The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sings a song that says,
Take up your cross and follow Jesus
Take up your cross every day
Don’t be ashamed to say that you know Him
Count the cost, take up your cross and follow Him
Twenty one Coptic Christians gave their lives for that Cross this weekend. Who are the Coptic Christians?
Coptic just means Egyptian. Christians that live in Egypt call themselves Coptic Christians. Going back to the Apostolic Period, they come from the city of Alexandria. They call John Mark (who wrote the Gospel of Mark) their founder, and first martyr. He arrived in Alexandria A.D. 42.
Copts in Egypt make up the largest Christian community in the Middle East. The term comes from the Greek description of the Egyptian population in Roman Egypt. After the Muslims conquered Egypt, it then just applied to those Egyptians following the Christian faith.
Persecuted for centuries, they are no strangers to martyrdom.
Regardless of what the President of the United States prefers to call them, they weren’t beheaded because they were Egyptian citizens or Innocents. They were killed because they were Christians. The Islamic terrorists are members of the self-named Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This is simple, elementary education.
Islamic militants are murdering Christians because of their faith.
The Bible speaks of these things coming to pass again. Of course there was persecution during the period of the Apostles and the beginning of The Church and the Bible tells us that it will increase as the second coming of our Lord draws near.
“…This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4.
That is the problem with so many Christians around the world. It’s not just specific to America. We are being lulled to sleep. We continue on as we have always done, eating, drinking, etc., as the Bible points out, and if we are not careful, that day will come upon us unaware.
“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9.
We are not children of darkness! We are sons and daughters of the light! Paul urges us here to not sleep but to be alert and self-controlled. How do we do that? Put on love and faith as a breastplate, protecting our heart and the hope of salvation as a helmet, protecting our minds!
It will be very easy, in this evil day, to be so filled with anxiety and the cares of this life that we become distracted from our purpose and distracted from our Source of Life itself. This is so dangerous. We must be connected to HIM, to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, if we are to stand in this wicked hour.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, (overindulgence) drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 NIV.
Close unexpectedly on us like a trap. That is explicit and precise, friends. The Word of God says it will come upon all who live on the face of the earth…this means us! Whether it is ISIS at our doorstep or persecution in another form, we will face difficulty unless the Lord comes for His Bride beforehand.
‘To escape all that is about to happen’ doesn’t necessarily mean we will be exempt from suffering. I believe it means if we KNOW Him, if we are filled with His Spirit, no matter what comes our way we will escape by being rewarded with eternal life and be able to stand before Him in glory. The thief on the cross was not relieved of his immediate suffering but the Lord did tell him, “…Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 ESV.
Whether we die the death of a martyr, or are caught away with Him in the air, we will escape!
We win regardless, we will then be able to stand before the Son of Man; not with fear or dread, but with hope and joy to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
So have you counted the cost? Are you awakened out of sleep? Do you realize it is high time that we commit to the work of the Lord? No matter what it is He has called us to do, He has commanded us all to share this Gospel of Truth and Hope. Paul warns us that “…now it is high time to awake out of sleep ; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” Romans:13:11.
Jesus Christ is alive, He is risen and He is coming again. While we are here on this earth, He has sent the Comforter, Christ IN us, our Hope of Glory that will keep us, strengthen us and perfect us for every good work.
Be encouraged today of the Hope that lies within you but do not forget your Christian brothers and sisters around the world that are facing imminent danger and extinction at the hands of their persecutors. The enemy is no respecter of persons, friend. Faces and names mean nothing and they will stop at nothing until Jesus comes again. (Just since this was posted early this morning (2/17/15) there has been another report of ISIS burning to death 45 people in al-Baghdadi. These are atrocities that we are aware of.)
But I believe in an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these last days! We share with churches every week, teaching them how to be able to accommodate the revival that God wants to give us.
May we all count the cost now and unite together to see as many as possible are ready to meet Him and, if that day comes, to lay down their lives for His Name.
“For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22:21.
Living in the Hope!
Don’t forget your copy of The Daniel Fast, A Devotional. Great for ANY FAST or prayer journey. On Amazon in paperback and Kindle and Barnes and Noble too! Be blessed!
Sharing with Titus 2sdays, Testimony Tuesday, Tell Me a True Story, RaRa Linkup, Moms Library, Wedded Wednesday, Wholehearted Wednesday, A Little R & R, Works for me Wednesday, Women with Intention, Three Word Wednesday, Homemaking Party, Thought Provoking Thursday, House to Home, Intentional Family Fun, Friendship Friday, Grace & Truth, Fellowship Fridays, Dance with Jesus, Faith Filled Friday, Everyday Jesus
Thank you for this Nanette. These are wise and valuable words. This broke my heart when I heard this news. I love this line: “We continue on as we have always done, eating, drinking, etc., as the Bible points out, and if we are not careful, that day will come upon us unaware.” We are so easily caught up in our own words, but we must walk aware and with God. I cheer you from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith!
Visiting you via #DanceWithJesus today 🙂
My heart has been overwhelmed with the news of our persecuted brothers and sisters overseas. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the subject, Nannette. Thought provoking post!
God bless,
Tina
My heart hurts over this as well and it hurts even more to see America headed down the path we’re headed down. You are right: we are lulled to sleep and it’s time to wake up! Oh church, let’s arise! Thanks for linking up at Grace and Truth
Such a great post! My heart has been breaking over all that is going on. At the same time, I ask myself if I would be faithful, should I be in the same situation as those who are being murdered for their faith. I pray I would. Until that time comes, our job as members of the body of Christ is to pray and share about Jesus. Stopping by from #GraceTruth. Pinning your post!
Amen, Donna. We must pray for those affected. It’s so sad!! God help us all and the Bible says we would pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”
Nannette, thanks for your powerful reminder! It’s so easy to think it couldn’t happen here and just refuse to think about it because it’s so disturbing. But we must remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ. While this kind of persecution isn’t here YET, let’s be willing to stand at those times when it’s just not comfortable, expedient, or politically correct. Blessings my sister!
I don’t read too much news either Judith. So many viewpoints and untruths that it is frustrating beyond words. We need to pray!! I need to pray!! So blessed to know you are reading my book. I am truly humbled friend. I hope you can’t tell too much that it is my very first, lol. Much love to you! ♥
Wonderful thoughts Beth. We must pray for the families of all involved. So tragic. I can’t fathom the hatred and lack of any respect for human life. Heartbreaking! Yes, we are stateside right now! Traveling and ministering most weekends. I think we will be in the St Louis area again in the next couple of weeks. One of these days I’m gonna look you up for coffee! ♥
Like so many others, I was absolutely devastated when this hit the news. Those images flash before my eyes often. They are incredibly disturbing. As you said, we are not promised there will not be struggles in this life. It’s part of living in this broken world. But this: “Whether we die the death of a martyr, or are caught away with Him in the air, we will escape!” Yes we will, and we can take comfort there.
“My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment within, my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed” Lam 2:11.
Yes, this is how I feel. Have you read my post A Cry For Revival. You may have, but I can’t remember at this time. If not check it out here. http://somuchathome.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-cry-for-revival.html
Keep writing such great posts and spreading the word.
God bless.
These horrific atrocities at the hands of ISIS and other terrorist groups break my heart. I’ve been praying that God would bind the hand of these evil men and stop them from further destruction and murder. But I need to remember to also pray for the Christians and other victims of these perverse and vile men. I’m certain the families affected by these murders are grieving and terrified. Lord, I pray that Your comfort and presence would be felt mightily by all who live near and are impacted by these terrible terrorists. Show Your power and might and protecting those in danger and imprisoning those who seek to kill and destroy! Thanks so much, Nannette for this inspiring call to action! I do hope you are doing well as well. Stateside?
I really appreciated reading about this from your perspecfive and not CNN which I don’t read. I have been reading hour book on the way to church each Sunday.
I keep re-reading Isaiah 19, which is an”oracle concerning Egypt” & ends with an alliance between Israel, Egypt, & Assyria…”a blessing in the midst of the earth”. Egypt will be God’s people, verse 25. There is so much hope in these verses, which I believe God pointed out to me in a unique way, a week before the tragedy. I’ve been praying Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me & I will answer & show you great & mighty things which you do not know.” In January, I didn’t really hear from the Lord on “one word”, but this verse from Jeremiah kept coming to mind over & over, so I’ve been “praying” it every time I think of it. God is amazing! I know we live in very dark times, but I think God wants us to keep an eternal perspective as well, He is GOOD & it all turns out GOOD in the end! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
Oh yes Candace Jo…can’t think of much else this week.
The contrast of light and dark is so present in our world. Thanks for being part of the light. I’m glad you linked up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Yes it can certainly happen here in America, Hazel. I agree. I pray it keeps us close to Him! Blessings, friend!
No problem!! So happy you were able to “push through” today 🙂 Blessings!
Good thoughts Andrew! I totally agree with you that not all Muslims are terrorists and many condemn these acts, but also realize what the Qu’ran teaches about “infidels” and these people committing these atrocities are doing it in the name of Allah. I understand these things must come to pass and we must be strong, full of faith in Jesus Christ and leading as many as we can into Truth. I join with you in prayer today, friend. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
Great post…but I think we might need to be careful, since the vast majority of Muslims hate the extremists as much, or more than we do.
The actions of ISIS, the Taliban, and Al-Qaeda are very far from the Qu’ran; they are a perversion of Wahhabi sect’s teachings, but take a hard turn into criminality. The apparent support they’ve garnered is through intimidation.
As Christians, we don’t share the same beliefs, but we share the same planet, and we’ve got to give the Muslims…who are the majority if the terrorists’ victims – our love and prayers.
Thank you for this thought provoking post, may we all be challenged by it. I want to apologise for not being able to comment on your earlier posts that you linked up with Good Morning Mondays. It just didn’t seem to work. Thank you for challenging us all. Blessings
Thinking back, I remember telling my Sunday School Class of Juniors, If you were threated with death unless you denied Jesus, what would you do? If you denied Him, you might live a few years – maybe, but if you were killed for your faith, you would immediately be with Jesus in Heaven. What could be so bad about that? We think it cannot happen here in America, but truth is America is getting closer to these beheadings happening on our soil. Makes us think and keep close to Jesus. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Oh Kia, I am the simple minded! It was certainly just a little bit of history, so much more to the persecuted Christians around the world today. I cannot fathom the hatred within some but I know it is real and we must be prepared for whatever might come upon us. Yet, we have a great hope!! A hope “beyond this veil of tears” and I am looking to see many come to the Lord in these last days. Blessings!
Me too Mary! We can’t hide our light and we cannot be ashamed of the Cross. We are certainly not exempt from coming persecution yet we need not be afraid because of the Hope that is within us! I am looking for mighty endtime revival and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these last days. Look up, for our redemption draweth nigh. ♥
Wow! The song is beautiful and your words are so important. I am trying to wrap my brain around all that has been happening in our world but this has gripped me tightly and I know that who I am now needs to be shown to others. No more hiding in fear, no more dancing around the messiness that needs to be addressed. Thank you for stepping out and sharing and I pray that we all may count the cross now and join together to shine brightly for God. Blessings!
Nannette, thank you for breaking it down for the simple minded 🙂 I did not know what Coptic meant nor the history behind it. Your bold truth-telling post gives me chills. It is so true but I get caught up in the here and now – all wound up in a lot of stuff that doesn’t matter. Thank you for this very vivid reminder about the end times and our responsibility as believers. Be blessed!