Brothers & sisters, today is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Please watch this video and pray for our Church, for our saints, and for the lost for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). Remembering with you all: Jesus said, I will build my church (Matthew 16:18), and this includes even when persecution is happening. He says in Matthew 28:18-19, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. In other words, Jesus is firmly committed to use His power over heaven and earth and hell to make disciples. No event in the universe which Christ produces or permits is outside His purpose to build His church. - John Piper. Remember Lukes view of the early church that even though Christianity was spoken against everywhere (Act 28:22), there was exponential growth! The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47). The disciples were increasing in number (Acts 6:1). The word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly (Acts 6:7). The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord (Acts 11:21). The word of God increased and multiplied (Acts 12:24). The churches...increased in number daily (Acts 16:5). All the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Acts 19:10). The word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily (Acts 19:20). So we must not think that because of all the persecution we are hearing about from overseas, that that means God is not at work and that many are not being saved. This might be the very time that Gods kingdom is being built exponentially. Remember Pauls word, I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal [for the gospel]. But the word of God is not bound! (2 Timothy 2:9). Piper mentions in His book, Pieced by the Word, In fact, it may be that when God and truth are loved enough that we are willing to take stands that incur slander and hostility, the Spirit may move more powerfully than in times of peace and popularity. Sometimes Christians have favor with society and sometimes we are spoken against everywhere. In either case, God can, and often does, pour out His power for effective witness. Both peace and slander can be the occasion of blessing. Therefore let us not embrace the assumption that times of social ridicule must be times of weakness and fruitlessness for Christianity. They may be a sign of faithfulness and occasions of great harvest. The church was spoken against everywhere, and the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication...for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 Paul said, Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Praying with you all, Lord, help our missionaries to drink deep at the river of Your delights. Help our missionaries rejoice in tribulations and remember that tribulation works endurance and endurance hope. God, look upon your entire church everywhere and have mercy to waken her and give her new life and hope and doctrinal purity and holiness so that all the saints stand strong for Your glory in the day of temptation and distress. Great God of overflowing grace, move our hearts to pray for Your saving power among the nations. Burden us with the plight of peoples who have no access to the gospel. Grant us to pray big, global, God-sized, Bible-saturated prayers. Dont let us lose sight of the one lost sheep nearby. But, O Father, give us a passion for Your worldwide purpose to call Your sheep from every people on the earth. Father in Heaven, look upon the threats against Your people and grant to your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness. Never let us grow weary in well-doing because of opposition. Never let us despair that the Word of God is bound. Keep us hoping and confident that You will build Your church and glorify Your Son. Use us in this great cause. Steady our hands on the plow of obedience when we face terrible sufferings. Remind us and assure us that You are sovereign and You are good. Forbid that we would ever murmur against You in your inscrutable wisdom. Make us confident that all authority is Yours and that You are building Your church invincibly, even when apparent defeat abounds. For the glory of Christ, and in the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen. May God bless you abundantly for His glory and your joy in Him. To God Alone Be The Glory!
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:31:18 +0000
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