VOM’s Dr. Jason Peters recently shared stories of Christians facing Islamic extremists with Andrew Hess of ChurchLeader’s Podcast.
They discussed the current state of persecution around the world, and specific ways that we can pray and support those who are experiencing persecution.
Peters noted that in ISIS-controlled areas of the Middle East, Christians can “either convert to Islam or they can stand for Christ and lose everything they own, or maybe even their life.” When asked about the graphic photos and testimonies that often accompany persecution stories, Peters responded, “This is our family. We need to know their stories; we are not going to sugar coat what’s happening.”
He then shared a concern that many Christians have as they consider their own response to persecution. “I wonder, would I be able to stand up under this kind of persecution? I’ll be honest with you, the only answer is yes, because it wouldn’t be me, it would be Christ in me.”
VOM’s new book, “I Am N” shares riveting accounts of believers who choose to follow Christ. As Dr. Peters reports, “We are not going to be paralyzed by fear because God has helped us embrace risk…God is glorified when Christians do things that just don’t make any human sense, they just, they don’t add up.”
Dr. Peters shares how persecution “purifies the church,” by sharing that persecuted believers frequently make statements like this: “When everything was stripped away and all I had left was Jesus, I realized that Jesus is enough.”
The interview concludes with a reminder for listeners that many of these persecuted followers of Jesus have a solid hope and eternal perspective. As fellow Christians, we should look forward to the day when we will meet these dear family members face-to-face. According to Peters, “It’s going to be really neat in heaven one day to be sitting around and to be able to meet people who have been martyred.” May we be inspired by their example to serve faithfully—wherever God has called us.
You can hear more challenging interviews like this every week on VOM Radio. Subscribe today via iTunes or Google Play Music.
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