It seems that liberal folks have an intense hatred for those who have any opinion that differs from their paradigm. Consider Miss California's response to a question by a judge with agenda. Mr. Hilton's question was an intentional one used to lure a conservative Christian young lady out into the open. Once she gave her answer, his reaction to her reply was extremely "hateful." So much for the freedom of speech that each of us have according to our U.S. Constitution. Oh I forget, only freedom of speech for a small segment of our total population.Please allow me to quote verbatim what our Constitution actually states.
Amendment 1
Congress shall make no law respective an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
In today's hostile culture, only the liberals get to say whatever they want no matter how rude or vulgar it is. On the other hand, whenever a Christian stands up for what is biblical, they are literally attacked with such an intensity of hatred that is over the top of civility.
The plumb line is God's Word and to Him we answer. In 1 Peter 4:12-19, we read the following:
(12) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
(13) but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
(14) If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
(15) By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
(16) but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.
(17) For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
(18) AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
(19) Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. (NASB)
I'm quite certain none of us like to suffer. It's not on my top list of things I enjoy. Yet we do and we will. As I read God's Word, there aren't promises of an carefree life in Christ. What I read is that our God is mighty and He is greater than any earthly foe.
Consider with me 2 Timothy 3:1-15,
(1) BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].
(1) BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].
(2) For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.
(3) [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.
(4) [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.
(5) For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].
(6) For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate silly and weak-natured and spiritually dwarfed women, loaded down with [the burden of their] sins [and easily] swayed and led away by various evil desires and seductive impulses.
(7) [These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth.
(8) Now just as [a]Jannes and Jambres were hostile to and resisted Moses, so these men also are hostile to and oppose the Truth. They have depraved and distorted minds, and are reprobate and counterfeit and to be rejected as far as the faith is concerned.(A)
(9) But they will not get very far, for their rash folly will become obvious to everybody, as was that of those [magicians mentioned].
(10) Now you have closely observed and diligently followed my teaching, conduct, purpose in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,
(11) Persecutions, sufferings--such as occurred to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
(12) Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].
(13) But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and leading astray others and being deceived and led astray themselves.
(14) But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them],
(15) And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the [b]leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. [Amplified Bible]
(3) [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.
(4) [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.
(5) For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].
(6) For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate silly and weak-natured and spiritually dwarfed women, loaded down with [the burden of their] sins [and easily] swayed and led away by various evil desires and seductive impulses.
(7) [These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth.
(8) Now just as [a]Jannes and Jambres were hostile to and resisted Moses, so these men also are hostile to and oppose the Truth. They have depraved and distorted minds, and are reprobate and counterfeit and to be rejected as far as the faith is concerned.(A)
(9) But they will not get very far, for their rash folly will become obvious to everybody, as was that of those [magicians mentioned].
(10) Now you have closely observed and diligently followed my teaching, conduct, purpose in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,
(11) Persecutions, sufferings--such as occurred to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
(12) Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].
(13) But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and leading astray others and being deceived and led astray themselves.
(14) But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them],
(15) And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the [b]leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. [Amplified Bible]
It's not a matter of "difficult times coming," they are here. Let's be faithful to pray, hide God's Word in our hearts and stand for Him come what may. Remember this "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." [2 Timothy 1:7 AMP]
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