Today I wanted to offer you a different perspective on how we need to remember the persecuted church. As I was reading an entry written by Glenn Penner over at his blog for The Voice of the Marytrs Canada, I just HAD to tell you about it because I think that we all may be able to identify with the fact that we exalt persecuted believers sometimes too much, and we forget they are human and have struggles. Here's the beginning of Glenn's post:
One of the dangers that I have noticed in our work with persecuted Christians is the danger of putting these brothers and sisters on a pedestal, bestowing them with special spiritual fervour, maturity, and grace. We call them spiritual heroes with extreme faith exhibiting extraordinary courage. And certainly this is not without merit on occasion. And perhaps those of us who minister to our persecuted family members are guilty of portraying them in this fashion, even
with the best of intents. But as I have experienced even today, persecuted Christians are prone to the same temptations and failures as those of us who live in religiously free countries. Some persecuted Christians commit adultery, lie, are dishonest, slander other believers, and abandon their faith in the face of violence.
And leave us a comment. Have you exalted our brothers and sisters?
You've made a very good point! I'm sure some people look up to them almost to the point of idolotry, if they think about it. They're people who're going through extraordinary struggles, & who need and encouragement & help & strength just like those of us in so-called freeer places. They get their strength to withstand their hardships through the Holy Spirit, & they're living to honour God, just as we should be. Yes, many times a hero worship happens. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with looking up to persecuted Christians, particularly those who've withstood more than we could ever imagine, as examples, but not idols. Examples of how God has His hand on people. Examples of how He strengthens & encourages His people. Examples of extreme strength - thanks to the Holy Spirit - when it's needed. Not to idolise them, though. I'm sure most of our persecuted family members would tell us to look to God for strength & all, & not to them. They would tell us to seek the Lord &, if anything, use their stories as ways to show God's power & glory & strength. For it's not anything they've done, but only what God's done, that keeps them going & helps them & that they are used.
Posted by: Michelle | September 25, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Praise The Lord
LORD I pray open the eyes of these people, that they may know the Truth,
“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. John 8:32
LORD You Said “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge”. Hosea 4:6
So Father in Heaven I pray reveal the TRUTH that they may know who You are. Amen!!
I want to ask two questions to all who have taken the responsibility for all the damages, destruction
to the Christians?
1) If you die where will you go? (Heaven/hell)
If you think, what you have been taught in this world that if you do good you will receive good,
Presume what you have been doing (called good), will it lead you to heaven?
and if so, at the gate of Heaven you see God standing, and asks you,
“Why should I let you in to My Heaven”?
2) What will you answer?
Will you tell Him
1) “Lord for You I have stopped people from preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.
2) “Lord for You I have stoned people who were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.
3) “Lord for You I have Burned the Churches, for they were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.
4) “Lord for You I have Burned people alive for they were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.
5) “Lord for You I have Killed people for they were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.
“Lord because this is the teaching they were giving from the BIBLE to the people …..
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and men. 1Timothy2:5
Jesus said “I am The Way, The Truth and The Life.” John 14:6
Jesus said “No one comes to the Father except through Me”. John 14:6
Jesus Said “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, They follow me, I give them eternal life and no one can snatch them from My hand”. John 10:27
“No man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” John 3:13 – Jesus Christ himself.
Jesus said “So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time”. Mark 13:23
God Said “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge”. Hosea 4:6
“Believe in Lord Jesus Christ and be Saved – you and your household”. Acts 16:31
What do you think; will GOD say to you? so called Religious people.
I want you to ask a question to your self, will this Killings and Destruction be accepted by God?
Did God tell you to do this Killing people, Destroying Churches?
My Bible says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” John 10:10
This is what our LORD Jesus taught us “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
Love and peace be with you forever,
We give Glory to GOD
We worship true and living GOD
“Believe in Lord Jesus Christ and be Saved – you and your household”. Acts 16:31
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
We Still Bless You in the Matchless name of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
God Bless You,
Bro. Alex Dhanvate.
Mumbai
India
We are Praying for the torchured brethren
Posted by: Bro. Alex Dhanvate | September 25, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Do I sense a bit of jealousy here? Sure seems that way. We are to pray for them as the says we are and help them in any way like Paul helped the persecuted Christian Jews in Isarel.
Posted by: robert barrett | September 24, 2008 at 04:56 PM