Like so many of you, I've been moved by what seems like a steady stream of news stories depicting the rise of violence against Christians worldwide. For example, the Washington Post ran a story this morning describing brutal persecution of Christians in Pakistan. Here's an excerpt:
A spasm of religious violence came to this rural town in the
shape of an angry Muslim mob Saturday morning. The Muslims marched to avenge
what they believed was the desecration of a Koran one week earlier. When it was
over, dozens of houses were torched and Faith Bible Pentecostal Church lay in
ruins. Two villagers were shot dead, residents said. Five others, including two
children, burned alive.
It's stories like these that force me to check my heart and consider if I'm real--a real Christian, that is. Would I go? Would I preach the good news in the face of violent threats and the distinct possibility of death? More to the point, would I go next door and tell my fellow suburbanite about Jesus?
Will the violence in Pakistan or Nigeria or in any number of places around the world today thwart the American church's efforts to fulfill the Great Commission?
God help us to boldly proclaim the good news wherever you call us to speak--whether overseas or across the street.
[For more information on Christian persecution and the triumph of the Gospel around the world, follow @NationsBeGlad on Twitter.]
Read More Mike Pohlman
The Temptations of Theological Learning
Thursday, July 30, 2009
