"....THEY NEVER STOPPED...PROCLAIMING...JESUS...."

"Day after day, in the temple court and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah)."  (Acts 5:42)

May this be the "missions statement" of you and me today and every day the Lord Jesus gives us on this Planet.

People around the world are dying for such a resolve.  And it is not getting any better in the United States of America.  Our commitment, covenant, resolve must not change.  This is the great command revealed in Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation."  And, may it be said of you and me, as it was of our first century Brethren, "....they never stopped."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for the strength and resolve to so do.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"THE PEACE OF GOD...GUARD[S]" US

"....and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:7)

Notice that it is, "hearts and minds"---- whatever the circumstances.  

In Nigeria, "Twenty men were killed, and the horrific murders were streamed online.  The perpetrators said they were 'taking revenge against Christians all over the world.'" (Open Doors With Brother Andrew).  

What disturbs the "suburban church goer" is that he is forced to realize that this is "current events," not something out of the "Dark Ages."  The Bible tells us that this is "normal Christianity."  Friends of mine who suffered imprisonment, torture, etc., always told me of the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ to, "....guard your hearts and minds...," through it all.  Jesus did not say that we would escape, "trouble, tribulation."  He says that in Him we, "overcome, conquer," in tribulation.  

"Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also;

The body they may kill:

God's truth abideth still,

His Kingdom is forever."

Father, in Jesus'  Name, I pray that You, "guard [the] hearts and minds," of the families of those who were murdered in Nigeria.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2