Persecution: seek it out or accept where you are?
Boova argues believers should expect persecution in some form and cites Luke 6, Matthew 10 (standing before governors), and 2 Timothy ("all who wish to live a godly life will be persecuted"); a joke about "Xmas" vs. "Christmas" as persecution is shot down. Ben recounts children beheaded for refusing to renounce Christ ("we love Yeshua"), the martyrdom of Polycarp's rebuke of those who seek martyrdom, and argues for obedience over bravery: do what God tells you where He tells you, and accept the consequences. He closes by recommending Voice of the Martyrs as a reminder that persecuted Christians are family.
More on Missions
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The persecuted church and Western comfort
- What does biblical faith (pistis) mean: belief without proof, or belief because you saw?
The hosts work through a 2021 list of the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to follow Jesus, noting that 13 Christians are killed for their faith every day, with North Korea…
From No. 422 · Jesus, Technology and Persecution
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Reaching 'unsaved Christians': the Bible Belt article
- What are good starting points for a spiritual conversation with a cultural Christian?
The hosts work through the Christianity Today article 'to reach unsaved Christians, first help them get lost': a pastor's parking-lot epiphany that the Bible Belt — where people…
From No. 364 · Golden Calf Purity Rings
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Do we misunderstand 'unreached people'?
- Is redefining 'unreached people' to include our neighbors hampering international missions?
The hosts discuss a Christian Post article reporting that mission alliances worry Christians now define 'unreached' as their unbelieving neighbor, which — the article claims — is hampering funding for truly unreached people groups (tribes in Sudan, Malawi, the pygmies).
From No. 338 · Following the News
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What's happening: Ebola missionaries - how far is too far?
- How far is too far for a Christ-follower to go in helping people who are infectious, when it could endanger their family or country?
Dan (addressed by name) presents the news: missionaries infected with Ebola in Liberia are back in the US in quarantine, and some fear an outbreak.
From No. 201 · As We Are