Showing Love Costs Every Thing tomorrow (Monday, Nov-24) night at Upper Room after prayer meeting at 9:30pm (will likely end at 11:30pm with an intermission). We will also spend a short amount of time in prayer for PJ and persecuted Christians around the world. We will most likely show it again at a later day with an earlier time for those who cannot make it out so late. Love Costs Every Thing is a (somewhat) recent & very powerful film about Christian persecution around the world. Christian persecution was recently thrust into national media attention with the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq, but persecution of Christians is not a new thing & can be traced all the way back to Jesus and the apostles. The American Church, with its tendency to avoid suffering, continues to need to be awakened & respond to the sufferings of other Christians around the world. This is very relevant in light of the Defending the Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics workshops main verse, 1 Peter 3:14-17... But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be Gods will, than for doing evil. From the website... lovecostseverything/index.php/about No time in history has been bloodier for Jesus followers. Throughout the world, Christians are being threatened, beaten, raped and killed simply for being believers. And yet, the American church remains inactive and largely unaware of their sufferings. Christian persecution has been a reality for more than 2,000 years. While tragic, it is not a story of defeat. Instead, those who find themselves in the crosshairs of violence today count it a blessing to stand among the faithful throughout history. In the face of persecution, these followers of Christ fear compromise more than death itself. Love Costs Every Thing maps the history of Christian persecution from the first martyrs to seven present-day stories of faith that knows no price. Filmed in Iraq, Columbia, India, Egypt, France and the United States, this feature-length documentary includes commentary from US Congressmen, foreign government officials, religious leaders and scholars. Faithfulness is the goal of every Christian. Reminding the audience of this truth, and encouraging them to stand firm in their faith, is the first goal of this film. Second, Love Costs Every Thing reveals what persecution looks like today in relation to history. The final goal is to spur viewers to action in light of this injustice. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 07:41:11 +0000