There are many things and people in this world I don't agree with based on my Christian beliefs, and there are many people that disagree with me and my biblical perspective of issues. As a Christian though, I have a higher authority to back me up rather than just an opinion. I know the Christian position will never be defeated and hopefully this post will show why – according to the Bible – that is true.
Whenever in a debate, I take comfort in the words of Acts 5:38-39 (NRSV), which is a quote from a respected teacher of the law directed at those trying to stop the apostles message and work: "So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them – in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” That passage bluntly asserts that God is in control no matter what people think say or do – if something is contrary to God's plan it will fail; if it's of God, it can't fail. For a Christian, that is a great comfort.
However sometimes it can seem that those opposing what the Bible says are victorious. But the Scriptures also say in Romans 8:28 (NRSV): "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Everything, even the bad things in life and the defeats, I know God works for my good even if I can’t see how at the time. So, though my Christian position may appear defeated by a vote, the supposed majority, etc., in the end I know it will be a victory; that is promised if I’ve followed God.
I'm sure some will say they disagree with me; that I'm just unwilling to accept defeat. Honestly, though, it's not with me but with the Bible; with God you are disagreeing. Therefore, that is between you and Him, regardless if you believe in His authority or not – an anarchist can’t tell the cop that pulled him over for speeding that he can’t give him a ticket because he doesn’t believe in the cop’s authority over him, right? The Scriptures are clear, Christians just relay God’s message, it’s not us speaking but Him. There's an old saying: "Don't shoot the messenger!"
Even if you do "shoot the messenger," however, you should be aware it's counter-productive because Christians believe, according to Matthew 5:10-12(NRSV): "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people 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 in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
In essence, by being persecuted I know I'm blessed so it doesn't affect me; in fact, it strengthens me. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NRSV) is one of my favorite passages and it sums it up pretty well: "Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." By going against me, you actually strengthen my Christian position by fulfilling scripture for in 2 Timothy 3:12 (NRSV) it states: "Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
So what's the conclusion in this? God is always in control no matter what anyone thinks, says, or does and even if it appears the Christians are defeated, we know God will work all situations for our good so therefore, we will be victorious. Also, if you do oppose us, we believe we are blessed because of it so your opposition itself is a victory. I think this humorously summed up in a popular quote by Boris Grishenko in the 1995 James Bond movie Goldeneye: "I am invincible!" And so are all Christians – praise God! I’m not trying to sound stuck-up; I’m just the messenger presenting the facts as stated in the Bible. That being said, might I suggest this for our victory song fellow Christians:
Whenever in a debate, I take comfort in the words of Acts 5:38-39 (NRSV), which is a quote from a respected teacher of the law directed at those trying to stop the apostles message and work: "So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them – in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” That passage bluntly asserts that God is in control no matter what people think say or do – if something is contrary to God's plan it will fail; if it's of God, it can't fail. For a Christian, that is a great comfort.
However sometimes it can seem that those opposing what the Bible says are victorious. But the Scriptures also say in Romans 8:28 (NRSV): "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Everything, even the bad things in life and the defeats, I know God works for my good even if I can’t see how at the time. So, though my Christian position may appear defeated by a vote, the supposed majority, etc., in the end I know it will be a victory; that is promised if I’ve followed God.
I'm sure some will say they disagree with me; that I'm just unwilling to accept defeat. Honestly, though, it's not with me but with the Bible; with God you are disagreeing. Therefore, that is between you and Him, regardless if you believe in His authority or not – an anarchist can’t tell the cop that pulled him over for speeding that he can’t give him a ticket because he doesn’t believe in the cop’s authority over him, right? The Scriptures are clear, Christians just relay God’s message, it’s not us speaking but Him. There's an old saying: "Don't shoot the messenger!"
Even if you do "shoot the messenger," however, you should be aware it's counter-productive because Christians believe, according to Matthew 5:10-12(NRSV): "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people 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 in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
In essence, by being persecuted I know I'm blessed so it doesn't affect me; in fact, it strengthens me. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NRSV) is one of my favorite passages and it sums it up pretty well: "Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." By going against me, you actually strengthen my Christian position by fulfilling scripture for in 2 Timothy 3:12 (NRSV) it states: "Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
So what's the conclusion in this? God is always in control no matter what anyone thinks, says, or does and even if it appears the Christians are defeated, we know God will work all situations for our good so therefore, we will be victorious. Also, if you do oppose us, we believe we are blessed because of it so your opposition itself is a victory. I think this humorously summed up in a popular quote by Boris Grishenko in the 1995 James Bond movie Goldeneye: "I am invincible!" And so are all Christians – praise God! I’m not trying to sound stuck-up; I’m just the messenger presenting the facts as stated in the Bible. That being said, might I suggest this for our victory song fellow Christians: