I was struck by this scripture in the book of Acts:
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Acts 14:21-22 NIV
We see our brothers and sisters giving their lives for their faith in other parts of the world. A US couple who travelled the world distributing Bibles were killed by pirates earlier on this week.
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Acts 14:21-22 NIV
We see our brothers and sisters giving their lives for their faith in other parts of the world. A US couple who travelled the world distributing Bibles were killed by pirates earlier on this week.
What are the hardships that we are required to face for the Kingdom of GOD in, for example, the North American church? Take a look at your current geographical location and share with us from your unique perspective. We look forward to hearing from you. Please click on the comments link below to share your post.
Blessings in Christ,
Natasha & Andrew
5 comments:
I think as the church deals with same-sex legislation, persecution will come as clergy attempt to maintain Biblical teachings. The stand for holiness will be misconstrued as discrimination. The challenge to preach the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ is two fold. It includes both the invitation to salvation and the warning against the rejection God's mercy. We, the church, must remain faithful to the Great Commission, remembering to walk in LOVE, not arrogance or legalism. Persecution will come to the North American church as we continue to stand for Christ.
In like manner, the Apostles had the same stern ordeal.
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheep-skins, and goat-skins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Heb 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Note that they are not to be made perfect without us.
Jn 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
But concerning North American Church?
Ps 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
I sat in a Mall yesterday and was deligted to hear a man - perhaps a pastor speak to someone on his phone. He was telling his listener that as a church they needed to set up outreach and evangelisation programmes. However, the listener seemed to be vociferously shooting down all such suggestions. The speaker then pointed out to the listener that he was wavering and that church membership was decreasing because the leaders are going too secular and there was no need or time for compromise. He also pointed out that churches were closing down all over the nation.
As I looked at the speaker I was encouraged that there was a man who was standing up for truth and was labouring to get his listener to see truth also.
I then took out one of my evangelisation fliers and wrote at the top "Well done brother." He smiled as if to say 'yes, this is confirmation that I am on the right track and then he continued to stand his ground on the phone.
There are so many luke-warm gospels being preached in our churches today. We are living in the endtimes and God wants us to be on fire Christians, not lukewarm Christians. Rev.3:16 says, "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth." This warning is a clarion call for all Christian churches.
Sometimes I think I would rather face the physical hardships. Having to deal with killing this flesh ain't no joke. Glory be to God that Jesus said "It is finished" sometimes that is the only way I can make it.
Hey South District,
I hear you loud and clear. Right now our family is going through such a difficult storm. I need God to intervene on our behalf. I feel as though I cannot take it anymore. Here we are again, in the valley. I pray that the gift of faith would rise up in us.
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