Nov. 12, 2017
With our senior pastor out of town for a missions conference, we heard our own Rev. Chris Bennett bring us a powerful message on Sunday, November 12 about the persecuted church worldwide and our response as Christians in Charleston. In Philippians 1:12-30 God's Word points to persecution not to shock us but to energize us. We see many examples of God's turning evil motives of men into good ends because he's an all-powerful, sovereign Lord. Persecution is used by God for the advancement of the gospel, and persecution emboldens Christians to share the gospel. Persecution also prepares us for our suffering! We are called to proclaim Christ not only with our words but also with our lives. So how can we help our brothers and sisters who suffer from persecution? First we become aware of the plight of Christians around the world, and we pray for them--letting them into our hearts. We can also give to ministries who help the persecuted church: Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors USA, International Christian Concern.
