Would you die for your faith? - All About GOD2024-03-29T10:43:56Zhttp://www.allaboutgod.net/forum/topics/1383940:Topic:178891?feed=yes&xn_auth=noMost of us have no idea of pe…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-13:1383940:Comment:1870162008-08-13T19:40:19.698ZMaryAnnhttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/NanaG
Most of us have no idea of persecution...what it is really like.<br />
<br />
For the past two days my husband and I watched a two-part report on ‘The Church in Iraq’, on 100 Huntley Street. In the report Terry Law, Director of World Compassion was interviewed, as well as an Iraqi gentleman named Farouq. Terry’s ministry emplasizes reaching nations that are hostile to the Gospel. His mission is very dangerous because he is bringing in Bibles.<br />
In watching this program I was inspired to share with you some…
Most of us have no idea of persecution...what it is really like.<br />
<br />
For the past two days my husband and I watched a two-part report on ‘The Church in Iraq’, on 100 Huntley Street. In the report Terry Law, Director of World Compassion was interviewed, as well as an Iraqi gentleman named Farouq. Terry’s ministry emplasizes reaching nations that are hostile to the Gospel. His mission is very dangerous because he is bringing in Bibles.<br />
In watching this program I was inspired to share with you some things I heard, which we will not hear on the ‘NEWS’.<br />
Before the war broke out there were five evangelical churches there, now there are 25. The largest church has 1,000 members. That may not seem like many by western standards, but is unheard of in Islam. Many think Christianity is a Western Religion, but it was birthed in Israel.<br />
Iraqi’s are exposed to persecution such as: death threats, suicide bombers, kidnappings, beatings, young girls being forced to marry Muslim men, forced to give the children Muslim names, women are forced to wear the head-covering, and Christians are taxed for being Christian. Many are choosing to flee… 1.6 million still living in Iraq, and 1.6 million have fled to nearby Syria & Jordan. Some choose to stay because they love their country.<br />
In Kurdistan, Northern Iraq as one pastor arrived, there were 43 persons waiting to be baptized. Since baptism is a public event, they risk persecution and death. Before they are baptized they <b>promise to live a holy life, to give their life to Jesus Christ. They are willing to die for their faith. This is made clear even before being baptized.</b><br />
The images we see on the news give the impression that nothing good happens in Iraq, but God is appearing and speaking to Muslims Sovereignly. Something is happening on God’s calendar. HE is about to do something, so better get ready. And a man, (or woman) who is…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-12:1383940:Comment:1864012008-08-12T20:14:28.638ZDeborah Sue Schenfeldhttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/DeborahSueSchenfeld
And a man, (or woman) who is truly dead to self in the service of their King, filled with His Spirit~ is truly a force to be reconned with!<br />
Be strong & courageous!
And a man, (or woman) who is truly dead to self in the service of their King, filled with His Spirit~ is truly a force to be reconned with!<br />
Be strong & courageous! Amen Greg!tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-12:1383940:Comment:1861482008-08-12T16:49:43.145ZCarlahttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/Carla
Amen Greg!
Amen Greg! Then [Jesus] said to them all…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-12:1383940:Comment:1861452008-08-12T16:44:47.882ZAAG Netguyhttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/Greg
<center><i>Then [Jesus] said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross <b>daily</b> and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.…</i></center>
<center><i>Then [Jesus] said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross <b>daily</b> and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. <br/>(Luke 9:23-26, NIV).</i></center>
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I believe it is harder to die to oneself every day; Jesus' description of a true follower in contrast to those merely professing to be His followers.<br />
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If we are crucifying our ungodly passions and desires daily and living for Jesus each day, we will have doubt how we will react when it comes time to give up these these physical bodies. It will be unquestioning, joyful and automatic. thanks Carla for posting this…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-03:1383940:Comment:1808272008-08-03T22:58:04.718ZMaryAnnhttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/NanaG
thanks Carla for posting this question. It has helped me to think about, and discuss this very important subject in these times. Just reading everybody's replies has strengthened my faith. So a great BIG Thank you to all of you. I now know in my spirit that grace and strength will be given when needed...and not before.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
MaryAnn
thanks Carla for posting this question. It has helped me to think about, and discuss this very important subject in these times. Just reading everybody's replies has strengthened my faith. So a great BIG Thank you to all of you. I now know in my spirit that grace and strength will be given when needed...and not before.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
MaryAnn God will lead us through what…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-03:1383940:Comment:1805022008-08-03T14:07:40.413ZCarlahttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/Carla
God will lead us through whatever He brings us to...<br />
<br />
1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound<br />
That saved a wretch like me!<br />
I once was lost, but now am found;<br />
Was blind, but now I see.<br />
2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,<br />
And grace my fears relieved;<br />
How precious did that grace appear<br />
The hour I first believed.<br />
3. Through many dangers, toils and snares,<br />
I have already come;<br />
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,<br />
And grace will lead me home.<br />
4. The Lord has promised good to me,<br />
His Word…
God will lead us through whatever He brings us to...<br />
<br />
1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound<br />
That saved a wretch like me!<br />
I once was lost, but now am found;<br />
Was blind, but now I see.<br />
2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,<br />
And grace my fears relieved;<br />
How precious did that grace appear<br />
The hour I first believed.<br />
3. Through many dangers, toils and snares,<br />
I have already come;<br />
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,<br />
And grace will lead me home.<br />
4. The Lord has promised good to me,<br />
His Word my hope secures;<br />
He will my shield and portion be,<br />
As long as life endures.<br />
5. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,<br />
And mortal life shall cease,<br />
I shall possess, within the veil,<br />
A life of joy and peace.<br />
6. The world shall soon dissolve like snow,<br />
The sun refuse to shine;<br />
But God, who called me here below,<br />
Shall be forever mine.<br />
7. When we've been there ten thousand years,<br />
Bright shining as the sun,<br />
We've no less days to sing God's praise<br />
Than when we'd first begun.<br />
<br />
Love in Christ, Carla In a nutshell carla YES. I am…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-03:1383940:Comment:1803502008-08-03T11:25:31.351ZMoominshttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/moomins
In a nutshell carla YES. I am still relatively young in my faith and for a while didnt have full trust in God. Over the past year my faith has been strengthened so much and mailnly because through the good and most certainly through the bad God has never left my side, even when i've thought he wasnt there or even listening, He was and is, always. I have full trust in God, He comes first and foremost no matter how difficult I find it. I would die for my faith in a heartbeat, like deborah said in…
In a nutshell carla YES. I am still relatively young in my faith and for a while didnt have full trust in God. Over the past year my faith has been strengthened so much and mailnly because through the good and most certainly through the bad God has never left my side, even when i've thought he wasnt there or even listening, He was and is, always. I have full trust in God, He comes first and foremost no matter how difficult I find it. I would die for my faith in a heartbeat, like deborah said in her post, God is good all the time, and He is.<br />
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Blessings to all<br />
Moomins Well when you think about it…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-03:1383940:Comment:1801262008-08-03T00:34:03.109ZCharlie Carterhttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/CharlieCarter
Well when you think about it by having our faith we really are dying. In 2nd Corinthians 4 Paul rights about living through dying. What he means by this is that what we are, (our flesh;bodies) will eventually perish because that is supposed to happen. But once you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, as it also says in those verses, "we have the treasure within us." God puts trials and tribulations in our lives to break and hone down the outer man, while the inner man thrives. It sounds…
Well when you think about it by having our faith we really are dying. In 2nd Corinthians 4 Paul rights about living through dying. What he means by this is that what we are, (our flesh;bodies) will eventually perish because that is supposed to happen. But once you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, as it also says in those verses, "we have the treasure within us." God puts trials and tribulations in our lives to break and hone down the outer man, while the inner man thrives. It sounds crazy but to die in your faith is to live. Hi Carla, A grave question. (…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-02:1383940:Comment:1799612008-08-02T20:03:52.979ZRon Paynehttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/RonPayne
Hi Carla, A grave question. (Excuse the pun)<br />
I guess one has to know what it would be like to face executioners who depending on the answer you give, are bent on cutting your head off.<br />
I believe the Bible describes this as the way Believers will be executed towards the end times.<br />
I am terrified now of the thought of ever being in that situation.<br />
South Africa has had it's fair share of Mob executions where an old tyre is hung over the shoulders of the victim, petrol poured into it and set…
Hi Carla, A grave question. (Excuse the pun)<br />
I guess one has to know what it would be like to face executioners who depending on the answer you give, are bent on cutting your head off.<br />
I believe the Bible describes this as the way Believers will be executed towards the end times.<br />
I am terrified now of the thought of ever being in that situation.<br />
South Africa has had it's fair share of Mob executions where an old tyre is hung over the shoulders of the victim, petrol poured into it and set alight.<br />
It is known as "Necklacing" It is terrifying to even watch, let alone be the victim. Another mob practice is to take the spoke of a bicycle wheel and cut it to a foot in length. Place a handle on it and sharpen the end.<br />
Plus minus six gang members will surround the victim each with this weapon. They then push their "spike" in and out his body rapidly as if he were a pin cushion. Naturally he collapses and dies. There is very little evidence on the outside of the victims body apart from small specks of blood, where the long needle like spikes have gone in and out. But internally there is not one organ that has not been affected and bled profusely. My reason for telling these gruesome tales of gang murder ordered by some gang lord. Is to bring home the reality of what it might really be like to face such a mob, demanding you tell them where your allegiance lies. I believe the victims described above were asked that question but never given a chance to reply.<br />
In answer to Carla's question, I can only look to Stephen in the book of Acts, where he was given a vision of the risen Lord: "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God" Acts 7:56. MY answer then is that right now, I fear the very thought of this happening to me or any others whom I love. My prayer is: "Lord if I should be placed in that position, please share Stephen's vision with me as well."<br />
Looking back into history at the Saints who were murdered for their faith, I believe that they were strengthened by the Holy Spirit, in that they too were given the vision Stephen was given.<br />
May the Lord comfort every one of us as we appear to be approaching these perilous times. Give us the strength to answer boldly: "As for me and My house, we will serve the Lord."<br />
<br />
Ron Thank you for all of your res…tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2008-08-02:1383940:Comment:1793922008-08-02T05:32:05.195ZCarlahttp://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/Carla
Thank you for all of your responses. I think Paul says it best and really sums up many of the answers given here:<br />
<br />
Phl 1:20-25<br />
For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die.<br />
For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.<br />
Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ. I really don't know which…
Thank you for all of your responses. I think Paul says it best and really sums up many of the answers given here:<br />
<br />
Phl 1:20-25<br />
For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die.<br />
For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.<br />
Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ. I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be far better for me, but it is better for you that I live. I am convinced of this, so I will continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your faith.<br />
<br />
1 John 3:2,3 ( We will one day see Jesus face to face)<br />
Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure.<br />
<br />
So then I too would die for my faith, but certainly not in my own strength. I choose you Lord!<br />
<br />
With Love in Christ, Carla