FEATURES
- “Persecution in the Past: The Seed of the Church,”
by Diane Leclerc
Throughout history, the blood of martyrs has provided the seed for the promise of the Church of Jesus Christ: “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, KJV).
- “The New Persecution: Confronting the Terror,” by David M. Best
In the face of rising religious terrorism, the Church must form a response true to the Suffering Servant under whose banner she marches.
- “The Persecution Paradox,” by A. Brent Cobb
Danger and worship, risk and evangelism, suffering and joy—these are the powerful ingredients of Christ’s Church under persecution.
- “Changing the World from the Kneeling Position,” by Nina G. Gunter
From nations that offer freedom of worship and the security of our churches, we recoil in horror at the truth of devastating torture and persecution of Christians worldwide. Yet there is something we can do—and it begins in the kneeling position.
- “Grace Under Pressure,” by Jan Simonson Lanham
Are there truths that the persecuted church remembers that the protected church might do well to recall?
COLUMNS
- Essay: “Can’t
Nobody See?” by Lawrence W. Wilson
Christians are often the least attuned to suffering. Many of us, it seems, do not wish to be reminded of the poverty and pain that are life’s daily experience for most of the 6 billion people with whom we “share” the planet.
- Editor's Forum: This month’s forum answers questions about being a “daughter of Sarah” and the designation of faith promise funds.
- Passport: “Leading by Example,” by Carmen J. Ringhiser
As he puts words into action, follows through with plans, and refuses to settle for mediocrity, Scoffield Eversley is a mentor worth emulating.
- Portraits: “Larry Will: Listening to the Directions,” by Dean Nelson
Prophetic voices in Larry’s life have come to him at specific crossroads where he needed direction or confirmation of direction.
- The Deeper Way: “A View from the Mountain,” by Stan Toler
Look down across the valleys, and you will see that God has kept His word. He has forgiven. He has healed. He has blessed.
- Change Agent: “Choosing Not to Forget,” by Jon Johnston
Persecuting nations and their cruelties seem remote to us—as do their victims. . . . Could this be why we do so little on their behalf?
- Family Tree: “Wardrobe Wars,” by Leola Floren
My daughter emerged in cargo pants and a black hooded sweatshirt. Let’s just say that if she strolled into a 7-Eleven after midnight while you were buying milk, you’d put your hand over your wallet.
- Commission: “Is There
Not a Cause?” by W. Talmadge Johnson
Although more than 19 centuries have passed since the deaths of Stephen and Paul, believers in this “enlightened age” are still being persecuted, and in greater numbers than can be imagined.
- Holiness: “Why Does Holiness Matter?,” by Gordon J. Thomas
God wants holiness here and now in those who claim to be His children.
NEXT MONTH – Compassion Without Credentials
- “Laypersons Don’t Lie
Down!” by Fletcher L. Tink
Ministry knows no lines of demarcation. Without credentials or commission, laypersons have refashioned the church from the bottom up through innovative, energetic, selfless compassion. The results are never “ordinary.”
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