Counting The Cost

Random thoughts on walking with Jesus in this turvy-topsy world

Tough Times for Christians Outside U.S.

Persecution of Christians on the Rise

Written by Wolfgang Polzer

 

At Least 55,000 Christians Are Killed for their Faith Every Year

DRESDEN (ANS) -- The number of persecuted Christians is on the rise worldwide, according to Professor Thomas Schirrmacher, director of the Religious Liberty Commission of the German Evangelical Alliance.

Three in four cases of severe persecution are targeted at Christians, said Schirrmacher in a lecture at a gathering of the Protestant Association of the Christian Democratic Union in Dresden.

According to Schirrmacher at least 55,000 Christians are killed each year for religious reasons. Christians in India, Indonesia and Pakistan run the highest risk of losing their lives.

Schirrmacher encouraged politicians to increase their efforts for religious freedom. They were often reluctant to address the persecution and discrimination of Christians in Islamic countries in case this may jeopardize religious dialog.

Schirrmacher is convinced that interest in religion is rising worldwide: “The Communist atheistic realm has shrunk to small countries like North Korea”. Christianity is experiencing phenomenal growth outside the Western world.

Many Chinese intellectuals, for instance, regard the Christian faith as “trendy”, said Schirrmacher. The number of worshippers in China exceeds the Sunday service attendance in Europe. Since 1970 the number of Christians has tripled in Africa and Asia and doubled in Latin America.

Because of the decreasing numbers in Europe these developments are not very noticeable on a world scale. Christianity grows annually by 1.25 percent, roughly in line with the population growth of 1.22 percent.

posted by: Jrobbins at 21:02 | link | comments |
persecution on the rise

Drinking Alone

Tea for One

WRITTEN BY Alison Thomas

 

 

A misfortune of the itinerant life is the loneliness that often besets us. Cultivating consistent relationships and plugging into a fixed community is difficult for those who constantly wander from place to place.  We miss celebrations of both monumental events and everyday moments in the lives of family and friends at home.  We sit alone in airplanes, taxicabs, and hotel rooms, often longing to be in the company of the ones we love.  Although we have the unique privilege of crisscrossing the globe, with this joy of exploration comes the sorrow of isolation.  

 

 

 

One day, after returning home from a long and lonely trip, my throat was feeling terribly sore from preaching.  I knew a soothing cup of hot chamomile tea would provide comfort, but I did not want to ruin the experience by drinking from an ordinary mug.  So I set out to find a beautiful tea set.  I quickly realized, however, that elaborate tea sets, complete with ornate sugar and creamer bowls, were not only high-priced but truly unnecessary to perform the simple function of comforting one dry throat.  My eyes were then drawn to a small box labeled "Tea for One."  It was a practical set containing only the bare essentials: a tiny teapot stacked on top of a sturdy cup.  As cute and clever as it was, looking at it made me quite sad.  "It has come to this," I thought to myself.  "Even my teacup is plagued with isolationism."

 

 

 

I find great comfort in knowing that Jesus also longed for companionship during trying times alone.  In Gethsemane he cried to his disciples, "'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here and keep watch with me.'  Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the

ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will.' Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping" (Matthew 26:38-40).

 

 

 

Though this failure of his friends disturbed him, Jesus was not completely alone.  He woke them up and once again retreated to seclusion in order to pray to his Father.  This time his words seem to acquiesce to the fact that this cup will not be taken from him: "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done" (26:42).  When he came back to his friends, he again found them sleeping.  So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

 

 

 

It is a difficult, yet important, lesson to glean from Scripture, here seen in what is the loneliest picture from the life of Christ:  We live our lives before our ever-present Father.  Whether in times of hope or uncertainty, in loneliness or isolation, his will is an orienting presence in our lives.

 

 

 

The final words of Christ before his arrest demonstrate the transforming power offered in the complete surrender of prayer.  "Rise, let us go!" says Jesus to his yet sleeping disciples.  "Here comes my betrayer!"  His will coalesced with the Father's, Jesus is now armed to face the

treacherous ordeal before him.  During times when we drink of isolation, let us follow the example of Christ and take our lonely cup to the One who alone can fill it.  

 

 

Alison Thomas is an associate apologist with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

posted by: Jrobbins at 16:55 | link | comments |
drinking alone

Back in business!

*** Whew! It is good to be back online. Does anyone else break out into a cold sweat at the thought of losing their blog (and all their hard work!) in cyberspace la-la land? I sure do. But thanks, Mo'Time guys, for working so hard to bring our blogs back to the land of the living. ***

posted by: Jrobbins at 18:56 | link | comments |

Who do you say Jesus is?

Why Believe That Jesus Is The Only Way?

WRITTEN BY DOUGLAS GROOTHIUS

 

Spiritually Incorrect

"I love Jesus," exclaimed a woman in the audience, "but He never wanted anyone to worship Him!" As I looked at the group of about thirty people, I saw nods of agreement and heard rumblings of approval. Another member of the panel discussion that I was on said, "I find the way of Jesus helpful, but I can't exclude anyone's spirituality outside of Christianity." Someone else in the audience declared that Jesus was only a prophet and that the Quran was more important than the New Testament.

 

These comments were offered during a panel discussion on "spirituality." Two of the other panelists were from a theological seminary where Jesus is not acknowledged as Lord and the Bible is not respected as God's written communication to humanity. Another panelist repeatedly said all religions teach that we are one with God. She said she accepted Jesus — but only as one way, not the only way.

 

Recent polls show that a disturbing percentage of Christians fail to understand what the Bible tells us about Jesus. According to a Barna poll from 2000, about one out of four born-again Christians believes that it doesn't matter what faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons. Fifty-six percent of non-Christians agree. Many today water down the radical claims of Jesus — to say that "Jesus works for me" instead of "Jesus is Lord."

 

My experience highlights the challenge facing those who claim that Jesus is the singular way to God and redemption. Spirituality is "in," but Christianity is often "out." Our culture openly addresses the nature and needs of the soul and how to be spiritually successful. Most Americans have a positive view of Jesus, however blurry it may be. They see Him as a sage, mystic, or a prophet. Yet when Christians affirm that Jesus is "the way and the truth and the life," and that no one can be reconciled to God apart from Him (John 14:6, NIV), many reject it.

 

Is there a strong biblical case for the supremacy of Jesus in a world of personalized spirituality? A careful look at the New Testament — the main document we have about Jesus' life — answers this question for us. I will present some of the biblical evidence that Jesus Christ was God Incarnate and the only way to abundant and eternal life. As Christians seeking to think biblically, it is important to know and affirm what the Bible says about Jesus and the way to salvation — whether it's politically correct or not.

 

Prophet, Priest and King

Jesus never suggested that He was another prophet or that He was merely one of many mystics who tapped into spiritual power and knowledge. When Jesus was involved in a dispute about the Sabbath, He exclaimed that He was "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:23-27). Genesis 2:3 teaches us that God created and instituted the Sabbath; it was not invented by any mere human. Jesus is, therefore, claiming to have divine authority over the Sabbath as God.

 

In another argument about the Sabbath, Jesus proclaimed, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." At this, the Jews tried even harder to kill Him because He was "making himself equal with God" (John 5:17-18). One should notice that Jesus did not oppose their conclusions.

 

Jesus ended another dispute by saying, "Before Abraham was born, I am" (John 8:58). Jesus was referring to the time that God declared Himself to Moses as "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14). Hearing this, the Jews then tried to stone Jesus, because He was claiming to have existed as God before He was born. Jesus claimed to be God incarnate.

 

Although many claim that Jesus does not differ much from other religious leaders such as Buddha, Jesus' claim to be God in the flesh singles Him out of the crowd. The Buddha claimed no such thing, nor did Muhammad or Confucius. But Jesus' claims were not spoken in a vacuum. They were backed by His credentials. He fulfilled a host of prophecies given by the Hebrew prophets concerning His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38), His divinity (Jeremiah 23:5-6; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1), His atoning work on the cross (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24-25) and His resurrection from the dead (Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 2:24-28).

 

Besides this, Jesus substantiated His divine claims with a perfectly righteous life, compassion for the downtrodden (which was often expressed through His many healing miracles, including raising the dead), His genius and authority as a teacher, and His unsurpassed insight into the human condition. It is no wonder that people worshipped Him.

 

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciple Thomas, who had doubted the reports that His master was raised from the dead. When Thomas saw Jesus, he cried out, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus accepted Thomas' worship. The Book of Revelation tells us that a host of angels and saints are continually worshipping "the Lamb who was slain" (Revelation 5:12-13; see also 7:17). No other religious leader in history is accorded this honor; none other deserves it.

 

Resurrection and the Life

To better understand why Jesus is the only way, we need to center on His death and resurrection. No founder or leader of any world religion claimed to die as a sacrifice for human sin in order to set us right with God. Nor is any other world religion based on the resurrection of its divine founder.

 

Jesus taught the Jewish teacher Nicodemus that God's love was supremely expressed by sending His "one and only Son" so that whoever trusts in Him would not be lost but would experience everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus is God's only son, the once-for-all revelation of God among us (Matthew 1:23). He came not simply to display His deity in humanity, but to offer Himself as a sufficient sacrifice for our wrongdoing and separation from God. Jesus declared, "The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10) and "to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

 

Jesus announced to His disciples that He possessed "all authority in heaven and on earth," and that they must "make disciples of all nations" by teaching them to obey His teachings (Matthew 28:18-20). This call to discipleship is rooted in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus in history. The origin and rapid growth of the Christian movement cannot be explained apart from this supernatural event.

 

The New Testament's reports of the resurrection of Christ are written by eyewitnesses or those who carefully consulted them not long after the events occurred (2 Peter 1:16; Luke 1:1-4). Their truthfulness as historical documents stands up to careful testing. Confessing Christ as the risen Lord need not be and should not be a blind leap of faith in the dark. Indeed, Peter told his readers that they should "give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).

Jesus is not a hobby. He is Lord. Therefore, Peter preached that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). In a world filled with many false views of Christ, we can rest in the truth of the gospel, "because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).

 

posted by: Jrobbins at 14:45 | link | comments |
who do you say jesus is

Paradoxical or Practical?

Learn from Jesus' Paradoxes

 

 

 

Jesus’ teachings can startle you when they seem to be contradictory. How can you die to live, labor to rest, or give to receive? The paradoxes Jesus presents bring you face-to-face with the fact that you can’t know all the answers about life – but you can know the One who designed it.

 

 

Pondering the paradoxes can lead you to trust Jesus more, and experience the peace that only He can give. Here’s how you can learn from Jesus’ paradoxes:

 

 

* Laboring to rest: Hear God’s call to follow Him and accept the “yoke” of discipleship. But realize that, while discipleship demands your whole life, it also renews you. Unlike self-imposed burdens (such as laboring at a job you don’t like), serving Jesus brings you joy and fresh energy as God empowers you. Understand that if you’re willing to commit your life to Jesus, the effort will be worthwhile and lead to rest, peace, and freedom you couldn’t find otherwise. Spend time in prayer regularly, and give your worries and burdens to Jesus, trusting that He will help you rest from your weariness.

 

 

* Walking by faith, not by sight: Realize the difference between sight and insight. Understand that there’s much more to the world than the physical aspects you can see. Ask God to give you the faith to see the world more and more as He sees it. Rather than trusting in what you see (which is temporary), place your trust in what you don’t see (which is eternal). Commit your dreams and goals to God, remembering that He has a plan that transcends what you can see as you move through life. Choose to live not according to your own limited view, but by the limitless possibilities of God. Ask God to transform you as you do so.

 

 

* Giving to receive: Know that you can ultimately get much more from giving away what you have than from holding on tightly to it. Understand that God wants you to learn through giving that He matters more than anything else. Realize that happiness doesn’t come from material gain, but from becoming more like God, who gives generously. Ask God to help you break free from selfishness that ultimately robs your joy. Measure your life by who you are rather than what you own. Recognize that your worth transcends your assets; you’re pricelessly valuable to God, even when you’re financially broke. Remember that all you have is a gift that ultimately belongs to God. Decide to use those gifts well by giving to others as God leads. Trust that, in giving, you’ll receive joy from God that is worth far more than anything you could give.

 

 

* Being enslaved to be free: Acknowledge that everyone is a slave to something – those who aren’t connected to Jesus are slaves to sin, and those who are in a relationship with Him are slaves to Him. But being a slave to Jesus is far different from any other kind of slavery, because it’s not based on force, but on love, and it doesn’t damage you, but heals you. Out of love for Jesus – the source of love itself – you serve Him willingly and joyfully. And as you do, He gives you freedom from the sin that previously enslaved you, and the freedom to live life in new, healthier ways. Accept the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers you, but realize that He paid the ultimate cost to buy it for you, so don’t take it for granted. Remember that true freedom doesn’t come just from exercising your own will, but from following your calling and fulfilling your purpose in life as Jesus – a loving Master – leads you. Shackle yourself to Jesus to find the forgiveness, guidance, and grace you need.

 

 

* Finding fool’s wisdom: Realize how easy it is to search for wisdom in the wrong places in our fallen world. Know that, often, people pride themselves on their own limited intelligence, yet completely miss out on God’s unlimited wisdom because of that pride. Understand the folly of simply acquiring knowledge without seeking God’s guidance about how to apply that knowledge. Remember that God is the source of all wisdom. Be humble and constantly willing to learn. Expect to encounter wisdom in unexpected places, since God is much too big to be contained within the limits of human minds. Let go of attempts to impress God and other people with your own cleverness, and don’t be afraid to look like a fool by admitting all you don’t know. Ask God to guide you so you can find true wisdom.

 

 

* Yielding to conquer: Understand that heeding Jesus’ call to love and pray for your enemies is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Realize that revenge may temporarily make you feel better, but the victory will be hollow because it will come at the cost of sacrificing your integrity. Trust God to deal with people who have hurt you better than you ever could on your own. Know that God has your best interests at heart and has the power to turn even the worst situations around to accomplish good purposes. Admit your weaknesses and let them show you your need for God. Accept the strength God offers you when you place your trust in Him. Let go of your own agenda and submit to God’s plans for you so you can live victoriously. Rely on God’s power to overcome whatever obstacles you encounter.

 

 

* Serving to reign: Know that the way to ascend to true leadership is by descending into service. Acknowledge the futility of reaching for greatness through selfish ambition, status, wealth, fame, triumph, or personal power. Decide to follow Jesus’ own example of servant leadership by selflessly, boldly, and passionately serving others as God leads you. Acknowledge that it’s God’s power – not your own – that can make you a great person. Understand that you can’t earn God’s love and you don’t have to prove anything to other people. Ask God to give you the humility you need to take your focus off yourself and onto Him and the people with whom He wants you to share His love.

 

 

* Dying to live: Don’t search for significance in the wrong pursuits, such as personal achievement, wealth, fame, status, or self-improvement. Realize that the only way to truly attain significance is by sacrificing your own plans and embracing God’s plans for you. Ask God to help you want what you need. Join God where He is at work, and enjoy the adventure. Let go of relationships that hinder your intimacy with God; make sure He’s your top priority, and you’ll find all the love you need. Abandon selfishness to gain real life.

 

 

posted by: Jrobbins at 16:06 | link | comments |
jesus paradoxes

Tossed to the Lions

    

     I know it sounds weird, but I like to read about Christians who are persecuted for their faith. Not that I LIKE reading about the horrible torture that my Christian brothers and sisters face or learning that another Christian has been murdered for their faith. But I just admire their faith so much! I can't imagine standing in front of a firing squad and sharing Jesus with my soon-to-be murderers. But this happens every day around the world. This used to discourage me. I thought, "Well, that must happen to super-Christians. No way I could have that much faith!" But the more I read about persecuted Christians, the more it stood out to me that they are normal people just like me. The only reason they can face up to torture, humiliation, and death with courage is that the Lord Jesus Christ gives them courage. And this Jesus that stands in the middle of a firing squad giving Christians supernatural peace is the same Jesus that lives in my heart! That is so awesome. I just wanted to share that today, along with a great article by Ray Comfort (Way of the Master) about having faith under fire. I hope you find this article as challenging and encouraging as I did. Enjoy!           --Joy

Are you Ready for the Lions?

WRITTEN BY RAY COMFORT

Way of the Master

 
Come back with me to the year 51AD. Look on, as another Christian is about to be thrown to the lions. This man has one last chance to publicly deny  his faith in Jesus Christ, but he doesn't. The awaiting crowd roars with delight. Once again, the grizzly sight of blood and bone will be spread across the blood-soaked soil of the arena.

 

These Christians rarely disappointed the bloodthirsty mob. There weren't many backsliders. Despite the entertainment, it was a continual mystery to the crowd as to why anyone would willingly allow himself to be torn apart by ferocious lions when a simple nod of the head would free him to go back to his beloved family. So, why is this man ready to be torn limb from limb by ferocious teeth?

 

A few years earlier, this godless man had been in Athens on a business trip and had heard the gospel from the lips of an apostle preaching on Mars Hill. He heard the apostle say that his hearers had sinned against Heaven, and therefore needed a Savior because God "had appointed a Day in which He would judge the world in righteousness." He listened as this faithful apostle spoke of that "righteousness of God apart from the law," and showed him that he was under God's dreadful wrath.

 

As he stood among the crowd, he heard that Jesus of Nazareth had said "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." He had violated that Commandment many times. He also heard that God would send all thieves and liars to Hell -- "All liars will have their part in the lake of fire," and that He considered hatred to be murder. His conscience began to stir within him and remind him of his guilt. This Judgment Day of which the apostle preached would be a fearful thing. He began to feel a very real dread that he truly was under God's wrath, and would end up in the lake of fire.

 

As he hung his head in a strange mixed sense of sorrow and dread