After some thought and conversation with friends today, I have been asking myself what does this mean to me. What part does the persecution of Christians and the spread of the gospel play in my life? What nugget of truth or insight of application can I take away from Acts 8:1 & 4?
"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
Although anything is possible, it's hard to imagine persecution like this happening here in America. The question then comes to my mind, "Would it be better to live here where its safe or there where its dangerous?" The flesh in me would agree with the prevailing mindset of the world and say, "It is clearly better to live here where it is safe!" But, I am not settled with that answer. Is my personal safety the the reason Christ came and died on a cross? When Christians are murdered because they share the gospel in places of the world where it is illegal was it a mistake? Did they fail to obey Christ? No, persecution is to be expected.
I would rather live as a sold out Christ follower in a persecuted country then live as a lukewarm Christian in a "safe" country. Please understand I do not have a death wish. I just do not like the fact that our safety and freedom feed our worldly desire to sit on the fence. Persecution serves as a purifier of our core beliefs. If my obedience to Christ put me at risk of losing my freedom and my life I would lose the option of sitting on the fence. Suddenly the gray area of our absolute total surrender disappears when our lives are on the line. Choose this day who you will serve!
Today as an act of worship, join me in full surrender to Christ. Shrink the gray area and pray for the persecuted church. Here is a specific prayer request you can lift up today.
On May 27, Pastor Rampal Kori was beaten by two Hindu militants in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “The militants repeatedly struck the pastor, who was returning from prayer meetings, with an iron rod and accused him of forcibly converting villagers to Christianity. They also robbed him of 3000 Rupees (US $70). Pastor Kori sustained serious injuries that required stitches in his head.” Meanwhile on May 26, in an unrelated incident, militants demolished a thatched church in the district of Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh. On June 1, another group attacked the Masihi Mandir Church in the district of Oriya Para, Chhattisgarh state, during a morning church service. VOM sources added, “At approximately 11:00 a.m., the militants barged into the church building and destroyed the facility's furniture. The attackers accused the believers present of forcibly converting people, and threatened them with dire consequences if they continued to worship Christ.” Pray for healing for Pastor Kori. Ask God to strengthen the believers whose churches were attacked as they continue to stand in His grace. (read more here)
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