I often hear the courageous sounding sentiment of staying put in the midst of persectution that usually goes with the idea of national conversation. Particularly in the modern church age of a gross misunderstanding of what it means to take dominion (over Satan's dominion in our lives and those whom we are ministering to) to mean governmental power over nations-and idea that appeals to most people's natural minds. John tells us that the way to discern a prophesy is that if the world i.e. lust of the eyes, flesh, and pride of life like the word, it's not of God. (I think that's 1 John). Just like the word of faith movement took the truth of faith and misapplied it to faith for the acquisition of our national idols (weath and success and power), so too the 7 Mountain doctrine took a powerful truth and misapplied it to something that appeals our flesh. What natural man does not want more power, influence, and wealth. We LOVE it. That was a digression. Today I was studying...
" Satan comes along when we are truly devoted to God and brings a tormentor, or an accuser, or someone who maligns us and tears us down, like Job's friends, and then he sits back and waits for the magic to happen. Will you begin to defend yourself? Splendid! Will you feel you must explain and demonstrate that you are a good person, or have some talent so you will be wanted? He squeals with demonic delight at such a thing, or will you hang on that cross with Jesus and commit yourself to God?" I was reading in Matthew the other morning where Jesus was being crucified, and I was struck by how he was horribly tempted, even as he was hanging on the cross, perhaps more than at any other time. The soldiers mocked him saying, essentially, if you are truly the son of God , why don't you save yourself? The criminal on the cross joined in as well, saying if you can truly save others, how about saving us right now Jesus? If you are really the Messiah and Savior, show us. Prove it...