“Christians in the Crosshairs!”

1 Peter 3:13-18; Matthew 5:10; John 15:20

(A Special Message on Preserving Christian Liberty and Persevering Persecution)

Pastor Todd DuBord

*VIDEO:

*Religious liberty has never been under more assault than it is today.

*Feeling a need to take a holiday break from study through Gospel of Luke (life of Jesus in CSI series)….toaddress a few critical issues in culture/society…

*Today’s is “Christians in the Crosshairs”of religious liberty attacks! (MY typo of “Crosshairs”!)

*TURN to 1 Peter 3:13-18…

*A 2016 report explained that attacks against religious freedom in America are growing at an alarming rate, with assaults doubling in just the past three years, according to Conservative Review, or CR.

“Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America,” anannual reportpublished by theFirst Liberty Institute and composed by a research team led by a Harvard-trained constitutional attorney, explained:“…hostility to religion in America is rising like floodwaters, as proven by the increased numbers of cases and attacks documented in this report. This flood is engulfing ordinary citizens who simply try to live normal lives according to their faith and conscience.”

*In 2012, the Texas-based religious freedom organization cataloged over 600bonafideinstances where religious liberty was threatened or suppressed.

*In 2015, it catalogued 1,285 additional attacks on religion in the United States.

*“The report outlines four general areas in which hostility to religious belief and practice is growing at an ‘alarming’ rate:

  • The ‘Public Arena’ of public places, government, and the workplace.”
  • The ‘Schoolhouse’ of education, from K–12 through higher academia.”
  • Churches and Ministries,’ in which one might expect hostility to be the least.”
  • The ‘Military,’ which includes our service members, veterans, and their memorials.”

*There is absolutely NO speculation or controversial calls in this report, just hundreds upon hundreds of bonafide religious liberty attacks, like:

  • A high school football coach suspended for praying after football games
  • A Marine court-martialed for refusing to take down a Bible verse
  • An Orthodox Jewish synagogue sued by the government for meeting in a private home
  • Veterans prohibited from practicing Native American faith rituals at a VA center
  • Cheerleaders stopped from writing Bible verses on cheer banners

*Unfortunately, and even tragically, there is NO greater traitor of the First Amendment and culprit of secular progressive assault on religious liberty than president himself, Barack Obama. NOT taking political stand!

*Wallbuilders has literally catalogued dozens of the Obama administration’s assaults on religious liberty--from the military to American business and churches--in their article: “America’s Most Biblically-Hostile U.S. President.

*Assaults on Christian liberty are excellerating!Happening MORE and MORE…Truth about TRUTH…PP!

*Jesus predicted this would happen 2000 years ago!...John 15:18:If the world hates you, remember it hated me first…. John 15:20: If they persecuted Me,they will also persecute you…

*Jesus said in the End Times…Mark 13:9: "But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

*Matthew 24:9:" …you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

*Persecution is a GUARANTEE!....2 Timothy 3:12:Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

*The Apostles taught Christians what to do WHEN they were persecuted….LOOK quickly at 1 Peter 3:13-18

1 PETER 3:13-18

13Who is[a]there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?14But even if you shouldsuffer for the sake of righteousness,you[b]are[what?] blessed….[Know what BLESSED means in the Greek?...GO DOWN TOV. 17…] 17Forit is better,if[h]God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.18ForChrist also died for sinsonce for all,thejust fortheunjust, so that He mightbring us to God, having been put to deathin the flesh, but made alivein the[i]spirit.

*What Peter saying…Jesus suffered for doing what isright and was blessed and you will be, too! (1 Pet. 4:1!!)

*Jesus plainly said in Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who have beenpersecuted for the sake of righteousness, fortheirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How to Persevere through Persecution (1 Peter 3:13-18)

  1. Remember, You’re BLESSED when others are STRESSED about your faith (1 Peter 3:13-14a, 17-18; cf. Ps. 34:19; Matt. 5:10; Mark 10:29-30; Rom. 5:3-4; 8:18, 35; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; 12:10; Gal. 6:9; Phil. 1:29; 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:1, 12; 5:10; Rev. 2:10)

*IN fact…YOU will be SO BLESSED for ANY suffering for Jesus…Jesus said inMark 10:29-30: You’ll receive 100 TIMES in this life and the next!

*WANT MORE BLESSINGS from God?!Stand up for Him!

*How awesome is that??!....GOD even blesses us

when others dis us because of our faith!

DON’T WORRY about WHAT they say/do!..In fact, 1 Peter 3:14:

End of V. 14: But even if you shouldsuffer for the sake of righteousness,you[b]are blessedAnd do not fear their[c]intimidation, and do not be troubled,

*1 Peter 4:12 even says…:Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

How to Persevere through Persecution (1 Peter 3:13-18)

  1. Don’t be SURPRISED,FEARFUL, or TROUBLEDwhen you’re “FRIED” for your FAITH…(1 Peter 3:14a; Matt. 5:10; 10:17, 21; 23:34-37; 24:7-10; Mk. 13:19; Luke 12:11-12; 21:12; John 14:1; 15:18-20; Rom. 5:3-4; 8:18, 35; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; 4:8-12; Gal. 6:9; Phil. 1:29; 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:1, 12; 5:10;John 14:1; 15:20; 1 Thess. 2:14-15; 3:4; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12; 1 John 3:13; Rev. 2:10; 3)..When local government removed us fromARC

INSTEAD of being fearful or troubled…1 Peter 3:15

15but [do what?] [d]sanctifyChrist as Lord in your hearts, alwaysbeingreadyto make a[e][[what?] defense to [whom?] everyone who asks you to give an account for thehope that is in you[*Notice it doesn’t say DEFEND YOURSELF? WHY? God does that (Exodus 14:14)], yetwith [what?] gentleness and[f]reverence[Eph. 4:15 says “speak the truth in love” and LOOK how 1 Peter 3:16 continues ];16[g]and keep agood conscience so that in the thing in whichyou are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

*Pastor Todd…I don’t know what to say!…WHY I/other leaders HERE…(1)Eph 4…(2) Sunday’s messages…courses like ”The Truth Project”/archaeology/Islam/Cults/End Times/ Bible studies/website…(3) Books/resources/Bibles/BOOST!

*(4) One more GIANT Helper! Jesus said in Luke 12:11-12:11When they bring you beforethe synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not[what?] worry about how or what you are to speak in your [what?] defense, or what you are to say;12forthe Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

*Here’s the CRAZY thing! …God’s wants to use YOU!...2 Corinthians 5:20:We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,as though God were making His appeal through [WHO?] us.

How to Persevere through Persecution (1 Peter 3:13-18)

  1. BUT DEFEND God’s TRUTH and Your HOPE in Him, yet with gentleness, respect, and a good conscience (1 Peter 3:15-16; cf. cf. Prov. 15:1; Matt. 9:36;24:7-10; Mk. 8:38;Lk. 6:36; 9:26; 12:11-12; John 1:29; 3:16-17; 8:32; 10:10; 14:6; 15:20; Acts 4:12; 9:4-5; 10:38; 17:22-23; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10, 13-15; 1 Cor. 9:20-22; 13:3; 2 Cor. 4:4; 5:20; Eph. 4:15; Col. 2:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Heb. 6:1-2; 1 Pet. 3:15-16; 2 Pet. 3:18; Jude 1:3)

*While the details of the First Liberty report on hostility on religious liberty in America might sound gloom, there is hope as it also explained: “[T]his survey also shows that those persons and organizations who stand up for religious liberty win when they fight. As more and more Americans become aware of the growing attacks on religious liberty and what their rights are, they can stand and turn back the tides of secularism and hostility that have so eroded our religious liberty rights, our First Freedom.”

*Roger Severino, the Director of the DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society at The Heritage Foundation, explained to CS:“The first step to recovery from any problem is to stop denying a problem exists. First Liberty Institute’s report shatters the myth that the left is on the side of tolerance by documenting countless examples of progressives using the power of government to target people of faith for hostility and exclusion because of their beliefs.”

*We are light years away from ourfounder’s original intent for the First Amendment or their understanding of the role of religion in America, which was to produce and maintain civility and morality.

*George Washington warned the American public about the restrictions on religion in his Farewell Address (1796) after his two terms as America’s first president: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity [intense happiness]. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

Washington--and every great president since--understood the power of personal faith and the role of religion in our republic. Our next president should, too.

*SO MANY opportunities to STAND UP for Christ today!

Work tells you can’t put up Scripture plack! Some venue says you can’t pray before a meal or game! Lassen high school SUSANVILLE transgender bathroom debate this week!

*VOTE!...Election ISSUE religious liberty, abortion, borders, and a HOST of moral issues ALL wrapped up in who you vote for president and other political leaders! Resolutions, too! There’s MORE at stake than just a new president…legalization of marijuana in our state!

*SO MANY of you GREAT DEFENDERS!....Faith of the Dreithkids..Colton, Delaney and Maddy! ALL THREE who are not afraid to stand up for their faith in Christ!

*Back at Delaney’s graduations in June… Military Recruiter said to her, “You’re going to have to lose your jewelry” She said, “No way! It’s my faith. It defines me!”

*She lived out as we should live out….Romans 1:16:For I am notashamed of the gospel, forit is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to theJew first and also tothe Greek.

*One thing I learn more and more…Life is short; I wanna live it well….One life, one story to tell!

*Speaking of not being ashamed…., opening this weekend is an awesome movie, “I Am Not Ashamed: The Rachel Joy Scott Columbine Story.” It recounts the Columbine high school massacre on April 20, 1999, and particularly the courage and faith of its first victim, Rachel Scott, who is the beloved daughter of our dear friends,Darrell and Sandy Scott. (They startedRachel’s Challengein her memory.) The movie uses Rachel’s own words from her journals and family to tell her story, and how her strong faith in God made her a target. Please, go see it, and let it inspire you, too!

Armageddon coming for Christian Colleges?

A threatening and overreaching bill (Senate Bill 1146) is working its way through the California legislature. If passed as is, this bill would strip California’s faith-based colleges and universities of their religious liberty to educate students according to their faith convictions.

The proposed legislation seeks to narrow a religious exemption in California only to those institutions of higher learning that prepare students for pastoral ministry. This functionally eliminates the religious liberty for students of all California faith-based colleges and universities who integrate spiritual life with the entire campus educational experience.Prayer or requiring chapel services, spiritual formation groups and ministry service are an integral part of the educational experience for faith-based campuses, and they are at risk if SB 1146 is passed. In addition, it would eliminate religious liberty in California higher education, as we know it today, and deprive tens of thousands of students of their access to a distinctly faith-based higher education.

The AICCU (Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities) and Biola President Barry H. Corey have engaged with Sen. Lara and his staff on a number of occasions to voice concerns and to propose amendments to SB 1146 that would both preserve the existing religious exemption and satisfy Sen. Lara’s primary concerns about protecting LGBT students who attend Christian colleges.

If passed as is, this bill would significantly challenge Biola University’s ability to continue in the mission that has guided us for 108 years.

As many as 42 faith-based institutions of higher education in California could be impacted. Some examples of how the bill would impact faith-based institutions include:

Faith-based institutions in California would no longer be able to require a profession of faith of their students.

These institutions would no longer be able to integrate faith throughout the teaching curriculum.

These institutions would no longer be able to require chapel attendance for students, an integral part of the learning experience at faith-based universities.

These institutions would no longer be able to require core units of Bible courses.

Athletic teams would no longer be able to lead faith-based community service programs.

Currently, the bill is waiting to be heard by the California Assembly's various committees.It has already passed the Appropriations Committee and the California Senate.Action is expected as early as the week of June 13. If approved, the bill could then move through the assembly — perhaps by June 30 — for a full vote. Our best chance to stop it is right now before it can get to the Assembly floor for a vote.

The author (Sen. Ricardo Lara) of SB 1146 has publicly stated that it is not his intention to restrict the rights of religious schools to operate in accordance with their faith. However, the legislation as currently written will greatly impact faith-based higher education. We need your help to make assembly members aware of the negative implications of the bill.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

  • Step #1 — Spread the Word.Forward a link to this article to parents, students or alumni of faith-based colleges and universities, churches or others who value religious freedom for faith-based institutions. Anyone who has an affinity for faith-based higher education in California should know about this threatening bill.
  • Step #2 — Contact Your Legislators.
  • Email/phone calls.Send an email or make a phone call to your California Assembly Member this week. Clickhereto find your Assembly Member and email them using the following format for their address: (i.e. ). Clickherefor a sample letter/email.Whether by phone or email, the message is simple: Identify yourself and express that you have strong concerns about SB 1146, offering any reason you choose, or no reason at all. The important thing is to express your concerns about the narrowing of religious freedom this bill would impose on Biola and all of California’s faith-based colleges and universities.
  • Social media.Express your concerns about the bill on social media using hashtag #SB1146.
  • Step #3 — Pray.Pray for this moment in California history when our deeply held beliefs are being challenged. Pray that Biola is able to continue living and educating in ways that are consistent with biblical convictions. Pray that our mission, to prepare our students in mind and character through a biblically grounded education to impact the world for Christ, can remain unchanged.

From:"Brian Bevan" <

Subject:Lassen High Board meeting to discuss "transgender" locker/bathroom facilities - 10/25/16 @ 6:00pm

Date:October 20, 2016 at 12:10:35 PM PDT

To:"'Mike Scanlan'" <

Hi Mike,

Last Sunday, Kevin Jones stopped me outside of the church to let me know about a special meeting of the Lassen Union High School District Board at 1000 Main St., onOctober 25, 2016 at 6:00PM.

As you know, Kevin is the LUHSD board vice-president and a staunch supporter of Christian family values. He is requesting as many people as possible to attend this special meeting to support him in standing against having boys using the girls’ (and girls using the boys’) bathroom/locker facilities at the school.

Kevin stated that this is not a meeting to discuss a hypothetical issue; but one to guide the school in determining how to handle an actual case of one male student who wants to use the female facilities – this student also has a girlfriend.

In light of Federal Judge Reed O’Conner’s recent injunction against the President’s “bathroom guidelines” (civil action no.7:16-cv-00054-O) the school is under no obligation to capitulate to this one (or any) student, and I believe it imperative that as many people as possible attend this meeting to stand up and be a voice for what is Godly and Biblical. To paraphrase the parliamentarian Edmund Burke,The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for Godly people to remain silent and do nothing.

Mike, can you please inform and invite as many pastors and their congregations as possible.

Thank you, and may our Lord Jesus continue to bless y’all.

Brian Bevan

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