Chapter 21

Persecution

 

“Sounds like the plans of God are a bit more detailed than I had been led to believe,” Ting said disappointedly. “And you said there are Bible scriptures that support these thoughts? How can it be these ideas are not more widely talked about? After all, like you said, there has been over two thousand years of Christian teaching. Why are these ideas so far out of the main stream of Christianity?” Ting questioned in amazement.

“I don't know,” replied Isaac. “If I was to guess though, I would have to say it's because the Bible as we know it, was not put together until later in the first century by scholars from the Catholic Church. Common believers had no access to a Bible or its teachings.

The Churches clergy were the sole purveyors for the word of God. The Church had its traditions and beliefs firmly in place and actively put down any dissension. These traditions and doctrines weren't challenged successfully until the reformation.

Look at the life story of Galileo. He was a renowned scientist until he was punished by the Roman Church for the heresy of teaching that the earth revolved around the sun. After being found ‘vehemently suspect of heresy’ by an inquisition, he spent the rest of his life under house arrest. These events took place in the early sixteen hundreds. The global Christian society hasn't had freedom of religious thought for very long.

After the reformation things weren’t any better with the Protestant denominations. It was also a death sentence if you preached against their orthodoxy. None of the leading churches seemed to tolerate freedom of thought if you were going to express it loudly to others.

That is why the Pilgrims fled Europe to come to the new world of America, they wanted religious freedom. Personal and religious freedom, was still a strong desire decade later, demonstrated by the American bill of rights. Freedom to live life without being told how to think was denied to most of the world up till then. Had liberty and freedom been available, there would have been no need to demand, or fight for it.

Most Christian denominations seem to have stifled diversity, rather than embrace it,” Isaac ponders his rant against exclusive orthodoxy. He couldn't explain what brought it on, his mind was just flooded with facts he had studied in church history class. Though he had never given them much thought before, as the class was mandatory and not one he had been keen on taking.

It had never occurred to him that it was the established churches that were squelching Bible based ideas, in favour of church doctrine and tradition. His mind was awash with stories of faithful people being martyred for their beliefs, refusing to recant some of the same Bible truths that he also believed in. Beliefs Isaac had held to be true, for as long as he could remember.

He felt a kinship to those martyrs that went before him, their faith in Bible beliefs such as, baptism is for those who choose Jesus, that faith alone could lead to salvation, or that the Bible alone, not church doctrine, governed the source and requirements of faith. Along with those martyrs he too didn't recognize the authority of the Pope or the Catholic Church as the sole purveyors of the Christian faith.

It finally dawned on him who was doing the persecuting; it was not some Satan worshippers, out to tear down Christianity. Those who were stoking the fires of intolerance were from the Christian establishment. The very ones who were supposed to be spreading the life giving message of Jesus to the world.

In an instant he recognizes his own hypocrisy and intolerance towards other Bible based beliefs. “Would I have been there with an arm full of wood myself?” he quietly asks out loud.

“What,” said Ting? “I couldn't hear you in this noisy old truck. You'll have to yell at me.”

“Oh, I wasn't saying anything,” Isaac muttered. “It just came to me that I was wrong about there being two thousand years of unfettered Christian biblical scrutiny. Major Christian denominations have not truly encouraged open debate of their Bible teachings. Instead, for the most part, they did their best to stifle any beliefs other than their own. Most denominations want conformity to their ideas rather than thoughtful Bible based discussion.

So when I said that there has been two thousand years of Bible study since Jesus died for us, I was wrong. It seems to me now that there has been mostly two thousand years of conformity, interspersed by bursts of enlightenment. Perhaps I should look at these new ideas more seriously, as they do appear to have at least some biblical support. My traditional thoughts on several beliefs were successfully challenged by this crazy old guy, so maybe his ideas on immortality do have some merit.”

“How does that help me?” Ting said in a huff. “What am I supposed to believe? Do I believe that my family is dead waiting for their chance to accept Jesus, or are they in the flames of Hell! You need to tell me!”

“No. I don't need to tell you,” Isaac snapped back. “You need to find out for yourself. I am not responsible for your salvation, you are. ‘Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling’,” Isaac quotes roughly from Philippians 2:12. “You need to do some work for yourself and not outsource your faith to others. I can tell you about Jesus and your need for salvation, which is at the core of Christianity, it is essential.

These issues of where, when and how we get to our final destination with Jesus is not an essential belief, they are peripheral. You will get a different opinion depending which Christian denomination you ask. You should do some study into what the Bible has to say and then decide for yourself.

Your beliefs may change as you discover new things the Bible has to tell you. Doctrines don't need to be stagnant. If you uncover new truth and you prove it to be true, then believe it. Christians are allowed to make new discoveries of wisdom, that's why our Christian walk is a growing one, we are to grow in wisdom and faith. We can't grow if we are constrained by our erroneous beliefs of the past.”

“You mean to say I can be a Christian and not believe my family is burning in Hell?” Ting questions Isaac bluntly. “I only have to believe in Jesus to be saved. Are you telling me that as a Christian I have freedom in the peripheral areas of doctrine to choose for myself what I believe? I would much rather believe my family will get the chance to accept Jesus at some future time. But I don't want to be wrong, I want to be correct. I believe accepting Jesus is a personal decision. But at least with this new way, my family will get to have an opportunity for salvation. It is much preferable to what, you, told me would happen to them.

There is much more to this Christian stuff than I had thought. I suppose I do need to put the time and energy in to see what the Bible teaches for myself, rather than just believe what others tell me it teaches. Now that I can get on the internet here at the camp, research resources should be easily accessed.”

“Your right, you have just given me a thought,” Isaac exclaimed with eyes wide. “In order to do good in depth Bible study, the resources needed were not readily available to the general population until the internet was developed. For instance, if I wanted to get different translations of the bible, or get explanations for ideas, it would’ve had to come from books that were not always available. Now with the world wide web, those resources are only a mouse click away.

One could argue that the time for Christian understanding and debate on a worldwide scale has only just gotten underway. After all, the Bible was not even translated into the common language of the people until the fourteen hundreds. Before that, to even read it would have been impossible, except for the elite scholars. I wonder what new discoveries in biblical understanding will come from this world wide accessibility.”

“I don't know,” said Ting. “But I will be doing my own study from now on. I will prove my beliefs from the Bible and make sure they do not contradict other Bible teachings. I need to be careful not to blindly believe what others tell me, but prove what they say from all relevant Bible scripture.

To be a knowledgeable Christian I need to prayerfully decide what is right from careful study of the Bible scriptures. From my conversation with you today it is clear to me that a scripture's meaning can be twisted from what the original intent was. I want to know for myself what is true. You are right, I need to do the work of study for myself and not leave my beliefs of faith for others to figure out.”

“That would be the safest thing to do for your own satisfaction,” Isaac agreed. “If you don't study you will never know for sure. It reminds me of a Bible story about the believers who lived in Berea. Here let me read some verses to you. I brought my lap top with me to lunch and the camp has Wi-Fi everywhere, thanks to the donations from one of those Hi-Tec billionaires,” Isaac does a search on the lap top and starts to read to Ting. “Here it is in

Acts 17:10-11 KJV.

10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

They didn't blindly believe the stories from Paul and Silas. They proved themselves noble by putting in the hard work of studying scripture to prove that what they were told was the truth. They have left us a great biblical example to follow,” Isaac said confidently.

“There are many verses that warn us about those who would lead us away from the truth of Jesus. Here let me read you some,” Isaac does a search on the net. He starts to read before Ting thinks to reply.

“We are warned to be careful about who we choose to believe,” Isaac states. “We need to recognize false teaching when we hear it. 1 John 4:1-6 instructs us in what to look for in recognizing the spirit of truth.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

Hardly stopping for a breath Isaac continues to read to Ting from the verses he found on the lap top.

“Here is more Bible direction for us,” Isaac said clearing his throat. “Those who deny Jesus as Savior are singled out as false prophets.

2 Peter 2:1-3

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

These people only want to make a living from the people of God. They don't care about the people, only about themselves and their own well-being.

Romans 16:17-19

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Ting tries to say something but can’t get a word in edgewise.

“Jesus himself warned us about these predators trying to devour his people.” Isaac goes on excitedly.

“Matthew 7:15

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Mark 7:6-9

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

This behaviour is nothing new to religious denominations. That last passage was about the Jews in the days of Jesus. Things haven't changed much since then. Humans are still willing to lead others astray, all for the sake of power, prestige and position. This next section tells us more about those who claim to be followers of Jesus but aren’t.

Jude 3-21

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

“Wow. You really like reading out loud, don’t you,” Ting said in amazement, finally getting the opportunity to speak. “The Bible has a lot to say about people who don't walk their talk,” Ting said. “No wonder it's so hard to know who to trust.”

“That's the point,” Isaac observed, staying focused on the topic. “We should only trust Jesus and what God has recorded for us in the Bible. I have made some mistakes before by not reading all that the Bible has to tell me and I don’t want that to happen again. The most important thing is to stay in and display the love of God. These next verses will help explain it,” Isaac continues reading to Ting enthusiastically.

“2 Peter 1:5-10

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

See. God has our backs. He tells us that even when people try to harm us it will ultimately turn out for our good. Here I'll find that verse for you,” Isaac does yet one more search to find an elusive verse.

“Here it is.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

That's one of my favourite verses. I find it comforting to know God will work things out for those who love him.”

Graciously accepting all of the oral scripture reading, Adam lets Ting Respond. “Yes. It gives me confidence that if I prayerfully study the word of God, the Holy Spirit will lead me into the knowledge God wants to reveal to me,” Ting said confidently. “I want to study into those different ideas you told me about. I feel better about becoming a Christian knowing God has a plan of salvation for everyone. Not just those who were lucky enough to learn about Jesus during this life.

I can't wait to do some in-depth Bible study on those topics. I only hope I will be able to remember the plan as you laid it out, it may be hard to find others who promote those ideas on the web. I will do my best to study since we have such good internet service here in the camp,” Adam lets out a chuckle.

“Thank you for pointing out this other possibility for those who have died not knowing Jesus. I realize it is not what you personally endorse or believe, but like you said it is a peripheral belief. It has helped me in my understanding of God's love for us. It's good to have choices and freedom of thought, to follow the Spirit as I am led into the Bible's light.”

“It was my pleasure to be of service to you. I hope I helped and didn't confuse you too much,” Isaac smiled shyly.

“I am so glad you came to my house today and talked with me. It was very insightful. I have much to learn, and many truths to prove,” Ting's voice was filled with gratitude as Adam repeatedly made a bowing gesture with his head.

Then checking his mirrors repeatedly, he pulls the truck and trailer into the curb lane. He continues a few hundred yards then signals to the right as he prepares to make a right hand turn onto Spall road, at the Burger Barron.

The corner is tight and he narrowly misses the curbing for the sidewalk as he squiggles the truck and trailer across several lanes of traffic. His hands swiftly shifting the big steering wheel in alternating circles as he gets the trailer tracking in the correct lane avoiding the congestion. He lets the engine idle as the truck approaches the first intersection. A red traffic light is keeping him from faster progress.

“Here's the mall,” Adam points to his left as he waits for the light to change to green. “There is not much room to maneuver in there,” he states, gesturing at the crowded mall parking lot. “I will park on the road just across Springfield, in front of the church. You’ll have to walk back across to the mall to meet your ride.

There's plenty of room there for me to park on the wide road shoulder. I do it often when I’m in town. I run across to the mall and pick up stuff, or meet my wife there for shopping sometimes. It can be hard to park these trucks in a shopping district.”

“I can see that. It looks difficult to get around,” Isaac replies with growing esteem for Adam's abilities. “There is a lot more to driving a big rig than I had thought.”

“Most things are like that, you don't recognize the difficulty until you’re in the middle of the problem,” Adam jokes with a slight chuckle. Handing Isaac his cell phone he says. “Here's my phone you can call your ride if you want to. I was going to give it to you sooner but you were so absorbed in conversation with Ting, that I didn't want to disturb your train of thought.”

“Thanks anyway. But I think I will look around the mall for a bit, then call. I need to just stretch and think for a while,” Isaac had a calm humble tone in his voice.

“No problem,” Adam smiled, pulling the truck over onto the gravel between the sidewalk and the paved bike lane. “Here we are safe and sound. I can't wait to get home for a couple of days off,” Adam dynamites the brakes, securely fixing the truck in its parking spot.

“Well thanks for the ride home. It has been an interesting trip with you, I'm sure I will not forget it anytime soon. You’ve given me lots to think about,” Isaac said extending his right hand to Adam.

Grasping Isaac in the firm grip of his own right hand, Adam smiled as he shakes his hand vigorously. “Hope I have given you some food for thought, good luck with the rest of your year here at home. I hope you get to continue with your studies.”

“Thanks,” Isaac smiles back warmly. “I am pretty sure that I will, although they may be more self-directed, rather than the formal variety.”

“That's alright, as long as you are growing in wisdom and knowledge,” Adam nods.

Reaching for the door handle Isaac pulls it back and swings the door open, then in one fluid motion vaults himself out of the truck sliding his hand down the grab rail the way he had seem Adam do it. Lightly touching down on his feet, he nods and smiles back up at Adam. “I guise I did learn a few things from you,” Isaac hollered back up to Adam with a laugh. “Thanks for the ride and say goodbye to Ting for me when you get the chance.”

Dragging his suitcase out of the vibrating, rattily truck he closes the door behind himself and turns towards the mall. Shuffling towards the crosswalk, Isaac is reminded of his prayer from earlier that morning. Talking silently to God he offers up praise. “Thank you father for getting me safely back home and for opening my eyes to glimpse some of your mysteries. You sure do work in mysterious ways. I can see that I will have a lot of studying to do in the near future. Please guide me.”

“Well that made for a quick trip, passed the time nicely,” Adam said to the empty cab. Releasing the brakes and then putting the truck into gear he said out loud, still talking to himself. “I think that was a divine appointment after all. Now it's time to get all of us lost lambs home. Oh, and Ting, Isaac says goodbye.”

The End

About The Author

Clayton and his wife live in the Okanagan Valley of southern British Colombia, Canada. They have two adult children and enjoy getting out to explore the outdoors, camping and quading. Clayton started his working career as an owner-operator in the trucking industry. After an industrial accident he retrained as a heavy duty mechanic and driving instructor. He enjoys working with his hands. Being a tradesman provides a good living for his family, but his passion is to study the Bible as the Bereans did, proving what is true from the scriptures.

Clayton is a published freelance author within the Christian genre. He writes articles and Bible studies for the www.biblists.com web site, and has audio books and articles appearing on various podcast websites.

Connect With Clayton B Carlson

Find Clayton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biblists/

Visit his website: www.biblists.com

 

Books By Clayton B Carlson

 

 

Biblist Apologetics

“In The Beginning” Chronologically Speaking Bible Supports Richard Dawkins

My Baby Died. Where is My Baby?

Searching For Immortality

The Eden Conspiracy

Thy Kingdom Come, The Next Big Thing.