Real Christians

Tonight we did something a little different. We read I Cor. 9:19 where Paul talks about becoming a slave even though he was free. We talked about a story of Somchi, a woman from Laos where Christians are persecuted by communist leaders. The article had a picture of her holding what was left of her burned Bible and a picture of her being baptized. The pastor's face was censored for his protection. This article is from the same magazine and tells you a little about What's going on there.


In addition, we are adopting a missionary and his family from another south asian country. I'm not posting the information on here for sensitivity reasons, but I would be more than happy to share pictures and information with you in person.

There are many areas were Christians are persecuted. The area known as the 10-40 (degrees latitude) window is where the majority of "closed" or dangerous countries are.

Now, we didn't read this story to simply say, "Wow, we should appreciate what we have." While it's true, that's only half of the purpose. The real purpose is that we are part of that bigger picture. Never separate yourself from other people's suffering by saying "Thank God I don't have to deal with that" because you ARE part of it. Engage in the bigger body of believers. Be a real part of Christ's kingdom.

How can you be involved? Pray. Support missionaries financial. Be informed.

Here's the link to the magazine's site:

http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEw

The Craziness of the Cross ("Faith" cont. Pastor Eli 9.06.10)

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

People believe in all sorts of things that we can't prove. Logic is a study of reason or thoughts supposed to make sense. People argue over what is logical. Now there are many things in Christianity that "make sense" or are logical, but Paul wrote a letter to the people of Corinth and told them, more or less,

"Hey, for people who are lost, they're going to think that the cross is crazy, ridiculous, and stupid. But for those who have received God's grace, the cross demonstrates God's power."

Paul talks about two groups who thought Christians were crazy:

22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,

The Jews wanted to see miracles. They already knew God and they weren't looking for. There are people today that are the same - they come to church just looking to see something amazing or get an emotional high. They're not looking for Jesus, they just want a "WoW!"

The Greeks didn't really care too much about Jesus or God for that matter. They had hundreds of gods and didn't really want another one. All they cared about was what they decided was wise and logical. Jesus's death didn't make sense to them. And there are lots of people today who are the same.

23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Paul says, the only people that Jesus will really make sense to people who God has already called. He turns everything that makes sense upside down to show His work.

25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Meaning the silliest thing God has done is smarter than the wisest thing man has done.

26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

God calls lots of normal people who aren't super amazing. Sometimes people think they have to be "good" or have it together in order to come to God, but that's not the case.

27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him.

God uses people's weaknesses to show His power. This way we can't claim the success is ours.

30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

We aren't righteous, holy, or able to save ourselves. So all the good that we have, we have to give credit to Jesus.

Hannah's Note*********************************************************************

Don't be surprised of people say that Christians are stupid. But understand that they have no way to "get it" without faith.

If you do want more information on some of the "logic" of Christianity, there are a couple of books that may interest you - "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel.

(To be continued...)