| Author | Message | ||
| Thomas1 Registered user Username: Thomas1 Post Number: 185 Registered: 4-2002  |
A reminder that Sunday, Nov. 13 is the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church. If your church does not remember, please remind them. As you are reading this, the chances are great that somewhere in the world, a brother or sister is being beaten, raped, burned out, jailed, forced into slavery, or killed for the one and only reason that they openly believe in the name of Jesus Christ. Around the world, countries are closing the doors to the Gospel at an alarming rate. Yet, despite the persecution, our brothers and sisters continue to spread the good news, even at so great a cost. Please don't forget them in your daily prayers and especially this Sunday. The need is great but God's grace is greater than all our need! The head of the Soutnern Baptist Religious Liberty Commission recently had an opportunity to meet with some of the house church leaders in China. He asked them how we should pray for them. He was stunned to hear them say, "We are praying for you. We are praying that you may be placed under fire so that you will have the will to spread the Gospel in your land as we do in ours." It would be sad if it really took that to make us care for the souls of the lost, here. They are, like us In His Grip <>< Thomas | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 338 Registered: 8-2004  |
Thanks for this reminder Thomas! Mary | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 995 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks for the reminder Thomas. I do wonder what those house church leaders in China would say about some of our churches in this country who seem to be more concerned about having enough varieties of progressive rock to attract the masses, than they are to truly preach the Word of God, and reach the lost. Those persecuted churches would be happy if they could sing praises a capella. But, if they did, they would probably be discovered. Stan | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 339 Registered: 8-2004 |
Stan, your comments added to what Thomas already wrote reminded me of yet another Chambers devotional reading. I'm going to post the whole reading in another thread, but the first line seems appropos here: "The basis of missionary appeals is the authority of Jesus Christ, not the needs of the heathen. . ." So often we in America forget that the people we are called to reach, even on this continent, in our own state or provence, city, town, or village, are just as lost as any other heathen ever was, and need the Holy Spirit's intervention. We work with God for their souls by personally walking in relationship with God and following His directions, not by asking Him to bless our initiatives. One wise old person prayed for a young soul seeker that he would have the faith ne needed to stick with God thru the good times. The younger man was astonished and said, but what about the bad? The older person told him that bad circumstances often DRIVE us to God, but the good times leave us ready to coast on what we once had instead of actively seeking what God has for us right now. May God have His way with us in ALL the circumstances of our lives!! Blessings, Mary | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1992 Registered: 3-2004  |
Thomas, Thank you for the reminder that Sunday is a special day of prayer. The sister that I went on the cruise with is going to be here this weekend and is going to church with me on Sunday. I am so thankful for the way God is working in her life. I am sure the pastor will mention the special day. But I will email him and remind him. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2900 Registered: 12-2003  |
Thomas, thank you. It's really sobering to think of the Chinese Christians praying that we will be under fire so we'll share, isn't it? It's true that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Chruch." I really do pray that God will keep me faithful and honoring Him. Colleen | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 136 Registered: 4-2005 |
One Chinese Christian said, "Don't pray for the persecution to cease in China. For under it the cause of Christ is exploding." I don't know about you, but that certainly humbles me. Jess | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 485 Registered: 4-2000  |
Thomas, Thank you for the reminder. Yesterday our Life Track Class, at First Evangelical Free Church, petitioned God for the persecuted church worldwide. I have also contacted the Chinese Embassy (via email) in Washington, DC on behalf of a well-known house church leader who was likely to be scheduled for execution about two years ago. His life was spared due to the worldwide outcry in his behalf, but I understand that he still remains in prison. Unfortunately, as he was washing windows in the prison, he fell from a ladder and suffered serious bodily injury. Now he can't walk without extensive assistance. My heart truly aches for the persecuted church. God will make up to them for all the suffering they endure in this world. Indeed, He sees and cares! Dennis Fischer | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2922 Registered: 12-2003 |
Our pastor had the whole church stand in prayer for the persecuted church before the sermon yesterday. You're right, Dennis--God will make up to them for all their suffering. Colleen |
