January 2007 chaplain's corner
The Chaplain's Corner is a monthly message for chaplains.
Chaplain’s Corner – January 18, 2007
Rev. Rich Hines
Triumphing Over Gospel Opposition In 2007
This message is primarily for those who call on the name of Jesus Christ as
their own Lord and Savior from sin, and serve as a Chaplain in a jail, prison
or a follow-up ministry such as a rescue mission – in the United States.
All Scripture quotes are taken from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the
Bible, copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.
All rights reserved. When quoting a text, any deviation from the NKJV text is
placed within parenthesis signs (). These usually occur as direct translations
from the original languages, or as notes from the original setting to help
apply the text to today’s culture.
ALL CAPITAL LETTERS are sometimes used to emphasize words in a text, or to make
a comment about a biblical text, or emphasize a statement.
As stated in a recent mailing to many Chaplains, 2007 brings challenges to
being a Bible-based Christian minister of the gospel in correctional settings.
Some governing authorities are challenging the very thing that you, as a gospel
minister, have been charged by God to do.
Let me explain what I’m saying. A little while back, the head of one State’s
Correctional/Prison system told State paid Chaplains if they ever ministered to
any inmate in any way, that would constitute a violation of the “Separation of
church and State,” and could be grounds for immediate dismissal (i.e. their job
and income would be threatened).
This same individual is now working in yet another State and is apparently
attempting to do the same thing there. Since this recent development is
symptomatic of ongoing opposition to a ministry of the gospel to inmates, I
think it’s a good time to give you some biblical encouragement when you face
similar opposition.
Remember, as a Bible believing Christian, you already know how this game ends.
JESUS CHRIST IS GOING TO WIN. According to Phillipians 2:10,11 - ultimately,
every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
(Sovereign God). In the meantime, remember how Paul looked at opposition to the
gospel.
In 2 Timothy 2:8-10 he said:
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead
according to my gospel,
9 For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer (lit. a criminal), even to the
point of chains (i.e. imprisonment); BUT THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT CHAINED.
10 THEREFORE I ENDURE ALL THINGS FOR THE SAKE OF THE ELECT, (in order) that
they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Those two sentences say a whole lot to you! Paul was encouraging young Timothy
in a difficult first century Christian ministry. By extension and application,
God through the Apostle is doing the same, encouraging you at the beginning of
2007.
FIRST, focus on the risen victorious Christ. One thing that historical physical
event did was to override His enemies wrong estimation of who He was and what
He will eventually do – judge the world in righteousness.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead
according to my gospel,
SECOND, realize anew if you suffer for the word of God, what the Bible says
cannot be stopped or prevented by whatever is devised by the enemies of its
message.
9 For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer (lit. a criminal), even to the
point of chains (i.e. imprisonment); BUT THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT CHAINED.
The word of God can’t be stopped! It can’t be locked out!
LASTLY, endure. Stay with the truth of the gospel. Don’t change it or your
ministry. If you have to leave an official paid Chaplain position, so be it -
but continue to give that old and true gospel to inmates.
10 THEREFORE I ENDURE ALL THINGS FOR THE SAKE OF THE ELECT, (in order) that
they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
The original word “endure” here in verse 10, means “to bear up courageously
under suffering.” The reasons for bearing up and not caving in are TWOFOLD.
First, that God’s chosen ones may HEAR AND COME TO HIS SALVATION. When that
happens, GOD IN CHRIST IS ETERNALLY GLORIFIED, which is the second and greatest
reason to endure. So, gospel minister, be encouraged to continue by His grace
to endure and glorify Him.
Moving along I want to also say, although it’s not a popular doctrine from the
Scriptures, suffering for the gospel IS PART AND PARCEL OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
AND MINISTRY IN THIS FALLEN WORLD. Consider a few New Testament passages.
Look at Philippians 1:27-30
In the end of Philippians 1, unity among the believers is spoken about. We see
the primary principle of unity for the sake of gospel propagation in verse 27,
and the painful privilege of persecution in verses 28-30.
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I
come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast
in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
In verse 27 the Holy Spirit used a word the Roman-minded people of Philippi
were raised with. The word “CONDUCT” here literally means “your life as
citizens.”
It was one thing to be a good citizen of
In 2007 let your life as citizens of heaven be worthy of the gospel of Christ!
The word “WORTHY” means what one should expect, or, as it should be. If we say
we are Christian, our conduct should back it up!
The Apostle of Christ would have Christians understand they are responsible to
look good and be good even if the preacher (tell the inmate – if the Chaplain)
isn’t around! He said, “Whether I come and see you or am absent.” Either way,
he wanted to hear good reports of their true harmony and unity as they: “stand
fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the
gospel.”
To “STAND FAST” means to fix or anchor oneself in a habit of life. Collectively
Christian brethren are to be of one spirit. They are to have a common goal in
life. The words “WITH ONE MIND” are literally, “with one soul.” In other words,
they are all to have the same purpose and goal. They get that from their
individual relationship with Jesus Christ, the Head of the body, which is His
church.
And what is that goal? Again, that God might be glorified by the furthering of
the gospel in lives! “Striving together for the faith of the gospel” pictures
real teamwork. “STRIVING TOGETHER” in the original language is a compound word,
meaning working together as a team. Like a team of rowers in a boat! The word
could also refer to wrestling together against a common opponent.
THAT’S THE PRINCIPAL - UNITED TESTIMONY OF LIFE AND WORDS AND LOVE FOR THE
PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL.
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I
come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast
in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
Flowing out of that united occupation with getting out the gospel of Christ,
OPPOSITION AND PERSECUTION IS ASSUMED. The sentence that began in verse 27
continues in verse 28:
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof
of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
“TERRIFIED’ in this verse means running off in all different directions like a
stable of loosened, frightened horses. As opposition comes we who love the Lord
and are committed to being His gospel witnesses, need to stay together.
The fact that God allows His own children to suffer persecution is
misunderstood by the persecutors to mean that God is not with us. To them it’s
an indication that the Christians are being judged. In the end it will be the
other way around!
Verse 28 says that actually being the target of the enemies of the gospel - is
evidence of and even proves salvation. The passage closes with a wonderful
thought in verses 29,30.
29 For to you it HAS BEEN GRANTED on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in
Him, but ALSO TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE,
30 HAVING THE SAME CONFLICT WHICH YOU SAW IN ME and now hear is in me.
Note THE EMPHASIS. To suffer for Christ’s gospel is a GIFT granted from God!
You and I should be thankful for this privilege. Consider the Apostles at the
beginning of the church age in Acts 5:40-42.
40 … and when they (the council of the Sanhedrin) had called for the apostles
and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of
Jesus, and let them go.
41 So they (the apostles) departed from the presence of the council, REJOICING
THAT THEY WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME FOR HIS NAME.
42 And daily, in the temple, and in every house, they DID NOT CEASE TEACHING
AND PREACHING JESUS as the Christ.
In other words, they rejoiced at the privilege of suffering for the gospel
message and continued to give it out. Learn for yourself, and teach inmates
that SUFFERING FOR THE GOSPEL IS A PRIVILEGE! 2 Timothy 3:12 is another
watershed verse on this subject, it says:
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus WILL SUFFER
PERSECUTION.
Next, consider what God through the writer to the Hebrews said in Hebrews
10:32-34. Writing to professing believers he said:
32 But recall the former days in which, after you (a plural “you” is throughout
the entire passage) were illuminated (meaning with the reception of the gospel
and saved), you endured a GREAT STRUGGLE WITH SUFFERINGS:
33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations,
and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;
34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, (or - NU text, ‘on the
prisoners’) and JOYFULLY ACCEPTED the plundering of your goods, knowing that
you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
Time and time again the New Testament shows us the early Christian believers
joyfully accepted persecution as part and parcel of the Christian life, as many
in foreign lands do even today. We should not be surprised if such opposition
and persecution increases in the
In closing, consider with me two passages from 1 Peter.
1 Peter 3:13-17
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And
do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
15 But sanctify the Lord God (or ‘sanctify Christ as Lord’) in your hearts, and
always be ready to give a defense (literally, ‘a speech in defense of’ or ‘a
closing argument’) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in
you, (that’s the gospel) with meekness and fear;
16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who
revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than
for doing evil.
The believers’ suffering for doing good is the theme of this passage. Here the
Scripture teaches Christians THREE IMPORTANT THINGS about this. (A, B, C,
below)
A. Such suffering, is a privilege, and according to verse 15, is an opportunity
for gospel witness.
B. Verse 16 stresses that it’s also a chance to demonstrate godly character by
the way the believer lives.
C. And lastly, verse 17 teaches it may be the will of God that His children
suffer awhile.
So don’t fear human adversaries. Rather Chaplains, always be prepared to give a
word of clear gospel presentation, because eventually that chance will come
through the suffering. What a privilege and blessing!
By the power available through the indwelling Holy Spirit, a believer like you
is to make sure the adversaries accusations are false.
The truth is - sometimes God actually wants His children to temporarily suffer
here on earth. Think about that. I know our self-centered, personal comfort at
all costs society revolts and rebels against such a thought, BUT IT IS
THOROUGHLY BIBLICAL.
Finally, listen to 1 Peter 4:12-16,
12 Beloved, DO NOT THINK IT STRANGE CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL which is to try
(or, ‘to test’ or ‘to prove’) you, AS THOUGH SOME STRANGE THING happened to
you;
13 BUT REJOICE TO THE EXTENT THAT YOU PARTAKE OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS, (so) that
when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are REPROACHED FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST, BLESSED ARE YOU, for the
Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but
on your part He is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a
busybody in other people’s matters.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, LET HIM NOT BE ASHAMED, BUT LET HIM
GLORIFY GOD IN THIS MATTER.
When opposition or persecution comes in 2007, or in any year – HOLD FIRM FOR
THE GOSPEL with your life and your words and so – GLORIFY GOD.