April 15, 2008

  • Remember the Persecuted

    For the past several days, I have been thinking a lot about our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.  I just want us to think about some passages that should encourage us to think about them a little more in this land of freedom.  I pray that we will strive to sacrifice some of our "free" possessions to those who are in desperate need.  Lift these people who are suffering for Christ in prayer.  Recognize that those who suffer persecution and martyrdom are given a special place in the kingdom of Christ.

    Hebrews 13:3, "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves are also in the body."

    2 Corinthians 9:12, "For the ministry of this service (giving to the needy, persecuted church in Jerusalem) is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God."

    Revelation 6:11, "And there was given to each of them (martyrs) a white robe; and they were told that they should rest a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also."

    Revelation 20:4, "Then I saw the thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them.  And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."

    If you want to know more on how you can help the persecuted believers in Christ around the world, please look up Voice of the Martyr's website.  It is www.persecution.com.  I hope that all who read this will look into helping our brothers and sisters in Christ in anyway we can.  Praying, writing letters, giving money, or giving to material needs that are desperately needed to survive.  I hope that today you are encouraged to help make a idfference in the worldwide family of God.