When Easter 1525 came (two years after the city of Zurich became Protestant), the churches were still having mass–but without sacrifice. They were still having infant baptism, and the cup was still not being given to the congregation. In essence, they were practicing all the Roman Catholic trappings of religion with only a few modifications. …
At this time the other magisterial reformers, Luther and Calvin, shared the similar view on the matter regarding infant baptism with that of Zwingli. Later, the followers of Grebel and Manz, radical reformers and Anabaptist (Literally Anabaptist means “re-baptizers”), refer to the magisterium as “partial reformers”. To the radical reformers, the magisterium have inherent commitment to the state church, not fully to the Word of God.
A public disputation on the matter of infant baptism was eventually held with Zwingli on January 17, 1525. The city council declared Zwingli the victor. …
On March 7, 1526, the Zürich council had passed an edict that made adult baptism punishable by drowning. On January 5, 1527, Felix Manz became the first martyr of the edict, and the first Swiss Anabaptist to be martyred at the hands of reformers. While Manz only wanted “to bring together those who were willing to accept Christ, obey the Word, and follow in His footsteps, to unite with these by baptism, and to leave the rest in their present conviction”, Zwingli and the council accused him of obstinately refusing “to recede from his error and caprice”. Manz was taken out of the Wellenberg prison and led to the fish market there by the Limmat. There his death sentence was read. He was taken to the butcher shop, and at 3 PM forced into a boat. He praised God and preached to the crowd. A Reformed pastor went along, seeking to silence him, and hoping to give him an opportunity to recant. Manz’ brother and mother encouraged him to stand firm and suffer for Jesus’ sake. He was taken by the boat onto the River Limmat. At that time there was a small fishing hut located in the middle in the river. Felix Manz was placed on the platform of the hut, where his hands were shackled and pulled behind his knees and a pole was placed between them. He was thrown to his death in an icy baptism [called the third baptism? – editor] in the cold waters of Lake Zurich on the Limmat. His last cry was, “Into thy hands, O God, I commend my spirit.” His property went to the government of Zurich…
Related:
A story of faithfulness: Felix Mantz
John Calvin Had Servetus Burned at the Stake — His Ashes Cry Out!
Martin Luther Cursed from His Heart Catholic Leaders, ‘Every Day’
Martin Luther’s Subordinate Bible Books: Hebrews, James, Jude & Revelation
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God? (Where Paul is reconciled with James — and with Hebrews and 1 John — and with Jesus. It all works!)
Greg Boyd: In the kingdom of God, we are not allowed to have any enemies
As a senior in high school (St. Croix Lutheran in W. St. Paul, MN) in the ’70s, I realized I couldn’t love people fully enough, and that I needed God’s help to do it. I didn’t know if Christianity was the right religion, because Lutheranism hadn’t done it for me, or from what I could see in those around me. So I decided to research every religion until I found the right one. I started by reading the Bible for myself, starting with the Book of Acts.
When I read this story about Paul and Silas being thrown into prison — being beaten, yet they still worshiped with their whole being, God filling them so fully — I realized they had it.
And I’ve never needed to look anywhere else, but have been frustrated by how sub-biblical Christianity mostly is today.
Anyway, these are highlights of this article, 4 Ways to Quiet Your Spirit Before God, by Steve Hill:
Remember when Paul and Silas were in prison? They were not only chained; they had also been severely beaten. Most likely their prison cell was infested with rats, and diseases were rampant.
I can imagine Paul looking at the burns on his hands from the chains and the cuts all over his body. He and Silas were hurting, and their lives were in jeopardy. But what did they do? Instead of getting depressed and complaining, they began to praise God.
I can just hear them lifting their voices to God in praise in the midst of their desperation, saying, “We worship You, Lord. We worship You, Jesus. Thank You for Your presence. Thank You for Your strength. We love You, Lord.”
It caught the attention of heaven, and God sent an earthquake to deliver them!
[…]
I must use the story of Jesus in the garden during His passion as the example of aligning ourselves to God’s will. …
But something else happened to Jesus in the garden after He prayed. Notice the next verse: “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him” (v. 43). My friend, this is so powerful. Always remember that after Jesus resigned Himself to God’s will, the angels strengthened Him.
And so it is with you. It’s after you resign yourself to God’s will that the angels will come and strengthen you!
[…]
Here is where so many miss it. They allow their present situation to dictate everything that’s going on around them. Instead, you must learn to relax and say, “This is a season, and it is going to pass. It’s going to bring the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Some good is going to come out of this.”
Isaiah 30:15 tells us why it’s so important to learn how to quiet our spirits: “In quietness and trust is your strength” (NIV). It doesn’t get much clearer than that.
Quieting your spirit will help you navigate through the storms of life no matter what you are going through and no matter what’s happening in the world around you. It’s an art and a spiritual discipline that will change your life and help set the course for your future as it has mine. Why not begin today?
“If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.”
– Corrie Ten Boom
Related:
The “beloved disciple,” [John] was brother to James the Great. The churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Thyatira, were founded by him. From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where it is affirmed he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury. Domitian afterwards banished him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Nerva, the successor of Domitian, recalled him. He was the only apostle who escaped a violent death.
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From: http://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/fox101.htm
FOX’S BOOK OF MARTYRS
CHAPTER I
History of Christian Martyrs to the First General Persecutions
Under Nero
Christ our Savior, in the Gospel of St. Matthew, hearing the confession of Simon Peter, who, first of all other, openly acknowledged Him to be the Son of God, and perceiving the secret hand of His Father therein, called him (alluding to his name) a rock, upon which rock He would build His Church so strong that the gates of hell should not prevail against it. In which words three things are to be noted: First, that Christ will have a Church in this world. Secondly, that the same Church should mightily be impugned, not only by the world, but also by the uttermost strength and powers of all hell. And, thirdly, that the same Church, notwithstanding the uttermost of the devil and all his malice, should continue.
Which prophecy of Christ we see wonderfully to be verified, insomuch that the whole course of the Church to this day may seem nothing else but a verifying of the said prophecy. First, that Christ hath set up a Church, needeth no declaration. Secondly, what force of princes, kings, monarchs, governors, and rulers of this world, with their subjects, publicly and privately, with all their strength and cunning, have bent themselves against this Church! And, thirdly, how the said Church, all this notwithstanding, hath yet endured and holden its own! What storms and tempests it hath overpast, wondrous it is to behold: for the more evident declaration whereof, I have addressed this present history, to the end, first, that the wonderful works of God in His Church might appear to His glory; also that, the continuance and proceedings of the Church, from time to time, being set forth, more knowledge and experience may redound thereby, to the profit of the reader and edification of Christian faith.
As it is not our business to enlarge upon our Savior’s history, either before or after His crucifixion, we shall only find it necessary to remind our readers of the discomfiture of the Jews by His subsequent resurrection. Although one apostle had betrayed Him; although another had denied Him, under the solemn sanction of an oath; and although the rest had forsaken Him, unless we may except “the disciple who was known unto the high-priest”; the history of His resurrection gave a new direction to all their hearts, and, after the mission of the Holy Spirit, imparted new confidence to their minds. The powers with which they were endued emboldened them to proclaim His name, to the confusion of the Jewish rulers, and the astonishment of Gentile proselytes.
I. St. Stephen
St. Stephen suffered the next in order. His death was occasioned by the faithful manner in which he preached the Gospel to the betrayers and murderers of Christ. To such a degree of madness were they excited, that they cast him out of the city and stoned him to death. The time when he suffered is generally supposed to have been at the passover which succeeded to that of our Lord’s crucifixion, and to the era of his ascension, in the following spring.
Upon this a great persecution was raised against all who professed their belief in Christ as the Messiah, or as a prophet. We are immediately told by St. Luke, that “there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;” and that “they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.”
About two thousand Christians, with Nicanor, one of the seven deacons, suffered martyrdom during the “persecution that arose about Stephen.”
II. James the Great
The next martyr we meet with, according to St. Luke, in the History of the Apsotles’ Acts, was James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John, and a relative of our Lord; for his mother Salome was cousin-german to the Virgin Mary. It was not until ten years after the death of Stephen that the second martyrdom took place; for no sooner had Herod Agrippa been appointed governor of Judea, than, with a view to ingratiate himself with them, he raised a sharp persecution against the Christians, and determined to make an effectual blow, by striking at their leaders. The account given us by an eminent primitive writer, Clemens Alexandrinus, ought not to be overlooked; that, as James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle’s extraordinary courage and undauntedness, and fell down at his feet to request his pardon, professing himself a Christian, and resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. Hence they were both beheaded at the same time. Thus did the first apostolic martyr cheerfully and resolutely receive that cup, which he had told our Savior he was ready to drink. Timon and Parmenas suffered martyrdom about the same time; the one at Philippi, and the other in Macedonia. These events took place A.D. 44.
III. Philip
Was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee and was first called by the name of “disciple.” He labored diligently in Upper Asia, and suffered martyrdom at Heliopolis, in Phrygia. He was scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified, A.D. 54.
IV. Matthew
Whose occupation was that of a toll-gatherer, was born at Nazareth. He wrote his gospel in Hebrew, which was afterwards translated into Greek by James the Less. The scene of his labors was Parthia, and Ethiopia, in which latter country he suffered martyrdom, being slain with a halberd in the city of Nadabah, A.D. 60.
V. James the Less
Is supposed by some to have been the brother of our Lord, by a former wife of Joseph. This is very doubtful, and accords too much with the Catholic superstition, that Mary never had any other children except our Savior. He was elected to the oversight of the churches of Jerusalem; and was the author of the Epistle ascribed to James in the sacred canon. At the age of ninety-four he was beat and stoned by the Jews; and finally had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club.
VI. Matthias
Of whom less is known than of most of the other disciples, was elected to fill the vacant place of Judas. He was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.
VII. Andrew
Was the brother of Peter. He preached the gospel to many Asiatic nations; but on his arrival at Edessa he was taken and crucified on a cross, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground. Hence the derivation of the term, St. Andrew’s Cross.
VIII. St. Mark
Was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He is supposed to have been converted to Christianity by Peter, whom he served as an amanuensis, and under whose inspection he wrote his Gospel in the Greek language. Mark was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria, at the great solemnity of Serapis their idol, ending his life under their merciless hands.
IX. Peter
Among many other saints, the blessed apostle Peter was condemned to death, and crucified, as some do write, at Rome; albeit some others, and not without cause, do doubt thereof. Hegesippus saith that Nero sought matter against Peter to put him to death; which, when the people perceived, they entreated Peter with much ado that he would fly the city. Peter, through their importunity at length persuaded, prepared himself to avoid. But, coming to the gate, he saw the Lord Christ come to meet him, to whom he, worshipping, said, “Lord, whither dost Thou go?” To whom He answered and said, “I am come again to be crucified.” By this, Peter, perceiving his suffering to be understood, returned into the city. Jerome saith that he was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, himself so requiring, because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord was.
X. Paul
Paul, the apostle, who before was called Saul, after his great travail and unspeakable labors in promoting the Gospel of Christ, suffered also in this first persecution under Nero. Abdias, declareth that under his execution Nero sent two of his esquires, Ferega and Parthemius, to bring him word of his death. They, coming to Paul instructing the people, desired him to pray for them, that they might believe; who told them that shortly after they should believe and be baptised at His sepulcher. This done, the soldiers came and led him out of the city to the place of execution, where he, after his prayers made, gave his neck to the sword.
XI. Jude
The brother of James, was commonly called Thaddeus. He was crucified at Edessa, A.D. 72.
XII. Bartholomew
Preached in several countries, and having translated the Gospel of Matthew into the language of India, he propagated it in that country. He was at length cruelly beaten and then crucified by the impatient idolaters.
XIII. Thomas
Called Didymus, preached the Gospel in Parthia and India, where exciting the rage of the pagan priests, he was martyred by being thrust through with a spear.
XIV. Luke
The evangelist, was the author of the Gospel which goes under his name. He travelled with Paul through various countries, and is supposed to have been hanged on an olive tree, by the idolatrous priests of Greece.
XV. Simon
Surnamed Zelotes, preached the Gospel in Mauritania, Africa, and even in Britain, in which latter country he was crucified, A.D. 74.
XVI. John
The “beloved disciple,” was brother to James the Great. The churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Thyatira, were founded by him. From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where it is affirmed he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury. Domitian afterwards banished him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Nerva, the successor of Domitian, recalled him. He was the only apostle who escaped a violent death.
XVII. Barnabas
Was of Cyprus, but of Jewish descent, his death is supposed to have taken place about A.D. 73.
And yet, notwithstanding all these continual persecutions and horrible punishments, the Church daily increased, deeply rooted in the doctrine of the apostles and of men apostolical, and watered plentously with the blood of saints.
“When hatred came into my heart the Holy Spirit brought in the love of God.”
“Oh love of God how deep and great, far deeper than men’s deepest hate.”
“I met the man who had been so cruel to my sister. … I felt a bitterness in my heart…. But then I knew when we do not forgive the Heavenly Father will not forgive us. … I felt the love of God stream through my arm. You never [?] the ocean of God’s love that you love your enemies.”
“The Holy Spirit in me took away all the fear and gave me power and love and sound mind. You can always depend on Him. That’s a joy.”
“..When they stripped us of all our clothing…. He hanged there naked, and he hanged there for me. And by my suffering, I understood a fraction of the suffering of Jesus, and it made me so thankful that I could bear my suffering. ‘Love so amazing….'”
“The light of Jesus Christ is stronger than the deepest darkness.”
Miracle: “Everyone was searched, and they did not see me.”
In solitary confinement: “It was not really alone, for Jesus was with me. … Yes, I often got discouraged, but then I just talked with the Lord. And it was as if progressively I got more acquainted with the Lord. … Then the Lord spoke to me. …”
“You cannot have compromise with Jesus. You have to surrender all.”
“To lose your life for Jesus’ sake means to gain it.”
“Hatred is murder in God’s eyes. It is by the grace of God that I can love my enemies.”
– Corrie Ten Boom
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“Your home had been a hiding place for so many…, and you found a hiding place in Jesus.”
– Kathryn Kuhlman
Transcribed by Jeff Fenske
* * *
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OaP_aSjyC0
Rare Unabridged Corrie Ten Boom interviewed by Kathryn Kuhlman
Published on Jan 6, 2017
May we also walk in INNOCENCE, 24/7.
“All things work together for good to those who” REALLY DO “love God” with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength — and their neighbors in Anchorage and in Syria as much as they love themselves.
Life in the Son realized!!!
To be free!
My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths,
so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him.”
– Daniel 6:22
“For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us,
even so our comfort also abounds through Christ.”
– 2 Cor. 1:5
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2-minute preview. God gave me the words for about 5 minutes, once, when I spoke before the elders after getting in trouble for trying too hard to get ‘ONE’ happening:
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Full message:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuhAxtnIbGA]Francis Chan – Suffering
Uploaded on May 2, 2011
Francis Chan speaks at the Verge Missional Community Conference about suffering and the mission of God. If you are a radical disciple of Jesus, suffering will be a normal part of following the Holy Spirit.
Check out more great videos, films, articles and podcasts at http://vergenetwork.org
Related:
“You wonder, probably, why I smile. It is because I wish to convey to you the joy of those who suffer for Christ in Communist prisons. …
People would believe that it is only deep suffering. But when I remember that time, I remember it as a glorious time. The bride was in the embraces of the Heavenly Bridegroom. We received His Holy Kiss. We knew His caresses. It has been one of the most beautiful times of my life.”
– Richard Wurmbrand
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6R6EL53L90]Richard Wurmbrand, Solitary Confinement Part One
Published on Dec 29, 2012
From Meditation to seeing…
He prayed for America every night in solitary confinement.
Richard Wurmbrand dripping with the love of God.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvcweXcNBVs]Richard Wurmbrand, Solitary Confinement Part Two
Published on Dec 30, 2012
Richard Wurmbrand speaks of the freedom of the soul in the chains of communist prison for Christ.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO0Lspe5acM]Richard Wurmbrand, Solitary Confinement Part Three
Published on Dec 30, 2012
The bride was in the embraces of the Heavenly Bridegroom. We received His Holy Kiss. We knew His caresses. It was the most beautiful time of my life. ~Richard Wurmbrand
Related:
I purchased this video in the ’80s, but apparently lost it. I was so happy to find this online!
Richard’s forgiving story has impacted my life, so much so that I took time to visit The Voice of the Martyrs, and was able to meet him and Sabina before he died.
For some reason, The Voice of the Martyrs stopped selling this video many years ago, and apparently never published it as a DVD. It’s such a powerful testimony. I wonder why — unless the documentary part of this animated DVD now includes this footage: Torchlighters: The Richard Wurmbrand Story (2009).
jeff
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“The first thought which came into my mind when I was in the hand of the communist torturers, was that in the Bible, the words “don’t be afraid” occurs 366 times — once for every day of the year. And because there is the extra day of the leap year, it is not 365, but 366 times. I knew that even in the hand of the secret police I am in the hands of the Almighty God. And this gave quiet to my heart.”
•
“At once the walls of the cell began to shine like diamonds! … Never have I seen the beauties which I have seen in the dark cell beneath the earth. Never have I heard such a beautiful music as on that day the King of Kings, Jesus was with us. We saw His understanding, His loving eyes. He wiped away from our eyes our tears. He said to us words of love and words of forgiveness. …
Now there came wonderful days. The bride was in the arms of the Bridegroom. We were with Christ. We didn’t know that we were in prison.
Sometimes we were taken into interrogatories. We were beaten; we were tortured, but just as Saint Stephen, while they threw stones at him did not see his murderers, did not see the stones, but saw heaven open and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father — so we didn’t see anymore the communist torturers. We didn’t see that we are in prison. We were surrounded by angels. We were with God.”
•
“I had not washed myself three years. You imagine how I looked like. … We confessed to them about Christ, and we converted them. I, myself, had before me a communist officer with a rubber truncheon in his hand, and I told him about the love of Christ. I told him about heaven, about God. Forever, he put his rubber truncheon aside. He asked me, ‘Mr. Wurmbrand, how can you love me? I would never love somebody who puts me in prison and beats me.’
And I told him about the new character, about the new heart which Christ gives to men. And they become embodied love. And he became our brother. He entered in prison for having taken our defense.”
– Richard Wurmbrand
Transcribed by Jeff Fenske
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlp5yv2nq5E]Tortured for Christ in Atheist Romania – Richard Wurmbrand (1 of 3)
[full description below]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTkYZjh9WFc]Tortured for Christ in Atheist Romania – Richard Wurmbrand (2 of 3)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4LHPN3Muxc]Tortured for Christ in Atheist Romania – Richard Wurmbrand (3 of 3)
Uploaded on Jun 9, 2009
Atheism per se creates a moral vacuum where everyone can behave like Satan himself.
The most oppressive and human-killing regime’s have been when Atheists have taken over governments. Nevertheless, atheists claim that people of faith are to blame for mass amounts of people’s lives being taken. This is not based on facts. In the past century, Atheism forced its beliefs on people of faith or simply slaughtered hundreds of millions of them.
ooo OOO ooo
Pastor Richard Wurmbrand (March 24, 1909 – February 17, 2001)
Many people called him the “Voice of the Underground Church” and others referred to him as the “Iron Curtain St. Paul.” This humble man who began the ministry of The Voice of the Martyrs was the Rev. Richard Wurmbrand. Richards life was a partnership with the equally amazing Sabina, whom he married on October 26, 1936.
Richard Wurmbrand was born the youngest of four boys in a Jewish family on March 24, 1909, in Bucharest, Romania. Gifted intellectually and fluent in nine languages, Richard was active in politics and worked as a stockbroker.
During World War II, Richard and Sabina saw an opportunity for evangelism among the occupying German forces. They preached in the bomb shelters and rescued Jewish children out of the ghettos. Richard and Sabina were repeatedly arrested and beaten and, at least once, nearly executed. Sabina lost her Jewish family in Nazi concentration camps.
In 1945 Romanian Communists seized power and a million “invited” Russian troops poured into the country. Pastor Wurmbrand ministered to his oppressed countrymen and engaged in bold evangelism to the Russian soldiers.
On February 29, 1948, the secret police arrested Richard while on his way to church and took him to their headquarters. He was locked in a solitary cell and labeled ‘Prisoner Number 1.’
In 1950, his wife Sabina was also imprisoned. She was forced to serve as a laborer on the Danube Canal project, leaving their nine-year-old son, Mihai, alone and homeless. Following her release in 1953, the Romanian authorities informed her that Richard had died in prison. [But God showed Sabina in a vision that Richard was still alive – editor]
A Christian doctor masquerading as a Communist Party member discovered Richard alive in prison. In a general amnesty, Richard was released in 1956 after serving eight-and-a-half years in prison. He was warned never to preach again. While in prison, he went through horrific tortures at the hands of the brutal secret police. Despite the treatments and the warnings he received from his persecutors, Richard resumed his work with the “underground” churches after his release.
He was re-arrested in 1959 through the conspiracy of an associate, and sentenced to 25 years. Due to increased political pressure from Western countries, Richard was granted another amnesty and released in 1964.
In December 1965, the Norwegian Mission to the Jews and the Hebrew Christian Alliance paid $10,000 in ransom to the Communist government to allow the Wurmbrand family to leave Romania. Reluctant to leave his homeland, Richard was convinced by other underground church leaders to leave and become a “voice” to the world for the underground church. Richard, Sabina, and their son Mihai left Romania for Norway and then traveled on to England.
Richard began his ministry of being a voice for persecuted Christians in England with Rev. Stuart Harris, where he also wrote his testimony of persecution, Tortured for Christ. Later, Richard moved on to the United States, and in 1966 he appeared before a U.S. Senate Internal Security Subcommittee, where he stripped to the waist and revealed 18 deep torture wounds on his body. His story spread rapidly, leading to more and more speaking engagements.
In 1967, the Wurmbrands officially began a ministry committed to serving the persecuted church, called Jesus to the Communist World (later renamed The Voice of the Martyrs). In the same year, Richard released his book, Tortured for Christ.
In October, 1967, the first monthly issue of The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter was published in the U.S. By the mid-1980s his work was established in 80 restricted nations with offices in 30 countries around the world.
In 1990, after the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu in December 1989, Richard and Sabina returned to Romania after 25 years in exile and were warmly received. A printing facility and bookstore were opened in Bucharest, and the officials of the city offered to store Christian books in a room below the palace of Ceausescu, the very site where Richard had been held in solitary confinement.
For additional information, please visit:
http://www.persecution.com
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From Wikipedia:
Wurmbrand, who passed through the penal facilities of Craiova, Gherla, the Danube – Black Sea Canal, Văcăreşti, Malmaison, Cluj, and ultimately Jilava, spent three years in solitary confinement. This confinement was in a cell twelve feet underground, with no lights or windows. There was no sound because even the guards wore felt on the soles of their shoes. He later recounted that he maintained his sanity by sleeping during the day, staying awake at night, and exercising his mind and soul by composing and then delivering a sermon each night. Due to his extraordinary memory, he was able to recall more than 350 of those, a selection of which he included in his book “With God in Solitary Confinement,” which was first published in 1969. During part of this time, he communicated with other inmates by tapping out Morse code on the wall. In this way he continued to “be sunlight” to fellow inmates rather than dwell on the lack of physical light.[3]
At the beginning of his first imprisonment, he recalls being in deep remorse as thoughts of past sins and duties undone were remembered. Unlike the discipline that helped him through later days of imprisonment, he later wrote that God came to him and fellow prisoners in a vision not unlike that which Stephen experienced:
We didn’t see that we were in prison. We were surrounded by angels; we were with God. We no longer believed about God and Christ and angels because Bible verses said it. We didn’t remember Bible verses anymore. We remembered about God because we experienced it. With great humility we can say with the apostles, “What we have seen with our eyes, what we have heard with our ears, what we have touched with our own fingers, this we tell to you.”[4]
Wurmbrand was released from his first imprisonment in 1956, after eight and a half years. Although he was warned not to preach, he resumed his work in the underground church. He was arrested again in 1959 and sentenced to 25 years. During his imprisonment, he was beaten and tortured. Psychological torture included incessant broadcasting of phrases denouncing Christianity and praising Communism. His body bore the scars of physical torture for the rest of his life. For example, he later recounted having the soles of his feet beaten until the flesh was torn off, then the next day beaten again to the bone. This prolific writer said there were not words to describe that pain.[5]
Related:
Dumitru Duduman: Wake Up America
My Poem: The Ghost and THE RIVER! (When I also saw Jesus’ face)
“If we lose freedom in America, there is no place to escape to.”
•
“Fear and faith are contagious.
You have to make sure that you don’t spread fear around you.
Fight with your own fear inside of you.
Win, because God is with us,
and He can eliminate that fear, and give us faith and courage.
Spread courage around you,
and you will be surprised how many people will be encouraged,
and you will contaminate them.
And one person can change a town, a city, a state, then the United States.”
– Virginia Prodan
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNBWJrN9b6A]America is Becoming A Communist Country
Published on Feb 27, 2013
On this February 26,2013 broadcast of The Infowars Nightly News,David Knight speaks with Virginia Prodan who lived under the President Chauchesku the Romanian Dictator.
She warns of america on the same road to communism that Romania fell under.
http://www.virginiaprodan.net
Related:
Excellent discussion!
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“Before the year 1830, EVERY denomination, every type of Christianity taught that the rapture took place AFTER the tribulation, because that’s what the Bible explicitly says….”
– Pastor Steven Anderson
Transcribed by Jeff Fenske
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p-YsXAFlv8]Pastor Anderson Reveals Pre-Trib Rapture Deception
Published on Feb 2, 2013
Alex talks with Pastor Steven Anderson in-studio today. He is featured in the film, After The Tribulation, available at the Infowars Store. Mr. Anderson was viciously tasered and assaulted by Border Patrol agents a couple years back for protesting at a Constitution free-zone checkpoint.
http://www.faithfulwordbaptist.org/index.html
Related:
12 Reasons NOT To Expect a PRE-Trib Rapture
Corrie Ten Boom: Prepared for the Coming Tribulation
Warmongers Unite: Rapture Ready – The Christians United for Israel Tour with ‘Pastor’ John Hagee
John Hagee – Enforce UN Thought Crimes Law
Preemptive-Striker John Hagee Endorses 100-Years-in-Iraq John McCain
John Hagee: “Jesus Did Not Come To Earth To Be the Messiah”
Pastor Baldwin: Ron Paul’s Israel Problem [Evangelicals Led Astray?]
Alex Jones: The pre-trib rapture doctrine is a big, sickening, psyop, bringing US into tyranny! “Most of you are a bunch of torture loving, war loving people…” — Truthful commentary by a non-pastor
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?