I recently watched the movie about the end of the apostle Paul’s life called, “The Apostle Paul”, which just came out on DVD. Although I usually like action and sci-fi movies a lot, this film was captivating to me for a number of other reasons. One of the main things that struck me was being reminded of people from the time of Christ paying a great price for their faith. Most Americans don’t really relate to suffering for their faith because in America we may possibly get ridiculed for our belief, but rarely do we pay any significant loss of property or bodily harm. There are exceptions, but few.
I have had the privilege of traveling to many countries were persecution was both real and tangible. I have had the opportunity to fellowship and work with such amazing people who were literally ready to die for their faith. On one occasion I had the opportunity to meet Richard Wurmbrand who was tortured for his faith in a Romania prison multiple times. Each time he was released from prison, he was warned not to speak about Jesus. Upon his release each time, he was compelled to share the gospel which he had staked his life on. Upon talking with him one afternoon, I asked him how he endured such persecution and torture. Here is a brief description of who this remarkable man was:
After enduring 14 years of Communist imprisonment and torture in his homeland of Romania, he is widely recognized there as one of the country’s greatest Christian leaders, authors and educators.
As co-founders of The Voice of the Martyrs, Pastor Wurmbrand and his wife traveled throughout the world establishing a network of more than 30 offices that provide relief to families of imprisoned Christians in Islamic nations, Communist nations and other countries where Christians are persecuted because of their faith. His message has been, “Hate the evil systems, but love your persecutors. Love their souls, and try to win them for Christ.”
Pastor Wurmbrand wrote numerous books, which have been translated into more than 70 languages. He has been labeled at various times by Christian leaders as “The Voice of the Underground Church” and “The Iron Curtain Paul.”
I think it is important for those of us who are not persecuted for our faith like Pastor Wurmbrand, to remember we are all responsible to live our lives for the love of God as he did. All to often American Christianity is depicted as a simple belief about a gracious God. Although this is partly true, it in no way reflects the true meaning of the gospel and Christian message. True biblical Christianity is one that embraces not only the sacrifice of Christ for our sins but also the transformation of our lives. True transformation is not happening if our confessed salvation is self-center and only about dealing with our guilty conscience. Let me use the scripture to paint a simple explanation what I think is Biblical Christianity. I could not possibly include all the teaching of Jesus or Paul on the subject, but will relate to a few core examples of what Paul and Jesus taught on experiencing a saving knowledge and experience in God.
1) We Know What Love is by How God Gave – Love truly defined
Philippians 2:1-8
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
[3] Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. [5] Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. [8] Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Romans 5:6-8
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2) We Should Be Learning How Not To Live – Our experience should be constantly changing.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Whatever we do, it is because Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. [15] He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them.
Philippians 3:7-9
I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. [8] Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ [9] and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God’s law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
3) We Should be Developing Kingdom Thinking & Living – To live like Jesus lived.
Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:45-46
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Mark 10:20-23
Rich Young Ruler story – And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
This last illustration of what is implied in being “Born Again” reflects a “Sold Out” perspective – Realizing that to have Christ and his forgiveness means making everything else in life secondary in one’s life.
Seeing this movie reminds me that I agreed to live for God when I accepted his sacrifice through Christ. No matter what comes my way in life I need to be reminded of this, lest I compromise my faith and my relationship to God.
Questions:
Have you forgotten what you agreed to in becoming a Christian? Renew that agreement today.
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to fill you with faith to walk out that commitment? He can right now.
May we all recommit our hearts to live for Jesus.
Pastor Dale
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