Look at Paul's prayer request. In Ephesians 6.19-20 he asks that people will pray for him, not for health, not for release from prison, not for protection from the executioner, but for boldness in speaking the gospel. We've been watching the culture in North America become more hostile toward the gospel than it has been over the past several hundred years. With the increasing power of political correctness, demands that we must "tolerate" (i.e., celebrate to the detriment of our own convictions) other cultural and religious groups, and calls for submission to a nanny government that knows what is best for everyone, we see more people fearing to speak the gospel clearly. In some areas holding a clear Christian conviction has led people to imprisonment. It has separated children from parents. It has resulted in pastors and church services being interrupted by aggressive dissidents. There have even been church buildings burned down apparently as a reaction to the church taking a clear stand for the gospel of Christ.
Let us pray for boldness, for ourselves and for other servants of Christ around the world, that they may proclaim the gospel clearly and in all its power, regardless of the earthly consequences. May we bring this heavenly message to our world.
No comments:
Post a Comment