Will you go to jail? Will you lose your
job? What would it take for you to put you faith on the back burner?
Every month
- 322 Christians are killed for their faith.
- 214 churches and Christian properties are destroyed.
- 772 acts of violence are committed against Christians
- 75% of the world’s population lives in areas with severe religious restrictions
- Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution.(Source: Open Doors)
In the wake of the murders of 26
worshipers at Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church, church leaders
are attending security conferences and hiring armed guards. Church
members are wondering if it safe to attend church. Is it worth
risking your family's life?
Christians in America are not
accustomed to paying a price for their faith. In fact, many will
allow a long list of things to prevent them from attending church on
Sunday. Perhaps, the martyrdom of 26 worshipers can help each of us
to clarify our relationship with Christ.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the
Philippian church from a Roman jail, in which he made 16 references
to joy. He told the faithful that his imprisonment was helping to
spread the gospel. Facing possible execution he proclaimed, “to
live is Christ, to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).”
He further encouraged them saying, “I
will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as
one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way
by those who oppose you (Philippians 1:27-28).”
How real is your faith?
