“Love
Costs Everything”
An Eye-Opening
Documentary
200,000,000 people. That’s
how many fear for their lives daily because they follow Christ. They face
persecution because they live and love as Jesus taught.
How
much is 200 million? If all Christians facing violence and death lived in one place,
it would rank as the sixth most populous country in the world. Those
persecuted for their faith would fill a country between the size of Brazil (202
million) and Pakistan (196 million).
Love Costs Every Thing is a documentary on global
Christian persecution produced by Christ In Youth in association with Voice of
the Martyrs. Disciples in places like Iraq, India, and Columbia testify about
being beaten or family being murdered. Yet despite horrific pain and loss, the
persecuted respond with forgiveness and love for their persecutors.
Sunday
night my church’s youth showed this film. They shared their hearts by
organizing and leading this event. Afterward we prayed in our seats and at
stations around the church.
Scripture Warns Us
Sunday
morning’s sermon prepared us for this documentary. Scott, our senior minister,
said Jesus told us to expect hardship. The world hated Jesus and persecuted
Him, so they will persecute us too (John 15:18-20).
Also,
the apostle Paul said those who follow Jesus closely will suffer. “Everyone who
wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12
NIV).
In
America, we may never be told at gunpoint to denounce Christ and live or claim
Jesus and die. But someday, greater persecution could occur on our soil in ways
we couldn’t have imagined a generation ago. Are we ready for that?
200
million brothers and sisters in Christ would love to worship openly without
fear. If only their biggest battle was flowers on the altar or organ music vs.
a worship band… They risk a bomb exploding at church, being beaten unconscious,
or being abducted and forced into slavery.
All
because they follow Jesus.
Will
you pray for those in harm’s way? Will you pray also for those who treat Jesus
and His
people as the enemy?
wow, sounds like a "must see" film! yes, we get so needlessly flustered over the smallest and trivial things. We need to keep this perspective. Thank you for sharing and reminding me to be thankful for Jesus...not easily offended when things don't go my way.
ReplyDeleteGood points, Mary. It's hard to maintain the proper perspective about what is truly important. This film is a clear reminder to count the cost.
DeleteGreat reminder, David, and I'm interested in watching the documentary. Living in the West Bank last June really opened my eyes to some of the issues Christians face. Westerners, especially Americans, have no clue.
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DeleteThank you, Susan. I had no idea what other believers face in that part of the world. The documentary is well done, full of stories and testimonies.
DeleteI became aware of this issue when one of my good friend's sister lived in the far east as a occupational missionary. She talked about the persecution of believers - even to the point of having to smuggle a believer out because her village put a hit out on her. This young girl has since returned to her village to spread the gospel among her people. We complain here but we have NO idea what persecution really is.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Sherry. Americans have no idea what real persecution is. Thanks for sharing your story.
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