Better late than never I guess. Two weeks ago we finished our series on Rehab by talking about a group of people that really do need our help, the persecuted church. Prison, beatings, torture, rape, and murder, the persecution of Christians started with each of the disciples and continues today. This year a Christian will die every 3 minutes. Every 3 minutes!
During Paul's last days as he was traveling under Roman guard to Rome and his death, other believers reached out to care for him. They opened their homes and provided for a fellow brother in anyway that they could. I believe we are called to do the same. When we come face to face with the persecuted church we are called to reach out!
But what if we've never met anyone facing real persecution? Well, Paul gave us very clear instuctions, pray!
I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30
We may not face the intense challenges that some people face, but we can join in their battle by hitting our knees praying for them!
At Awake, we closed by thinking about what God would ask us to do if persecution ever turned towards us here in Indiana. We read the story of Paul and Silas when they were thrown in prison for casting demons out of a young girl. Micah and the band were off stage and started singing. We closed the morning by praising our God hopeing that if true persecution comes our way that we would continue this song. It was a beautiful moment hearing the voice of 100 teenagers singing out to their God.
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