On July 29 a pastor in an area where we hold conferences was beaten and murdered. Please pray for his family, his church and all the pastors and Christians in India. For more information go to http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Andhra-Pradesh,-Maoists-torture-and-kill-a-Protestant-pastor-38194.htmlor http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-pastor-unwavering-faith-jesus-brutally-murdered-india-100s-rebels-167438/ Pictures can be found at http://christianpersecutionindia.blogspot.com/.
It seems that violence is becoming more and more common in the USA, India and around the whole world. It shouldn’t surprise us, for Jesus said it would happen. Matthew 24:6-12 “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold….”
Unfortunately it’s nothing new. God sent the flood in Noah’s day because of the great increase of evil in the world (Genesis 6:11,13). In fact, God hates violence with a passion. Psalm 11:5 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, He hates with a passion.
Satan is behind the upswing in violence in our country and world today. He is like a hungry lion looking to bring destruction wherever he can. 1Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He is behind the increasing blood lust in people who kill and destroy. Many do so knowing they will be killed in the process of bringing death to others. They not only don’t mind, they are driven kill others and themselves as well. That’s not natural for humans, but it is for Satan and his forces. His purpose is to destroy (1 Peter 5:8), in fact that is what his name means (Revelation 9:11). The prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) is gaining more and more power as mankind turns further from the true God and opens itself up more and more to the lies and deceptions of Satan. He especially likes to attack God’s people (Christians and Jews) as well as any who are weak or helpless. Jesus said He followers would be violently attacked (Matthew 11:12).
We do know who the eventual victor will be though. If you are a follower of Jesus, keep your eyes on Him for one day He will return and remove all violence forever. Then we will dwell in peace and safety forever. All violence and violent people will be confined to hell which will be the most violent place ever. But we who believe in Him will dwell in security forever. Isaiah 60:18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. (August 8, 2015 Doylestown PA)
Habakkuk 1:2-3 How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Psalm 7:9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure – you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.
INDIA UPDATE: Only God’s Word can bring peace to a troubled soul. Only learning His word can help us faithfully continue to serve Him no matter what happens. The latest book, “Studying the Bible,” is being translated and will soon go to printing. The cover is pictured below. Knowing and following God’s Word is the only hope for God’s people in times such as these.
PRAY FOR the translators of “Studying the Bible,” and for the quick printing of it. Pray God would use it in a special way to help His people learn and love His Word. And keep praying for the pastors and Christians in India.
BETTER LINKS FOR MY FINAL SERMONS are: “Celebrating Change” https://vimeo.com/msbcdoylestown/review/171976221/b82dda873c
and “Life Lessons (Retirement Service” https://vimeo.com/msbcdoylestown/review/173501173/701ad6a8d6a https://www.facebook.com/msbcdoylestown/