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  The arrests in Xinjiang portray the expected treatment of believers as per Jesus, John 13:16, 15:18-20 and Peter 1st Peter 2:20-21. 

  What concerns me is ’our’ American reaction to these types of events. Clearly Jesus told us as a warning concerning these days, ’Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves…’ Matt.10:16-23. Somehow western Christians have an idea that these warnings that run throughout Scripture are not meant for us. Those who follow Jesus outside of the US expect the ’promises’ spoken about in the earlier mentioned Scriptures. As one who has been in China and the Middle East and looked into the eyes of those in those lands hearing their words and the reactions to such actions towards them are not get us out of here this is unfair, against my rights, or that type of repose - which is seen in the report. Yes, the suffering and injustice is real! However, the ’full’ Gospel gets preached in these lands (where this is happening the ’Church’ has the most growth and strength - wonder why?) and they understand fully the Master’s words if they treat Me in this way they will treat you this way also because no servant is greater then his Master… John 15:20.

  We live in a land of ’rights’ we claim Scripture’s ‘promises’ - somehow we seem to over look these! Before Christ’s return the whole Earth will rise up against us/ our time will come in this nation and no amount of appealing to ’rights’ or ’justice’ will change the coming future - ’And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.’ - Jesus. 

  Peter says just before explaining that Christ’s suffering is our example that we find favor with Yahweh if unjustly treated we ’bear up under the suffering’ 1st Peter 2:18- 19. He later says, ’… do not be surprised…, 1st Peter 4:12f. Our brothers and sisters outside of this country are not surprised, are we?

Pastor Art         

Hi PA,

Welcome to Christians Unite.

I don't think that any here are surprised about the events that we are seeing today. We are told it will happen and we know that God does not lie. This does not mean however that we should just let it all happen. We need to continue to fight the good fight, enduring against evil to the end.

I might have misunderstood what you're saying but the country that earth will rise against is israel, not United States

I believe that you misunderstood, David. He is saying that the entire world will rise against Christians, God's people. This is a true statement.

Welcome Pastor Art to Christians Unite.

I loved the post and reminder that what is going on the world today is just continued evidence that Jesus will be returning. 

I look forward to more insightful words brother.  And I do hope that you enjoy the stay.

yes I did misunderstand

Hello Pastor Art, and welcome to Christians Unite forum.

This is no suprise for me, it has weighted heavily on my heart for years.  All I can do, is what I have been doing...... Praying

We also have a few folks here from some of these countries here.  I pray for them daily, that Jesus holds them safe in his arms.  I know that, I have lost one missionary in Nigera.

Thanks for the welcome, you all.

As we look across the landscape of the world, as many of you said, prayer becomes the response not as a last resort, I hope, but as the norm as we ponder our brothers and sisters. Paul reminds us that we experience the experiences of the whole Body weeping AND rejoicing, this I have not forgot. I think living in this country, (I am glad there are contributors beyond the American shores!) many forget or are not exposed to the weeping of His Body.  Oh, and yes I was talking about the Body not the US. Bless you guys.

Pastor Art