We in America have not had to face this YET—but it may come to our homes someday: persecution because of our faith in Jesus and what the Bible says.
This Sunday we will focus on the annual Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We have not idea what they are going through—even American’s who live in lands hostile to the Gospel.
It is more than coincidence that I just received this email from an old friend who was a missionary in Papua New Guinea ( PNG).
“I was just texting a friend named who is in PNG ( Papua New Guinea) for a few weeks, and who is a former PNG translator. While we were texting at around 10:30 her time a message arrived from her daughter who lives in a “sensitive” country with her husband. The daughter said that 12 police had just come and taken her husband, Bob, saying they would bring in back in the morning. So at this moment Bob is in their hands.
Thank you for praying.”
Pray for Bob. Pray for those you know who are living in such places. This is going on in great numbers in China right now. The government there is trying to rid China of all foreign missionaries—just as they did in the 50’s. China’s church grew exponentially as a result, of course. 🙂
Pray that you will not be afraid to take your stand with them for the Gospel when called upon even here in America.
Radical, fundamental Islam is plotting now to take over America—as they have almost accomplished in Europe. In about 25 years, the takeover will be complete. Only a huge miracle can save Europe now. If yo do not believe that, I encourage you to watch this movie on Youtube.
This movie, made by a Muslim doctor, reveals what many of our American and European leaders do not want to admit:The Third Jihad. Here is that movie on Youtube. I believe the facts the movie states are spot on, accurate and probably understated.
Please do not let this movie frighten you. God knows all this and He has a plane to deal with this real threat to western civilization and Christianity & Judaism in particular. Instead, let this real threat encourage you to draw near to God, use your life glorify God and spread the Gospel as much as you can. Millions of Christians have lived under such threats for centuries. If we must face it here, God will give us the grace to endure and triumph over it spiritually and perhaps physically.
Also, do not hate Muslims. We must love them. God commands us to do that. Pray for their salvation. Our church does every second Sunday in the worship service.
Muslims are the greatest victims of the false god, Allah and his warlike Koran. The Allah of the Koran is NOT our God. The Jesus of the Koran is NOT our Jesus, by the way. Most Muslims just want a peaceful life. Unfortunately, about 200 million radical Muslims speak for them and act for them most often around the world.
These are sobering thoughts. This is the age we live in and God plans to use our faith and love—even for our enemies—to bring many people to Jesus. This is what happens when persecution comes to God’s people: the Church is purified and grows. What the devil means for evil, God means for good! (Gen. 50:20).
We are honored to represent God in these times. Jesus is our example. We follow a suffering, persecuted Savior Who calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him.
Following Jesus with you,
Pastor Bob Fox