BIBLE VERSE: (But) sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15)

TRUTH:  While waiting for a flight recently from Chicago’s O’Hare airport, I ran into a group of teenagers and their pastoral leader who were returning from a missions trip to the Far East. Knowing where this group was from and who certain members were, I knew, absolutely, that it was love for their fellow man which carried this missions trip. By the work and outward care this group showed at the various orphanages they spent time at, where babies were held and loved in a pagan society with various class systems which are set by birth, one major thing was accomplished. That thing was the opening of THE door to spread the good news of the Gospel.  It is one thing to stand on a corner preaching that people are going to hell if they do not repent and trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is quite another to SHOW that Love Who gave His life as a ransom for many.

When we go on mission like this, and purpose to love the unlovable and touch the untouchable – hearts will be open almost everywhere to hearing what compels these young girls or boys, who gave up a lot to come to the recipients of this mission trip benefit. Christianity is the only belief system ever in existence whereby we are explicitly commanded to give all of ourselves, expect nothing in return and make it about nobody else but Jesus. If this equation is followed to a “t”, it is only then we will have a receptive audience whereby we can give “an account for the hope (Christ and Eternal Life)…..and that hope is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His promise of Eternal Rest. Therefore, do you wish to be on mission? Well, let’s put actions to our feet and be the “church on the go”! Amen.

EXCLUSIVE: A FAMILY THAT STAYS TOGETHER  PRAYS TOGETHER by LAURIE JALBERT

lAURIE

LAURIE JALBERT

In a time when violence is on the rise, we are bombarded with news of severe persecution against Christians. Story after story of imprisonment, torture, rape, beatings and beheadings are being reported daily. The question I must ask is: Is there still a disconnect between the American Christian culture and the persecuted believers overseas?

Why is it that we can receive persecution news in “real time” and yet lack the heart to pray. The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is on November 2nd. Advocacy organizations are working tirelessly to bring unity to our dysfunctional Spiritual family but research shows a lack of interest in participating in the IDOP.

The Persecution Resource Council reported, “During the week prior to the 2013 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, we reviewed the websites of the one hundred seventy leading churches and denominations. Nearly all of these leading Christian organizations had Veteran’s Day- or Thanksgiving-related “food for the hungry” programs advertised on their home pages.heart to pray?

FOLLOW LAURIE’S BLOG
Persecution Resource Council

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE