Persecution

1 John 4:4 (NKJV) You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 
 

One of the most worn out weapons of the devil against the church has been outward persecution.  Even as I write this note, precious saints around the world are experiencing horrendous atrocities just because they love Jesus and live for Him.

(For more information on the persecuted church, go here: www.persecution.com)

The devil tries to use persecution to smother God's Work and distort His Word.  He tries to come down in vicious ways simply to discourage and confuse, with the goal of ultimately wiping out believers.

But, did you know it doesn't work? It's never worked. God uses that same persecution to spread the gospel, to build faith, to strengthen and comfort, and to encourage.  Even though it's hard to see with the human eye or understand with the human mind, God is at work in it all.

A great example of this is what is happening in China.  Before the cultural revolution in the 1940s, it was estimated that there were some 800,000 believers served by some 630 missionaries.  Then, the government came down hard and kicked the missionaries out, and the church had to go underground.  What happened then?  The church grew to millions and millions of believers where they now are sending out missionaries from China to spread the gospel!

I know things might be a little tough right now. Please consider a new prayer time for those believers around the world that are dying for their faith today.  Pray that His gospel will go forth unhindered!

In Love,

Pastor Ed