“and they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation’ - 1 Peter 4:4Day in and day out we are being faced with a persecution of the severest kind… everyday we are confronted by opposition on the left and on the right, we are being threatened in our work places and in our classrooms, we are consumed by it in our music and films, we are faced by it in our every circumstance and situation, for we can not escape this unrelenting persecution. And our battle is one of the most deceptive all kinds, it is an attack towards the possession of our minds (and even our faith). It is a battle of philosophy and belief, a war which attacks the Grace of God and seeks to destroy the Truth of His Son. Today there is no truth at all, but all things are relative; today there is no God, but god is in each one; today grace and peace are found in ourselves and there is no absolute moral standard. For man has become the standard, and in doing so has set himself up as God, calling all the shots. And so in much frustration and heartbreak I can not even begin to count the endless number of conversations which I have had, and every time I hear them say, ‘there is no truth to be found and there is no God which exists.’ Day in and day out we are being overwhelmed with this flood which denies the Truth, and even God… and “they became futile in their speculations, thoughts, imaginations and very purpose” - Ro.1:21.
The ‘flood of dissipation’… excess of rioting, overflowing of rebellion, the complete wasting away of… and in this flood which totally surrounds, engulfs and overwhelms us, there are those who are drowning and those who are being saved, but as it remains all are in the flood; including those who believe (‘those who are brought safely through the water’ - 1 Peter 3:20). But even though we are being preserved by being in the ark (seal of the Spirit), we are subject to the same waters which destroyed the earth, the pounding of waves, the torrents and the ‘suffering’ circumstances (in the gloomy, cold, dark days of the flood; and even for us on a crowded, damp and probably smelly ship). Yet it was through the ark that eight persons were saved from the flood; so what was judgment for the one was salvation for the other. And it is this same ark (Christ) which saves us now. So let us not jump ship, nor be frightened by the waves and crashing of many waters, but let us hold on to the hope of the promises which will appear in the day of their coming. …safety, rest and salvation.
Honestly it is so difficult here, in a place where morals do not exist and God is an imagined thought; now more than ever I am seeing the immense persecution (attacking of our faith) that is occurring here and overwhelming the people, even those who believe. Please keep us in your prayers that we may survive this, and there are some which have already seemed to fall away, and so we pray for them all the more. Pictured below are your brothers and sisters, as well as your sons and daughters, please remember us as we remember you and ask for your well being, that we all may be found firmly established in the absolute Grace and Truth of our God and Savior.
But even if we should suffer for righteousness' sake (belief in Christ), we are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” - 1 Peter 3:14
