Hi Tommy, thanks for your reply. In no way did I mean to infer that pastor should have remained silent. Although we can ask, as spirit filled believers…would not some verses not come to mind? We could also ask how did the Christians respond under Nero?
“Some were burned alive. Others were sewn into the skins of wild animals and given to dogs to tear. Still others were crucified. Martyrs were exhibited in the circus with Nero presiding, dressed as a charioteer. The wicked emperor threw open his own gardens to more such spectacles. So many Christians died so brutally that public sympathy swung in their favor.”
How did Christ handle His persecuation?
1st Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
John 15:20
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute … and Christ did not revile in return. We should though?
What does the bible tell us to do when we are persecuted?
Matt 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
2 Cor 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Rev 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
What I would say is that I believe it is perfectly fine for the pastor to say like: “Gentlemen we come in peace, in the name of Jesus Christ. Do you realize this stance you are taking is out of the Nazi playbook? This is what you want to teach your children, your wives, your coworkers, your nation to become? For you make up its gracious guard. Without a warrant you cannot be here. I insist you leave. Consider your ways. Repent, for your minds and hearts are weak and not your own. Because you came in the name of a police state which we are not. You must leave our house until you know who are you are. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? Seek Christ while there still is time. Have heart and care for your families. Until then, you must leave our peaceful gathering protected by our United States Constitution and be with your families also protected by the same, no?”
Or he could have made the sermon about them. At least on the first visit. Granted them a place to sit. And steering the message toward them. Not to shame but invite them to the knowledge of Christ. In light of all of this…is it not strange how strange this seems to us having discerning minds in the 21st century…and they the mind of the spirit in the 1st?
Please keep in mind that we live in a day and age where much of Christianity believes in reviling the devil in their casting of him out. But in the first century?
2 Peter 2:11
Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, 11 whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord.
Blessings.
. I think you can calmly/easily get your point across without resorting to getting angry/name calling/insulting others/yelling (using caps). I’m not trying to come at you at all. I just want you to maybe take a step back and look at how you may be coming across and whether that’s what you intended, as it appears quite aggressive at points.
