persecution – La Vista Church of Christ

Christian Victim Card

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:01:16 +0000

by Chadwick Brewer

“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you” (I John 3:13).

Christians are disdained and hated for their strong convictions of faith, radical morality, and different way of life. In a world of political correctness, it is still socially acceptable to mock and denigrate Christians. When Christians are maligned and mistreated, there is a natural tendency to play the victim card, have self-pity, and say, “Woe is me.” But playing the victim has two major problems.

First, being the victim can inhibit our growth and work in Christ. Our focus and energy turn inward rather than outward toward others and upward toward the prize of Jesus' call. We shrink away from the things that cause mistreatment. We become silent and tend to try to fit in and conform to this world. We have to stop viewing ourselves as the victim and get back to work.

Second, we fail to rejoice in our sufferings for Christ. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Paul tells the Colossians that he rejoices in his sufferings for their sake. Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for standing firm in their tribulations. James tells us to rejoice when we meet trials. And here John tells us not to be surprised. By being the victim, we miss the blessings God has for us in those moments of hardship.

Don’t play the victim. Rejoice and keep up the good work for the kingdom.

It’s Not Fair!

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:33:55 +0000

by Hugh DeLong

Text: II Thessalonians 1

It's not fair! I thought God loved us! We are striving to follow His instructions! Yet, what we live with is persecution, trouble, and being ostracized by the people!

I don’t know if that is how I would react if I were one of these disciples in Thessalonica during the church's early years. How do you wrap your head around this? I would suggest three basic concepts.

First, you (if you were one of these disciples) were warned that this was part of what you were signing up for! Not an easy, comfortable life here and now. This is the part of discipleship that is often ‘hidden’ from people we study with and new converts. That wasn’t Paul’s approach to generating faithfulness. Read II Thessalonians 1 again.

Second, this is the very example that Jesus lived out for us! This is at the heart of the story we tell each Sunday in the fellowship of the Lord’s Supper. But in that there is always the ‘rest of the story’ (as Paul Harvey used to say!). Yes, he was rejected, he suffered, he died on the cross, but he was raised and glorified as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thus, we declare his death until he comes. Paul wrote about this coming and tells us he talked about it while among them at Thessalonica. We must not let the troubles and discouragements of life now override our hope and expectations for the future.

Third, while it isn't, in our estimation, fair, Paul assures us that God is just. There will come a time of recompense! For us – relief from such persecution (II Thessalonians 1:6). But also for affliction, retribution, and eternal destruction (II Thessalonians 1:6, 8, 9) to those who ‘know not God and obey not the Gospel.

Many in the church at Thessalonica were living through this and living with hope, faith, and love. They lived with the expectation of Jesus' return and of our life in the new heaven and earth, where there is peace and the experience of God's very presence. These three basic concepts should be at the heart of our thinking as we struggle through this life.

Intimidation

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:40:49 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

If you know you are speaking the truth in love, and you know God approves your message because you learned the principles you speak from God’s word, then don’t fear that people won’t approve or like you. Human approval is not the goal. God’s approval and helping broadcast His light in a dark and lost world is the goal.

Jesus was perfect, but people hated Him, who did nothing wrong and said nothing wrong. You cannot please everyone. So, don’t speak to please people. We don’t set out to offend people, but truth offends without trying to. Some people will criticize even if you were Jesus Himself.

Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of human disapproval. Think what the world would be like if Peter continued to say nothing, letting people continue to intimidate him. On the morning of Jesus’ kangaroo court trials, Peter was too intimidated to speak up for Jesus. On Pentecost (50 days later), he was through being intimidated. He spoke the needed truth. 3000 were saved.

Respecting God over human intimidation and a desire to save souls moved Peter to speak the truth in love, with the help of the Holy Spirit. The world needed him to speak up more than it needed him to keep silent. He was still not personally approved by everyone, but God was pleased, and light was now shining where there had been only darkness.

The world can sure use your light! Don’t let people intimidate you into silence! (II Timothy 1:7).

How do we deal with my wife’s verbally abusive family?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:42:06 +0000

Question:

Hello sir,

I am a born Hindu; later I learned about Jesus, and now I'm following him. Now I'm nearly 30 years old. I'm working in the government sector. Here I got to know one of my colleagues, and we got married. She also believes in Jesus Christ, but her family does not. We got married against our parents ' wishes in a government registrar's office. Now her parents, especially her mother, are abusing us and cursing us that we will die in the worst condition and things like that. She is always poking us about our past, that we did our marriage against them. She is calling my wife and abusing her, me, and my family with bad words.

They don't know that my wife and I are Christians. They only know a little about it.

Answer:

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12).

People often don't accept others who are different, even when those differences result in better people. You can't control your in-laws, but you can control the access they have to your life. Since these are your wife's parents, make sure your wife agrees, but I would suggest you move some distance from them. Block their numbers from your phone. Until they calm down, you will have to consider them as no longer a part of your life.

Before doing all of this, I would encourage you to write them a letter. Tell them plainly that both you and your wife are no longer Hindus. You have become Christians. Let them know that you would welcome having them as a part of your lives and your children's lives, but only if they treat your family with respect.

For No Reason

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:35:09 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

In Psalm 69:4, David was disturbed that people hated him “without a cause.” Why do people act this way? Why do people reject and hate others when there is no call for it? He could understand it from some people if he had hurt them in some way, but feeling snubbed and hated when you know you have done nothing to deserve the cold shoulder or the outright rejection is disturbing. We have all had this experience and wondered about the same thing. Why?

David’s psalm merges into the foresight into the plight of Jesus. In Psalms 69:20-21, we see a prophetic allusion to what happened to Jesus on the cross. "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” This is David in the Spirit seeing the experiences of his prophesied Son, Jesus.

So, our takeaway is that not even a perfect man can escape this treatment of foolish humans. You are not experiencing this because you are unworthy of friendliness. You don’t need to waste your time wondering what you may have done wrong to draw such hatred for no reason. Jesus was perfect and still got that kind of treatment. He got it because people are ignorant and foolish. It is not your problem. David experienced it, and Jesus experienced it, and we all experience it because some people are just not thinking of their responsibility to love their neighbor as themselves, to treat others as they would like to be treated. Sin and hatred are just more deeply embedded in some people than others.

Your takeaway is to remember that such experiences are opportunities to reflect on what Jesus felt for us so long before we learned better. You don’t let it ruin your life and outlook. People are ignorant. Our go-to thought needs to be “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” They are the kind of people who would give you vinegar to drink. You must offer a cup of cold water if the opportunity presents itself. You have a reason for being kind to others. They have no reason for their behavior, but let them be the ones to face regret someday, and let not your heart be troubled, as the future is going to be bright for you because you know your good reasons to be kind now! We will all reap good or bad according to what we sow (Galatians 6:7-9). They have no reason for their attitude choices. You have excellent reasons for yours! Remember that!

Outcasts for Jesus

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:00:54 +0000

by Hugh DeLong

As Jesus talks to the Apostles, knowing that he is going to ascend back to the throne with the Father, he prepares them for what they will face as they conform themselves to the teaching and example that he himself has set.
Notice the first 4 verses of John 16:

"These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you" (John 16:1-4).

They will make you outcasts. They will kill you, thinking they are serving God. It isn’t hard to see Paul in this, the Paul before his conversion.

But how does this affect me? The question becomes How do I act as an outcast when it seems that the world has turned against me? How do I respond not just to arguments against what I believe, but slander, lies, and even physical harm? Herein is the problem of faithfulness. Will you respond in the same manner as Jesus? There actually is a lot to say about this situation in the New Testament.

Peter:

"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed" (I Peter 2:21-24).

Paul:

"The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will" (II Timothy 2:24-26).

Jesus: Love your enemy and pray for him.

I want to be like Jesus. OK, then this is what it will be like.

Disciples Learn from the Past

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:21:58 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Disciples-Learn-from-the-Past.mp3

by Jeremy DeHut

Download Audio

Acts of Disciples

Forewarned Is Forearmed

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:07:33 +0000

by David Gibson

He had so much to tell them and so little time. It was Jesus’ last night with His disciples before the cross. Knowing what lay ahead, He wanted most to prepare them for the hardships they would soon be facing.

The value of warnings

He warned them that their enemies would oppose them as they had opposed their Master. “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away . . . . I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you” (John 16:1, 4).

As Lewis Foster has written, “To be forewarned of those periods of persecution was to be forearmed.”

And to prepare us as well

Like the apostles, every faithful Christian needs to know that persecution is inevitable (II Timothy 3:12). When such occasions arise, we can remember Who told us and be strengthened in our conviction that, because He is who He is, our suffering for Him will indeed be worth it.

One of those who heard Jesus that last night was Peter. Decades later, he wrote, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (I Peter 4:12-13).

O Father, strengthen us now so that when we are called to suffer for Christ, we will stand firm. In His name we pray. Amen.

Are all Christians persecuted?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 03:37:19 +0000

Question:

I have a question about a verse that tells us that all godly Christians shall suffer persecution.

II Timothy 3:12 states: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

This verse concerns me because I've been a Christian since I was 12 (I'm now in my fifties), and I can't think of a single instance of persecution that I've suffered. I've had a few people who turned me down (or didn't show up) for Bible studies, but they were polite, and I certainly didn't feel persecuted. I was never persecuted in school, not even in college.

At my job, virtually everyone is a "Christian" (I live in the Bible-belt, where atheists are few and far between), and my boss is very religious as well, so there's little chance of being persecuted at my workplace.

My being a Christian has prevented me from persecution from my family because everyone in my family is a member of the church.

I'm fearful that my lack of persecution means that I'm missing something I should be doing, or that I'm not truly a godly person. I don't feel that I've been avoiding persecution; it's just never happened (that I'm aware of).

This has me worried that I need to be doing something ASAP that would expose me to persecution, but I have no idea what I should do.

Thanks for your excellent website, it's a great resource for members of the church everywhere.

Answer:

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (II Timothy 3:12).

The darkness of the world and the light of Christ are in opposition and naturally give rise to conflict.

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain" (Philippians 2:14-16).

"For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead" (I Peter 4:3-5).

It isn't that worldly people don't exist in your area, but it is easy to stay in our comfort zones and forget that there are people to talk to about the Gospel. You don't have to be obnoxious or stand on a street corner with a megaphone, but we should be reaching out to those whose lives have been ruined by sin. Most will dismiss what you have to say, but some will realize that a lifeline is being offered.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

Christians should not be timid about their identity. Sure, letting people know that I don't drink causes those who do drink to look at me strangely. Mentioning that God did not permit instrumental music in HIs worship in the New Testament annoys those who love to play instruments. Too often, we avoid commenting on controversial topics because we don't want to deal with the conflict of thought. Have you ever heard someone talk about living with his girlfriend? Have you asked him why he doesn't get married as God requires? Try telling your co-workers that someone obeyed God's command to be baptized for the remission of sin this week. Someone is bound to disagree and tell you that baptism isn't necessary.

Again, it is not that you are searching out conflicts. You are letting people know what the Bible teaches when opportunities arise, in the hope that some will be interested in learning more. Nor am I saying that a person will constantly face persecution. There will be calm times. However, the best times of growth are when you face those who disagree with what you stand for.

Would You Die for Your Faith?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:04:17 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

I keep hearing of people in other countries dying for their faith in Jesus at the hands of Muslims. It is so sad that this goes on without a government backlash against murderous Muslims.

But, what about our faith here? Do we believe in Jesus so strongly and with such loyal love for Him that we would rather die than renounce Him? Some today have so little faith in Jesus that they will not attend His church as He commands (Hebrews 10:24-25), much less face persecution for Him. That is because many do not truly know Him well enough to love Him deeply. Paul knew Him, and that caused him to love Jesus above everything else that had value in his life (Philippians 3:3-12). This led him to believe that Jesus must be glorified "whether by life or by death" (Philippians 1:20-23).

Knowing Jesus is key to the value we place upon Him. To know Him is to love Him above all else, even if it costs us our temporary life in the flesh. Let us reflect on what we have in our hearts, what we lack, and what we need to do about it.