Follow Jesus The Messiah: A Page From the Persecuted Church.

The Sword of Compromise vs. The Sword of the Spirit

Prelude

So much is happening in the world: chaos, noise, and endless distractions. Every headline shouts for our attention. Every voice pulls for our allegiance.

But in the swirl of it all, we need a holy pause—a reminder of what is unshakably true:

Jesus is Lord.

God’s Word endures forever.

The Spirit of Truth still leads.

Our citizenship is in heaven.

And nothing—nothing—can separate us from the love of Christ.

This is the anchor for our souls when the world feels unsteady.

I.

I have been silent on much when it comes to the things of this world, not because I don't care, but because I need to process it with the Lord first. I've lived on my emotions and have learned they can quickly lead me astray. 

Oftentimes, the Holy Spirit keeps my mouth under wraps while He performs a heart check, ensuring I'm walking in alignment. 

One of the things that continues to help me during times of great darkness and wickedness is realizing I am not of this world,

even though I live in it. When I remember this truth alone, the fight to cling to that which is vapor is puzzling. 

My statement isn't intended to mean we do nothing about injustice, but how we do it comes into view and is important. 

We so quickly forget that the Testimony is on the line and we have a real enemy bent on messing it up so others won't come to Christ.

People must be baffled that there is so much division in the church. Honestly, I believe the infighting amongst us is what keeps many away. I mean, why become a Christian when we act like the world?

And this isn't to say that the church is perfect; we are not. The church is a hospital with people in various stages of deliverance. And yet Jesus our Savior is perfect, and when we rest in His Lordship, we are unified, healed, whole, and able to minister to others despite what we may be wading through.

I want to stop here and say that many of the issues that spark division within the church often come down to human preferences; it is why we have denominations, but Christ is not divided. 

It grieves me in ways words can scarcely hold that we cannot lay ourselves down and simply walk in Christ. For there is no freer, fuller, or more incredible way to live.

I was born in the United States. I am an African American woman.  And yet none of these defines me. 

I am a child of God.

A citizen of heaven.

Sealed by the Spirit.

This is the truest thing about me, the eternal identity that outweighs every earthly category.  I embrace my uniqueness because God delights in what He made. I care about what is happening to all people, the nation, and the world. At the same time, how I show up is important because I represent Someone. 

God did not design our differences to be idolized, politicized, or radicalized. They were never meant to divide; they were meant to reflect the kaleidoscope of His creativity, united in Christ. 

The Church is not just a gathering; we are a living miracle on display. Where else can the world witness people of every tribe and tongue, every background and story, standing in true unity? This is not man-made, it is the supernatural work of Christ, who has broken down every wall to make us one new man in Him (Ephesians 2:14–16).

II.

We ought to take seriously the words of Paul, spoken to the church in Corinth, the very ones who possessed the richness of every spiritual gift, yet either misused them or failed to use them at all.

How sobering that this describes much of the church today. We are gifted, yet divided. Rich in the Spirit’s deposit, yet poor in our application. Called to unity in Christ, yet distracted by factions and personalities.

Paul’s reminder echoes through the ages: “Is Christ divided?” 1 Corinthians 1:13.

Recently, I’ve been drawn to the persecuted Church—those who lay down their lives for the name of Jesus.  

I asked myself, “How do they respond amid such awful situations?”

Are they stirring up protests, marching in the streets, clenching their fists, becoming radicalized, weaponizing the world's systems, buying into propaganda?

No, they reflect our Lord.

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7.

They would never want their testimony to be marred because it’s about Him.  They PRAY. They understand the necessity and power of prayer, and that it is a privilege; therefore, they make good use of it. 

Perhaps they've discovered that it is 'dia' that is through prayer  (Ephesians 6:18) that they stand firmly in the Armor of God. 

III.

The Posture.

In Gethsemane, Jesus chose prayer as power. When the hour of His deepest anguish came, He didn’t raise His voice in protest or lift His hand in defense—He fell to His knees. There is a holy mystery here: the Son of God, who could summon legions of angels, instead surrendered to the Father’s will in prayer.

This is the posture of power. Not clenched fists, but folded hands. Not human strength, but divine reliance. And isn’t this the same testimony we see in the persecuted church today? When stripped of earthly rights and worldly weapons, they cling all the more to the sacred place of prayer, finding in it not weakness, but strength that the world cannot take away.

The Sacred Place Is Enough

The sacred place is still enough.

It was enough for Jesus in Gethsemane. It is enough for His church in persecution. And it is enough for us now.

Communion with God has more power than any new-fangled legislation or human weapon can do. They love fiercely so that the very people who seek their harm are left questioning their unbelief. 

A Different Agenda 

They resolve to believe God, that He who has chosen them to bear His Name is able to right every wrong, especially in their death. Like Stephen, they cling to the commission, not to their comfort. Their agenda is not survival; it’s salvation.

They do not wage war for new legislation, but instead wage war in the spirit interceding for the very souls that cast the stone, lift the knife, prepare the gallows, and make ready their gun. 

A Striking Difference

It’s something — the striking difference between the persecuted church and the Western church of today. 

Have we not learned? 

We can't change the human heart; only God can. And isn't that the root of all the world’s problems? Hardened, darkened hearts of stone that are so pervasive that they love death more than life, they would rather host death than break bread.

Here’s the thing: Christ doesn’t legislate morality—He transforms it by grace. The heart becomes new, and with it, the moral compass is forever changed.

People don't need more legislation: they need

salvation. If we care for the deepest need, would not the lesser be included?

IV.

And just so we are absolutely clear… People don't need to be told they are wrong; the Bible says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

Friends, people, “…suppress the truth…. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:18, 21.

The Western church too often falls on the sword of culture, instead of wielding the sword of the Spirit. We forget we have access to greater weapons: the very presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit in us.  We don't have to resort to anything that doesn't bring people to the cross of Jesus. 

One of the great deceptions from the devil is to make believers think that meeting people where they feel comfortable is a way in, instead of simply giving them the Gospel. It is a way, just not the Way. 

The enemy thrives when we get distracted by lesser things, temporary things, because he knows the greatest thing; Salvation is the substance, carries eternal weight, and has the power to alter the hearts, will, and actions of those who receive it.

We should take a page from James, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19–20.

I find this word critically important, since listening is nearly a lost art. Most are so preoccupied with their reply that they never hear what was said, or are so tied to their own agenda that they don't care what was said. 

Many have given themselves over to the devil’s playground—where emotion, outrage, and fleshly reasoning dictate their reaction. 

Yet the Spirit still whispers a better way. In Him, our response need not be reactive, but redemptive; not ruled by emotion, but rooted in truth; not born of the flesh, but birthed in prayer. 

V.

Let's be clear, when we push earthly agendas, no matter how dignified, it doesn’t necessarily equate to Kingdom work. The only way to discern what is right is to walk in the Spirit.  

We often think we are acting justly when in reality only God weighs the scales, because only God is good and omniscient. Remember, we are called to renew our minds, so that “by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2.

Let that word simmer, I have. There is a deep truth woven in this. We can actually look at something and think it is noble, but only God knows if it is right. 

This doesn't happen simply by reading Bible verses; it is a covenant connection to the Vine. We are following Jesus—not this world. 

During this time, I was reminded of James and John, sons of thunder, who wanted to call down fire when Jesus was headed to Jerusalem. “But he turned and rebuked them.” Luke 9:55.  They had misplaced zeal, and sometimes I think we do too. 

VI.

Beloved,

⭢It's impossible to follow Jesus when looking elsewhere. It’s impossible to walk in the Spirit while holding a death grip on this world.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15.

⭢The Word of God never said to contend for a cause; It said to “contend for the faith.” (Jude 1:3).

We need God! We need the Spirit of Truth to speak, convict, comfort, and guide our every step.  Instead of taking up arms with the world, consider the way of Jesus. Remember, He gave us the Spirit as our very own heavenly navigation tool.  Though the world is dark, we have light in our dwelling, indeed, the Light of Christ burning within us.

VII.

I was also brought to the words of David,

“Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45.

Goliath had natural weapons, and though David a slingshot and five smoothe stones, he didn’t rest in them; He declared the name of the Lord!  Just the Name, for he knew its worth and had experienced its power. 

I also think of when David and his men had everything taken from them, including their wives and children. When his own men thought of stoning him, David didn't rush in haste. He strengthened himself in the Lord and prayed for discernment (1 Samuel 30:6, 8).

What incredible impact we could have if we lay down the natural ways of dealing with things and resolve to rely on God through prayer, seek His ways, use His weapons, rest in His armor, and walk in the Spirit. 

A gentle reminder, the enemy enjoys:

• When we assimilate the world’s ways, we chase after what is temporary and fruitless in eternity.

Remember:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15–17.

• When we give in to the flesh, driven by emotion and pride, sowing strife and division among us.

Remember:

“For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” 1 Corinthians 3:3.

• When we bend the knee to idols—bowing to ideologies, philosophies, and intellect that exalt themselves above Christ.

Remember: 

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8.

VIII.

Beloved,  “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6.

We keep trying to assuage problems by cutting off the fruit and trimming the leaves. It looks neat for a while, but the root remains alive beneath the surface. And sooner or later, it bears the same bad fruit.

But the Word of God is not a pair of garden shears—it is a sword (Hebrews 4:12). It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, exposing motives, and cutting to the very root of sin. The sword doesn’t comfort the weeds—it removes them.

The Gospel is offensive to those whose hearts are hard. Let it cut the seal, break the bond, and keep it moving because hell is real. It’s hot, dark, and dry. Jesus is coming and souls are at stake. 

Too often, we’ve been afraid to offend people, and in doing so, we’ve opted to offend God. If we really care about people, we will be about our Father’s business and stop living as if this world isn’t coming to an end—It is; Jesus said it! 

We can’t change it, but we can live for Him. We can live so radically that we’d rather risk losing the relationship than not telling them about Jesus.

So let us no longer fear the offense of man, but carry the offense of the Cross. That offense alone has the power to uproot sin, bring forth holiness, and bear the fruit of eternal life.

Final Scriptures for thought:

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” Isaiah 10:27.

“Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6.

Two verses jammed packed with revelation and prophetic promise! 

Simmer ♨️ for now.

Andrea 🫶🏾