STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM FLEEING PERSECUTION When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Matthew 10:23a One of the clear biblical responses to persecution is to flee. But it is not the only response. Thus it is imperative that the persecuted believer is sure that his running away is in the will of God. History is full of examples of Christians who relocated because of religious persecution. The early Christians in Jerusalem were not obeying Jesus’ orders in Acts 1:8 (evangelize to the ends of the earth) so God allowed an Acts 8:1 (persecution) to send them on their way. The original text indicates the persecution accomplished the will of God for as they scattered abroad, they went “gossiping” the gospel (Acts 8:4). The first meaning of the word “gossip” was “to chat” or “rehearse.” The early Christians, when scatteredby persecution, could not help but repeat the glorious message of the gospel to everyone they met. The Apostle Paul left Damascus over the wall in a basket when a life threat was discovered early in his ministry. He was not just trying to avoid persecution, but he knew itwas not yet God’s timing for his life and ministry to end. That occurred years later in Rome. Today an Egyptian Christian leader is in hidingbecause he has the highest price on his head—four times more than Osama BinLaden ever had. Zakaria Botross’ entire life story isthat of defying death. The total price for his elimination (a fatwa), at last report, was one hundred million dollars. This is because his ministry to Muslims is so challenging, effective and productive. If his arguments cannot be countered then his voice must be silenced. He was one of the most striking figures of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In 1964 he had a conversion experience which changed the direction of his ministryto thousands of people. Not only did FatherZakaria preach for conversions to Christ and to strengthen believers, he also effectively rebutted accusations against Christianity made by Islamic leaders. He is a scholar of ancient Arabic and knows the Koran and the Hadith (Islamic traditions) so thoroughly that Islamic scholars find it difficult to refute his teaching or counter his challenges. His zealous activities couldnot help but attract the notice of the authorities of the State. Hewas removed from his church. Twice he experienced imprisonment for ministering to Muslims and leading them to faith in Jesus. He was accused of the ultimate crime, evangelizing Muslims and thereby inciting religious factionalism. Thenhe was deported and exiled from Egypt. His subsequent ministry in Australia and the UK was successful but not with everyone’s approval.people. Not only did FatherZakaria preach for conversions to Christ and to strengthen believers, he also effectively rebutted accusations against Christianity made by Islamic leaders. He is a scholar of ancient Arabic and knows the Koran and the Hadith (Islamic traditions) so thoroughly that Islamic scholars find it difficult to refute his teaching or counter his challenges. His zealous activities couldnot help but attract the notice of the authorities of the State. Hewas removed from his church. Twice he experienced imprisonment for ministering to Muslims and leading them to faith in Jesus. He was accused of the ultimate crime, evangelizing Muslims and thereby inciting religious factionalism. Thenhe was deported and exiled from Egypt. His subsequent ministry in Australia and the UK was successful but not with everyone’s approval.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 00:25:05 +0000
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