How in the world did 1930's Germany go so wrong? I think the problem started with world economic downturn characterized by the 1929 stock market crash in the United States. Perhaps even Germany's defeat in World War I and the subsequent war reparations that strained a severely weakened economy was the culprit. When you are hungry and you don't know where your next meal is coming from it is easy to go along with the crowd- to believe anything and everything that will lead to your survival. But some people in Germany did NOT submit, as this picture testifies!!! Their conscience overrode mass hysteria and they resisted Adolph Hilter's Nationalist Socialism to the point of death. This is nothing new; people have had to make such choices as long as there have been authorities. Here is an example of some men who made such a "hard choice"...
Acts, Chapter 5
17 But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, 18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. 19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”
21 When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison. They returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”
24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this. 25 One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them. 34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while. 35 He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. 39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!”
If we are put into a position where we have to choose, could you refuse to obey the authorities and preach the truth? Could you follow God, even if everyone around you willingly submitted to despotism? Right about now you are probably asking yourself what this has to do with "me", so let me get right to the point. Recently, California and New Jersey have passed laws making it a crime to preach against homosexuality. Today, I saw on the internet that if you want to baptize someone on national park property you need to get a Federal permit. We are in the midst of a country that is quickly become anti-Christian!!! It seems very, very possible that those of us who are faithful will have to made some serious choices in the upcoming years!!! I encourage you to take some time and really consider what you are willing to do; you may have to do it sooner than anyone ever imagined. Just remember these words when you contemplate these things....
Revelation, Chapter 2
10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
QUESTION: WHAT WILL YOU DO, WHEN OUR DEMOCRACY CONDEMNS CHRISTIANITY AS UNAMERICAN?