Tag Archives: Persecution

Men and Women of Whom the World Is Not Worthy

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Sunday’s sermon was out of the end of Hebrews 11. Certainly not a fluffy message, but neither is the gospel.

“Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” – Hebrews 11:35-40, NASU

Though this was written over 1900 years ago, these things are still happening to Christians throughout the world today. Can I be frank enough to admit my first thought was to condemn liberals as hypocrites? They fight for the “rights” to homosexual marriage, abortion, and equal treatment of animals, yet they aren’t fighting for the rights of these people to live and practice their faith without persecution.

Then God gently reminded me that I’m a hypocrite too. What do I do on behalf of these people?
Honestly, the persecuted church isn’t something I think about very much. Who wants to be reminded of the horrors done to others when they can live their comfortable life in ignorance?

There’s not a lot that I can do to these people that suffer. Oh, but the most important thing: pray. I need to pray for those that are put through torture, imprisonment, and more. I can pray that God will provide them with the strength and perseverence that they most desperately need to live, and may their lives be a witness to the truthfulness of their message.

Most of all, Lord, come quickly.

Book: The Hiding Place

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If you haven’t already, please ask me a question on anything you like. Thanks!

Are you looking for a Christmas present? Here’s a great idea for any book lover or even book-liker on your list: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. This book will most certainly make you cry (unless you are made of stone), but only because it really happened.

Corrie Ten Boom and her family chose to hide Jews in their home in Amsterdam during WWII. They later served time in jail and in concentration camps because of their actions. Corrie Ten Boom lived to tell their story, and she does so quite beautifully. It really makes you realize how wonderful the little things are…one thing that she missed while in prison was color!

I’m not going to tell you more, but this is a great book and is certainly worth the read, either for you or someone you know. It tells the truth without being graphic or unnecessarily dramatic. It is just one Christian biography that I’ve read this year that has encouraged me to follow the Lord.

Thoughts on The Costly Call

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For Christmas, April gave me the book The Costly Call which details the salvation work of God in the lives of former Muslims. The stories are amazing and really made me think about what I was willing to endure for the sake of Christ.

I noticed several commonalities that many of the true stories contained. First of all, in each situation there was the involvement of a Christian, whether a fellow countryman, European, or American. There was always someone who planted the seed, shared the gospel, put the gospel in action, or prayed. The first witness to Christ usually came through godly living, not through a specific gospel presentation. These believers were used by God as they sought to serve Him. While God is capable of saving someone without any human help whatsoever, He lovingly uses His people to bring more sheep into the fold.

Secondly, there was a high place for the Word of God in these testimonies. Many of new believers avidly read or heard the Bible both before and after conversion. We must remember that God’s Word has power beyond our own.

Also, persecution played a large part of many of the conversion stories. It was not pleasant to read, but it was sobering. Often times it was only through the suffering that a believer endured for Christ’s sake that a loved one would understand that their faith was in the only true God.

Finally, most of the believers struggled with whether or not they, as a Muslim, could follow Christ in rejection of their culture, community, and family’s beliefs. This is specifically laid out in the last heart-breaking story. The truth is, God’s truth is true for all people, regardless of the background. May this spur us on in prayer for those yet without the Gospel!

The Costly Call is an easy read and engaging which makes it for good break fare. I suggest that you pick up a copy and allow God to speak through these testimonies! I look forward to reading the second book…