Expelled

I just watched this fascinating trailer for a movie called "Expelled" coming out on April 18th. It looks very interesting. We don't have to go to foreign countries to be persecuted; it's right here in the good old US of A. Let's focus on what Dad said about it:

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:11-12

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, - Matthew 5:44

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:35-39

Do we really believe that we are more than conquerors in Christ?! Imagine the impact we can have on our neighborhoods when we present-active-participle-believe that we are more than conquerors! Doesn't that get you excited? This is a good time for me to study the Scriptures, preparing to answer questions and defend the Word of God, for everyday life, but especially when friends, coworkers, and even strangers see this and have questions.

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. - 1 Peter 3:13-17

I'll conclude with a section from Ephesians. I'm so glad that someone in Hollywood is taking a stand. I will be praying for God to be glorified in the movie and that He would be pleased to bring many to Him. I encourage you to put on the full armor of God today, believing that we are more conquerors in Christ.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. - Ephesians 6:10-18