Foolish Things

From: Open Doors USA

Send a card to a persecuted Christian (Hebrews 10:32-35)

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for AFGHANISTAN & ALGERIA

AFGHANISTAN & ALGERIA Islamic Scholars Call for Crackdown on Christians – VOM Sources
Christians came under fire in Algeria and Afghanistan in recent weeks by Islamic scholars who have called for government crackdowns on Christian activity in the two countries. In Afghanistan, members of the Afghanistan Islamic Council warned President Karzai not to allow foreign missions into the country, especially to the impoverished areas. The council claimed that missionaries in Kabul and in the provinces were forcibly converting Muslims, enticing them by giving them Bibles and promising to send them abroad. The Islamic scholars warned of serious consequence if the government did not stop Christians from preaching and evangelizing. In Algeria, the head of the Algerian Associations of Muslim Scholars, Sheik Abdul Al-Shayban, called on all officials to counter Christian missionary campaigns, claiming they had “reached the point of aggressions against Algerians.” Ask God to stop the attempts of those who seek to hinder His work in Afghanistan and Algeria. Pray that His servants in these countries will be emboldened to carry on their service to Christ wherever Gods leads them.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:31

Pray for INDIA

INDIA UPDATE: Christians Believe Orissa Attacks Premeditated – VOM Sources
Christians in India believe the deadly attacks by Hindu extremists against Christians during the Christmas season were premeditated. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in India, “It is beyond doubt that the violence was premeditated, pre-planned and the work of a well-disciplined group to ensure simultaneous eruption of violence across the Kandhamal district within hours of the first incident and to sustain it for five days despite the presence of the highest police officers in the region.” Pray for Christians in Orissa state and India as a whole. Thank God for their faithfulness, and ask Him to protect them and provide for their needs.
Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 27:1

Pray for CHINA

CHINA Christian Businessman Released from Prison – China Aid Association
On January 4, Christian bookstore owner Shi Weihan was released from prison in China along with two dozen others. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the Chinese government decided against a formal trial for Weihan and dropped all criminal charges against him and the others. CAA reported, “Eye witnesses said, ‘Weihan was in good spirits and in a relatively stable physical condition when he was released from prison.’” Weihan and two dozen other individuals had been in prison since November under charges of illegal printing and distribution of Christian literature. Weihan is one of many Christians who have been imprisoned in China because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for believers in China as they faithfully serve the Lord in the midst of great persecution.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:11

Pray for IRAQ

IRAQ Churches and Convents Bombed – VOM Sources/Media Reports
On January 6, four churches and three convents were damaged in coordinated bombings. According to numerous media reports, the blasts occurred within five minutes of each other and involved mortar shells, explosive devices and car bombs. In Baghdad, the St. George Chaldean Church in Ghadir quarter, a Chaldean convent in the Zaafaraniya quarter and a Greek-Melkite parish were attacked. In Mosul, the St. Paul Chaldean Church and the House of the Holy Spirit, a Chaldean convent, were simultaneously bombed. A Dominican convent in Mosul was also attacked and an Ancient Assyrian Church in the al-Nur district was damaged when a parked car blew up outside the building. At least six people were injured, one of them seriously, in the explosions. Pray for Iraqi Christians as they deal with the effects of this attack. Pray for healing for those injured. Ask God to enable Iraqi Christians to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer as they suffer for Him.
Romans 12:12, Psalm 91

From: Gospel for Asia

Two Missionaries Attacked in Haryana, India
Privilege to Suffer

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for TURKMENISTAN

TURKMENISTAN Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News
On November 9, Baptist Pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky was released after eight months in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Kalataevsky and his family are thankful for the prayers and support of believers around the world. Forum 18 News reports government officials have warned Pastor Kalataevsky not to meet for worship with fellow believers. Pastor Kalataevsky told Forum 18, “Officials summoned me for what they said was a conversation, but at the end presented me with a pre-written statement saying that I agreed not to meet with my fellow believers. All it lacked was my signature, but I refused to sign it, both on my behalf and on behalf of my wife.” The Forum 18 report added, “Although Kalataevsky’s congregation does not oppose state registration in principle. Officials kept telling him that his congregation does not have enough adult citizen members to apply for registration. They added that unregistered religious activity, including people meeting together for worship in homes, is banned.” Praise God for Pastor Kalatatevsky’s release from prison. Ask God to protect his family and congregation as they face scrutiny and pressure from the government.
Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 54:17

Pray for AZERBAIJAN

AZERBAIJAN Imprisoned Pastor Required to Pay for Necessities in Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News
Pastor Zaur Balaev’s friends and family are said to be “shocked” by the financial demands he is facing in prison. According to VOM sources, Pastor Balaev is required to pay for hot water to wash or do laundry and cook his food. His family is allowed to visit him only after paying “a considerable amount.” Zaur’s wife was allowed to stay with him for three days for his birthday, but as she was leaving the prison, she said, “I am shocked by the conditions and the sum spent, because I was forced to pay for everything.” According to Forum 18 News, officials deny payment was demanded. “The state pays for everything, including food,” said Mehman Sadykov, spokesperson for the Justice Ministry. “Such reports don’t correspond with reality.” Pray for strength for Balaev and his family during this time. Pray their appeal will be successful. Pray that Balaev will be a testimony to other prisoners, demonstrating the love and power of Christ.
Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2

Pray for INDIA

INDIA Christians Attacked, Church Building Destroyed - VOM Sources
KARNATAKA - On November 18, Pastor Siddarama Gokhavi (60) and six other Christians were beaten by Bajrang Dal activists who attacked them as they were worshiping in Ananda Nagara, Karnataka. The attackers vandalized the building, burned Bibles and chanted slogans against Christians. The militants included a senior police officer. Pastor Gokhavi and his wife, Rekha, were injured in the attack, along with five others. The attackers accused the Christians of coercing Hindus into becoming Christians. Praise God there were no serious injuries in the attack. Pray those responsible for the attack will come to recognize the love and grace of God and turn to Him in faith. Pray for the continued ministry of this house church.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:11

CHHATTISGARH STATE - On November 19, Hindu militants attacked a church, tied up and beat the pastor unconsciousness, and burned down a recently constructed church building in Manduwa in Chhattisgarh State, India. There are no reports on the present condition of Pastor Sudharu. The Hindus accused the church of being involved in the conversion of tribal people in the region. According to reports, missionaries in this remote area face regular threats from Hindu militants. Pray for the continued witness of this church. Pray for healing for Pastor Sudharu as he recuperates from the assault.
Psalm 23, Psalm 107:20

From: Gospel for Asia

Tense Situation for Orissa Missionaries

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for ISRAEL

ISRAEL Church Set on Fire - Compass Direct News
On October 23, suspected arsonists set fire to the Narkis Street Baptist Church, in Western Jerusalem. According to Compass Direct News, the arsonists forcibly entered the building through a side door and set three fires in the sanctuary. The fire damaged 60 chairs and also caused smoke and water damage in the building. Compass News reported that although the police had not yet determined those responsible for the attack, it was suspected they were Jewish militants. According to Pastor Victor Blum, the leader of a Russian Messianic Jewish congregation that meets in the building, an anti-missionary organization named “Yad L’Achim” has threatened him and his congregation over the past few years. The group opposes the church’s local evangelistic work and claims that the believers are members of a “dangerous sect.” Pray God gives these believers boldness to stand against this attack. Pray the testimony of Christians in Israel will draw the attackers and other nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray for INDIA

INDIA Five Nuns Beaten; Militants Attack Church Service - VOM Sources
MADHYA PRADESH - On October 25, five nuns were beaten by 20 Hindu militants in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The militants surrounded the house of a local believer, where the nuns were attending a prayer meeting, and accused the nuns of forcibly converting local Hindus to Christianity. When the meeting was over, the militants attacked and beat them until the police arrived and took the nuns to safety. All five nuns were injured, and one is in serious condition due to head injuries she sustained in the attack. Pray God encourages them as they heal from their injuries.
Psalm 107:20
MAHARASHTRA - On October 23, Pastor Victor Periera and a group of local villagers were beaten by Hindu militants. The militants were angered because the pastor had organized prayer meetings attended by Hindu tribes in the Thane district of Maharashtra state. Pastor Periera was conducting a prayer service at a local church when the attackers stormed the building. The attackers shouted curses at Christianity and beat the pastor and several believers. The pastor’s rib was broken in the attack. Pray for Pastor Periera’s healing. Ask God to give believers in India boldness to share Christ with nonbelievers, despite persecution.
Psalm 91:16

Pray for COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA Evangelical Pastor Killed - Associated Press
Pastor Diego Armando Bejarano, 27, was killed recently in the region west of Bogotá. Witnesses say hooded men took Bejarano by force and stabbed him. The motives for the killing are unknown; however, it is common knowledge guerrillas groups view Protestant pastors who encroach on territory under their control as military objectives. In the last 10 years, guerrillas have assassinated 133 pastors, Protestant missionaries and Catholic priests, according to the Evangelical Council of Colombia. Ask God to encourage and minister to the pastor’s family and church as they mourn. Pray his testimony draws his attackers and nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:4

Pray for EGYPT

EGYPT Church Set on Fire - Compass Direct News
Christians Acquitted of Charges of “Insulting Islam” - Compass Direct News
On November 5, Adel Fawzy Faltas, the Egyptian leader of the Middle East Christian Association, and Peter Azzat, an associate, were acquitted of charges of “insulting Islam.” They were also released from prison after being held three months. According to Compass Direct News, journalists, lawyers, clergyman, family and friends gathered at Faltas’ home to celebrate the acquittal and release. “Faltas, 61, and Peter Ezzat, 25, had been held on unsubstantiated charges of insulting Islam and tarnishing Egypt’s reputation abroad. Charges without evidence against Faltas and Ezzat included insulting Islam, posing a threat to national security and tarnishing Egypt’s reputation abroad,” Compass said. Compass reported Faltas said, “I was always a free man. When you respect yourself and what you are doing, then you are free.” According to the report, “Faltas recounted how 30 State Security Investigation officers and plain clothes policeman had raided his house at 2:30 p.m. on August 8. He said the most difficult part of the ordeal was spending the first 14 days in an isolation cell 1.75 meters in length and three-quarters of a meter in width with no seat.” Praise God for the release of Faltas and Azzat. Pray for Christians in Egypt to remain faithful in their relationship with Jesus Christ despite being treated as second-class citizens.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:31

Pray for IRAN

IRAN Christian Couple Sentenced to be Whipped - Farsi Christian News Network
In July 2007, an Iranian Christian couple was sentenced by the Justice Court of Revolution to be whipped, two years after they were accused of attending a house church. According to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN), “The couple was arrested on September 21, 2005, by government agents. They had gathered in a house, in a town northwest of Tehran (gohar dasht) for their regular prayer and devotional time.” The FCNN reported, the woman was born into a Christian Assyrian-Iranian family, while the man converted to Christianity long before their marriage. Following the arrest in 2005, the couple was required to check in with authorities on a regular basis until the court decided their punishment. FCNN reported that on one occasion when the wife met with authorities, she was abused and decided not to return. According to FCNN, “After a few days, in September 2007, two female and four male agents went to this couple’s house and showed them a letter from the court saying they should execute the sentence of whipping right there in their house. This couple is under high mental pressure right now.” The Voice of the Martyrs is providing assistance to this couple. Pray for this couple and Christians in Iran who face great challenges because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask that the Holy Spirit will give them peace, health and protection during this difficult time.
Psalm 23; 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray for TURKEY

TURKEY Malatya Murder Trial Date Set - Compass Direct News
Malatya’s Third Criminal Court has set November 23 to open the trial of the confessed murderers of Turkish Christians, Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel, and a German Christian, Tilmann Geske. The three Protestant Christians were tortured and killed by having their throats cut on April 18 of this year in the Zirve Publishing Company’s office in the southern province of Malatya. Last week, all news about the pending trial in the Turkish press sensationalized justifications the killers offered for their crimes while under police interrogation, including far-fetched allegations against the victims. “It is clear from these statements of the suspects that there is some group of powerful influence behind them,” spokesperson Isa Karatas of the Alliance of Protestant Churches in Turkey told Compass. “These people want to portray Turkey’s Protestants as enemies of the nation.” Pray for justice in this case, but most importantly that the testimonies of the martyrs will draw nonbelievers into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray for the families of the slain believers.
Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 26:3

I originally listened to the sermon that I told you to listen to about four months ago at a time when I was really struggling with sin and despairing over my fight against it. I was growing weary of the battle and ready to just give up. There were days when I would find myself in deep despair, condemning myself over my inability to just stop sinning; knowing all the while that this is really an impossibility. Thanks to Phil and his sermon, I remembered that the fight is not mine alone, neither is it ever really lost unless I just give up and give in to my sins.

A couple of points on the sermon itself that I found interesting/uplifting/informative:

• The whole “controversy” surrounding whether this is Paul’s view as a Christian or prior to his conversion I never knew that there was another way to interpret this passage. I always just assumed that it was Paul’s post-conversion experience. This certainly fits with my experience as a Christian; not that I am anywhere near Paul’s league (he’s Major League and I’m not even tee-ball yet).

• The “reasons” why Christians struggle with sin Very concise and easy to remember and so darned obvious:

  1. Our desires are conflicted
  2. Our will is dysfunctional
  3. Our flesh is corrupted

What’s a fella to do?

So, how do we overcome sin? There is no magic formula, but there are a few things that we should think on that will help:

• “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” [Philippians 4:8, ESV] Meditate on His Word rather than filling your mind with things that are not worthy of attention.

• “²⁹ If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” [Matthew 5:29-30, ESV] Don’t put yourself into situations where you know that your are tempted to sin.

• Believe what God says; that includes both the promises of correction that He will give as well as the rewards.

• Acknowledge that God is your ultimate authority and that His will is supreme. You are not your own authority, neither is there any human authority higher than God.

• You can’t not sin.

• Don’t give up and give in.

The REAL Problem with Sin

Sin builds barriers. When we willfully continue in our sins, when we give up and give in, when we refuse to accept God’s authority in our lives barriers arise between us and God and between us and our loved ones. We withdraw into ourselves and descend into despair.

It is unfortunate that so few talk about sin today. We talk a lot about making “mistakes” or being victims of our upbringing or our society, but not nearly enough about our culpability in what we do. Sin separates. It separates us from others. It separates us from ourselves. And ultimately it separates us from God. You will find me talking a lot about sin and other topics that are related, such as authority. Why? Because it’s of eternal importance.

Everybody should listen to this sermon by Phil Johnson of Grace Community Church covering Romans 7:17-25 [ESV].

¹⁷ So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. ¹⁸ For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. ²⁰ Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. ²¹ So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. ²² For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, ²³ but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. ²⁴ Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

I would never ask you to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself, so I have listened to it twice (soon to be three times). Go, listen, I’ll be back with my thoughts when you’re done.

I have been thinking a lot about sin lately. Specifically I have been thinking a lot about why I sin. I echo Paul’s thoughts in Romans 7:17-19 [ESV] where he laments:

“¹⁷ So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. ¹⁸ For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”

The Question

Why do I sin? Why is it that I seem to struggle with the same sins over and over and over again? Why is it that, just when I think that I have gained mastery over one of my sins that it comes back and bites me in the tuchus?

The Answer (at least part of it)

¹² Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. ¹³ But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. [Hebrews 3:11-13; ESV]

I live under the sin and curse of unbelief. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in God. I know He’s there and I know that He will do what He says He will do. I know that He is the creator and sustainer of all life and that He sent His son to die and rise so that those who place their trust in him will live forever in heaven. I know all of that and I believe it. In my head. Where I stumble and where the root of all my sin and struggle lies is in my lack of trust in Him.

I find myself sinning for a couple of reasons; one is that I do not believe that God will do as He says, so I try to take matters into my own hands and the other is that I am angry with Him for not doing what I want Him to do so I sin to get back at Him . . . to punish Him. How childish. That is something I would expect from my three-and-a-half year old son, while I should clearly know better. (It amazes me how often I see myself reflected in my son, but that’s a story for another day.)

I know that there are other “causes” for my sin, but I also see that my unbelief is the greatest single contributor to my sinning.

The Resolution

This entry was inspired, in part, by this post by Tim Bayly, Pastor of the church we attend and I think he says it best:

The first step in that battle is to recognize God’s command that we believe, and to pray asking Him to give us what He commands. Remember the father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus to be healed? When the father approached Jesus, he expressed some hesitancy concerning whether or not Jesus could or would heal his son. Jesus answered him, “All things are possible to him who believes.” The boy’s father then responded with honesty and humility, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

The temptation in unbelief is to continue in it; to despair in never truly trusting. The good news is that God is faithful to His promises and will reward “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man” [James 5:16b; NKJV]. I know I will continue to struggle with unbelief, along with a host of other sins, but knowing where the battle lies is the first step in fighting it.

There has been considerable conversation in the comments of this post on the blog of our Pastor and his brother regarding death before sin. Not content to let sleeping dogs lie, David has tried to draw the controversy into a new post, but so far no one has taken the bait.

Yesterday I received the devotional below from The Institute for Creation Research which illustrates perfectly the problems with reinterpreting Genesis to fit an evolutionist worldview. If you reject the notion that only sin leads to death then, eventually, the entire message of the Gospel becomes irrelevant. Now this may not come immediately nor may it affect the faith of the one who believes in such things, but think of those they are passing those beliefs on to — why should they believe the message of the Gospel when the foundation of the Gospel is seen as being mere myth.

I encourage you to read the original posts and comments for a bit more background.

Death by Sin January 13, 2006

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).

This very important verse conveys several vital truths. First of all, death came into the world only when sin came into the world. Suffering and death of conscious life, whether animal or human, were not a part of God’s “finished” and “very good” creation (Genesis 1:31, 2:1-3). There was an abundance of food and all other provisions for both people and animals. There was certainly no “struggle for existence” or “survival of the fittest,” for every creature was created “fit” for its own environment.

When Adam sinned, however, it became necessary for God to bring the curse of decay and death not only upon Adam but also upon all his dominion (Genesis 3:17-20; see also Romans 8:20-22; I Corinthians 15:21-22).

Furthermore, there remains no warrant fo r the notion that “Adam” is simply a generic term representing the human race. He was “one man.” In fact, he was “the first man” (I Corinthians 15:45), and Eve was “the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). There was certainly no population of evolving hominids becoming “Adam.” In fact, Christ Himself made it clear that Adam and Eve were there “from the beginning of the creation” (Mark 10:6, quoting Genesis 1:27).

The entire argument here in Romans 5:12-21 becomes irrelevant if the Genesis record of the Creation and Fall of Adam did not happen precisely as recorded in Genesis 1-3, and this would mean that there is no reality in the saving work of Christ, either.

Such a rejection of the Christian faith is hardly warranted by the fragmentary fossils that have been alleged to support the notion of human evolution. No one should stake his eternal soul on such a will-o’-the-wisp as that! HMM