Many Have Afflicted the Church

By Don Ruhl

Have you read the Old Testament and seen how many times a foreign nation afflicted Israel? Because of her many tormentors, a psalmist told Israel to say something, “‘Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,’ Let Israel now say—‘Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.’ The LORD is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked” (Psa 129.1–4).

Have you read church history? If not, do so and you will find the same things have happened to the church. Many have afflicted us, but the Lord every time has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.

With Islam and secularism gaining a greater presence in America, you can expect affliction against the church to increase, but the Lord will deliver us.

The Distresses of Society and Marriage

By Don Ruhl

Paul alluded to the distress of persecution against Christians at Corinth, saying that it would be good for each one to remain as he is (1Co 7.26).

He explained what he meant by that, “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you” (1Co 7.27–28).

Under certain conditions, remaining single is the better way. However, if during those conditions one is married, he or she should not seek to be loosed from one’s spouse. Also, if one is single under harsh conditions, choosing to marry does not become sinful.

When persecution or other distressing situations arise, those things can stress a marriage.

I think the point is this. Think about your life. Think on the things you plan to do. Do what is wise.