The church is to rejoice in sharing in the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ and to follow in his steps (Colossians 1:24, 2 Timothy 1:8, 1 Peter 2:21). While the church reigns with Christ, the church’s glory is veiled to the world, just as was the Lord’s during the time of his humiliation. The warfare of the church is carried out not with carnal weapons (2 Cor. 10:4), but through faithful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and through the building up of the church of Jesus Christ in a hostile world. 

How do they Conquer?

Although it seems foolish to the world’s eyes, Christ’s bride is confident and optimistic that her Husband will build his church to the end of the age. The rulers of this world consider the martyrdom of Christians a successful suppression of Christ’s voice; Yet, as the early church father Tertullian said, “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Through the faithful witness of his people amidst persecution–and through the faithful proclamation of the Word–God causes the fire of the gospel to burn brighter. The church conquers not by the sword of the magistrate, nor by the coercion of consciences, but by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. (Rev. 12:11). Since the church is optimistic that Jesus will gather in every one of his elect, they count it a priviledge to endure many tribulations before entering the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22). For they understand, that suffering and tribulation are often God’s pattern for his people to conquer (2 Tim. 3:12). 

In light of these things, believers in this present generation must take up arms with courage and sacrifice. We hope you will join us in Louisville, KY on March 14-16, 2024 as we seek to stir up one another to consider biblically the subject of eschatology through an optimistic amillennial point of view.