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Regions Christians killed for faith nearly doubled in 2013

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killed for faith

Killed for Faith

Rev. Faye Pama Musa, 52, was one of 2,123 Christians killed for faith, compared to 1,201 in 2012. More than half of those reported killings (1,213) occurred in Syria, followed by Nigeria (612) and Pakistan (88). (Courtesy: Open Doors)

Rev. Faye Pama Musa knew immediately why suspected Boko Haram militants burst into his home as his wife prepared dinner in the family’s northeastern Nigerian home. His stance against Christian persecution in the divided African nation had long made him a target.

Musa, who served as the general overseer of the Rhema Assembly International Church and secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno, saw the intruders near the front door of his home in Maiduguri as his wife, Mercy, prepped food. One of the couple’s daughters, Zion, had spotted the armed men just seconds earlier jumping a fence.

“Today you are a dead man,” one of the gunmen reportedly said on May 14 as he dragged Musa to the porch. “Call your Jesus to help you, Mr. CAN man!”

Zion Musa then begged the attackers to spare her father, a request met with a misfired bullet that caused her to faint. She survived but her 52-year-old father – a man who worked closely with Open Doors, a nondenominational group tracking persecuted Christians worldwide – did not.

Musa, according to the group, was one of 2,123 Christians killed for faith in 2013 due to their faith, compared to 1,201 in 2012. More than half of those reported killings (1,213) occurred in Syria, followed by Nigeria (612) and Pakistan (88).

But North Korea — a country of more than 24 million, with an estimated 300,000 Christians — remained the most dangerous country worldwide for Christians for the 12th consecutive year, followed by Somalia, Syria and Iraq.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Islamic extremism is the primary source of Christian persecution…[/pullquote]

“Like others in that country, Christians have to survive under one of the most oppressive regimes in contemporary times,” according to a release on the report issued Wednesday. “They have to deal with corrupt officials, bad policies, natural disasters, diseases, and hunger. On top of that, they must hide their decision to follow Christ. Being caught with a Bible is grounds for execution or a life-long political prison sentence. An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians live in concentration camps, prisons, and prison-like circumstances under the regime of leader Kim Jong-Un.”

A sub-Saharan African country — Somalia — was ranked second on the organization’s list the first time for people killed for faith. Islamic extremism is the primary source of Christian persecution in the country of more than 10 million and while the capital of Mogadishu is under more moderate Muslim control recently, converts from Islam are threatened with execution, sometimes by the al-Shabaab militant rebels.
“In Somalia, a Christian cannot trust anyone,” one Christian reportedly told an Open Doors researcher. “One false confidence and you literally lose your head.”

Syria, meanwhile, which had not previously cracked the group’s list of top ten most oppressive places for Christians, ranked third last year. Like in Somalia, Islamic extremism powered the prosecution, according to Open Door officials, and many towns that previously had large populations of Christians have become ghost towns.

“The face of persecution in Syria has changed,” the group’s World Watch List reads, adding that nearly half of rebels in Syria have a jihadist background. “The influence of these groups that are linked to Al Qaeda and other extremist factions has risen considerably in the past year.”
More than 80 percent of people worldwide identify with a religious group, according to 2011 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Of those, 2.2 billion, or 32 percent, identified themselves as Christians, followed by 1.6 billion Muslims (23 percent) and 1 billion Hindus (15 percent).

The survey also found that roughly 1.1 billion people, or 16 percent worldwide, have no religious affiliation, making that segment the third-largest religious group globally and roughly equal in size to the world’s Catholic population.
By Joshua Rhett Miller Published January 12, 2014, FoxNews.com

(Note: If you think Islam is a peace loving religion, you are out of your mind. They are told by Allah to kill all infidels, or make slaves of them. We will wait for Muslim outcry against their murder of Christians.)

THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE CHRISTIAN

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SEATED IN CHRISTThe security of the believer, in this dispensation, may be one of the most misunderstood subjects in Scripture. The evidence of that is that most Christians do not believe in eternal security. The fault may lie at the feet of the doctrine that all believers in all dispensations are saved by believing the same thing, and that eternal security is taught in all dispensations. It is not.
It is true that believers in other dispensations had security, but it was conditional, and was not eternal. One passage that should clear this up, and there are many, is found in the Hebrew epistles, is 2 Peter 2:20, 21. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” Also, while under the Law, Luke records, “The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.” Luke 12:46. Again, He is speaking of the end of the Tribulation. 
The difference is found in the position  one is placed who trusts Jesus as Savior in this dispensation. The book of Ephesians, and Colossians are two of the best examples. I will choose verses from Colossians that, hopefully, will help us understand this mystery, and eternal security.
Paul’s desire is that the Colossians would have “…full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge… 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Salvation is a work of the Trinity. However, all the attributes are placed by the Father in the Son to procure salvation, and exercise judgment. Consider the depth of verse 9. All that pertains to the Godhead dwells in Jesus Christ!

Secondly, every believer has been placed into Jesus Christ at the moment he believes. “10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (the baptism and the circumcision are both symbolized in His death and resurrection. There is no literal baptism or circumcision intended here) 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

The believer should read and re-read the above until he has knowledge and understanding of its import. 1. You are complete IN HIM. Now, what could be more complete than complete? 2. You are complete in Him who has power and position over all powers in heaven, earth, and hell. 3. The circumcision, baptism of Christ, in this context, is his nailing to the cross, His burial, and His resurrection. His “flesh” was cut off from the living, placed in the grave, and newness of life arose the third day! 4. Verse 15 states His open triumph over all principalities and powers. One of those powers was death. His resurrection gave the death blow to the serpent, sin, and death. Thus every Christian is IN HIM. After His victory, He ascended into heaven with every believer residing IN HIM. 

5. The church is the body of Christ. There are no religious ceremonies that add to that which is complete and perfect. “…the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.” Colossians 2:1-23.

6. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4. The believer is as eternally secure as the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not your faith, works, sincerity, or endurance that makes you eternally secure. It is ALL accomplished in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ! The wages of sin is death. The perfect Son of God paid the debt, conquered death, and reconciled us back to God.
7. The following sums it all up. “If ye then be risen with Christ, (and you are)…2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4.
What could be plainer than the above text? We are already in heaven, in Christ, who is in God! Christ is our LIFE. When He appears, we appear with Him in glory. The child of God should memorize this text, and then, regardless of circumstances, he will live in victory!

Saints in other dispensations had security, but only those in this dispensations have eternal security.

 

WHY THE IGNORANT HAVE BIBLEPHOBIA

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fear

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

Why the ignorant have Biblephobia. They fear the Bible because…

It declares there is an all wise, all powerful, all righteous God. Some of this is covered in the next paragraph. The Bible is the most loved book, and the most hated book in the world. It is loved by those who read and believe its pages. It is hated by those how fear it, and demonstrate that fear by ignoring it. An example, is of young man that I worked with. He said. “I don’t believe the Bible because it is filled with contradictions.” I looked him in the eye, and said, “Are you sure of that?” He was adamant in his answer. I pulled my Bible and said, “Can you show me just one?” He refused to touch the Bible, and hurried away from sight. So much for the scoffers, who hide behind false hopes that the Bible is untrue. That is just one in a hundred cases of Biblephobia.

It declares that man did not evolve upward, but that he fell downward, and continues that direction. Those with Biblephobia find some comfort in the delusion of evolution. If evolution be true, then there is no God. If no God, there is no such thing as sin and judgment. Thus, only superstition, and only the weak minds believe the Bible, and that there is an all knowing and powerful God. Such is the reasoning of men who possess Biblephobia. Did you ever give thought as to why the Bible is banned from all Communist countries? You think the leaders fear it’s competition? 

It declares that none are good. Here is the one Book that knows the truth about every person. If the eye is the mirror of the soul, and the Bible the mirror to the eye, what is reveals to man is more that he can behold. Makeup, such as rouge, lipstick, eye shadow, and false eyelashes are not reflected in God’s mirror. The reflection sees them not. It sees what is within. Once man comes to terms with the true state of his soul, he either turns to God, or recoils in Biblephobia.

It declares there’s only one way to be saved. Man cannot accept that there is only one way to be saved, and only one infallible Book. That goes against his pride and self-righteousness. He is not willing to be objective, or open minded on this subject. That would mean that he is lost. That, because of fear, causes him to have Biblephobia.

It declares the lost go to hell at death. Now, why would anyone love a book, or want to read it, when it reveals the final destination of all Christ rejecters to a place called hell? Jesus talked more about hell than He did the church, about loving your neighbor, or judging others. Hell is a real place. That is one reason men and women have Biblephobia.

The Bible is the only book on earth that reveals what the way, the truth, and life is. These three are all man needs, and they are demonstrated in Jesus Christ. Until man discovers the way, the truth, and the life, he is lost, and he will never discover these as long as he is paralyzed with Biblephobia.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 47

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REVELON BOOKAntichrist  is permitted to continue his reign for three and one-half years, after which, the Lord Jesus Christ will come and take the kingdoms of this earth to Himself. This fact is repeated throughout the book of Revelation. (See also Daniel 12:7; 11:12:6, 14; 17:10.)

 “And it was given unto him(Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  If any man have an ear, let him hear.  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”  (Revelation 13:7-10).

        The events here are at the three and one-half year point in the Tribulation. The Antichrist has been at war with the surrounding nations for the first three and one-half years and has ruled from Babylon (Isaiah. 14:4-17).  After he conquers the ten nations within the old Roman Empire and establishes his own kingdom, the eighth, (“And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition” (Revelation 17:11), He moves his capital from Babylon to Jerusalem. There he desecrates the temple, defies the God of heaven, and seeks to destroy all who serve God and Jesus Christ. (It is within his kingdom he attempts to force his mark on all)

 

        He turns his hatred on the Jewish saints within his kingdom, especially those in Jerusalem. He is permitted to overcome them and all others within his kingdom. (See verses 15, 16; Daniel 7:21; 8:24; 11:35-45; 12:1, 7; Matthew 24:15-22.) These passages confirm that the Jews are the objects of the Antichrist’s wrath, and that his activities will be confined to the area of the old Roman Empire.

 

        Those “…that dwell upon the earth…” are those dwelling within the conquered territory previously ruled by the Ten Kings. Statements like those in verses 7, 8, 16, and 17 lead many to believe that the Antichrist will rule every person on the planet, and that every person except believers will receive the mark of the beast, and those who do not will be killed. However, that is not, and could not be the case. If everyone on earth is killed, who refuses the mark, no one will be living at the Second Advent except those with the mark. These would all be destroyed with Antichrist.

 Although I do not agree with all Dake teaches, his answer to the subject at hand, seams the most accurate.  

        “All” and “every” does not always mean all without exception. It is a figure of speech called a synecdoche, where a whole is used for a part. We do the same when we say, “you always” or “you never” or “everybody is doing it…” Words like the above are used throughout Scripture. See Genesis 6:17 where it is said that God would destroy every living thing on the earth. However, we know that not everything with life was destroyed. In Joshua 6:21, we read that Joshua destroyed every person in the city, but we know that Rehab and all her family were spared. Again, in 2 Samuel 6:5 we are told “all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments…” You can be sure that not every person in Israel participated in this activity. (See also Matthew 3:5-6; Luke 2:1-4; Romans 1:8; 10:18; Colossians 1:23.)

        The critics of the Bible will see these as contradictions. They are not. They are simply figures of speech to emphasize a point. This is done throughout the Book of Revelation. A whole is given to stress a part.

  • “Fifteen proofs Antichrist will not reign over America or be a worldwide dictator:
  • Four statements in Rev. 13 have led some to believe that Antichrist will literally rule the whole world and cause every man on earth to take a mark or be killed. They are:
    • Power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations (Rev. 13:7)
    • All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (except Christians, Rev. 13:8)
    • He causeth all, both small and great … to receive a mark (Rev. 13:16)
    • No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, name, or number (Rev. 13:17). On the surface it might seem that these statements prove Antichrist will be a world ruler, killing all on earth who do not take his mark, name, or number. But, the contrary is true because “all” in these passages is simply a figure of speech — synecdoche — in which a whole is put for a part, as we would say, “Everyone in town,” or “the whole country.” If the United States would make a law that “all men” of all nations, and tongues must register on a certain day or be killed, we would naturally understand the law to apply only to all people of all nations and tongues who are under the government of the United States, not to the people of these nations and tongues who are under other governments. The word “all” is used in a limited sense hundreds of times in Scriptures (Gen. 6:17; Josh. 6:21-25; 2Sam. 6:5,15; 1Ki. 11:16-17; Mt. 3:5-6; Lk. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:8; 10:18; Col. 1:23; etc.).
    • Such terms as in Rev. 13 have been used of other rulers and kingdoms who did not literally rule the whole world. It was said of Nebuchadnezzar — Wheresoever the children of men dwell … hath made thee ruler over them ALL (Dan. 2:38). Of Greece — Which shall bear rule over ALL the earth (Dan. 2:39). Of Rome — Shall devour the WHOLE earth (Dan. 7:23-24). None of these kingdoms ruled the whole world.
    • Rev. 13 itself limits the kingdom of Antichrist to the 10 kingdoms that are yet to be formed inside the old Roman Empire territory (Dan. 7:23-24). The beast has only 10 horns, not 65, plainly teaching that a limited part of the earth will be under Antichrist (Rev. 13:1; 17:12-17).
    • Rev. 17:8-17 also limits the kingdom of Antichrist to the 10 kingdoms — the 10 horns … are 10 kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but received power as kings with the beast … these shall give their kingdom unto the beast.
    • In Dan. 7:7-8,23-24 we have the definite location of the future 10 kingdoms. They are to be inside (out of), not outside the old Roman Empire territory. America and many other lands were never a part of the old Roman Empire, so they will not be a part of the 10 kingdoms to be formed in the last days inside that empire. No country outside the 10 kingdoms will be ruled by Antichrist and no mark of the beast will be forced upon any man outside the kingdom of Antichrist.
    • In Dan. 9:27; 11:40-45 Antichrist breaks his 7-year covenant with Israel and takes over Palestine and many other countries, “but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon,” which would be modern Jordan and Arabia. If these countries escape Antichrist, these on the border of Palestine which does not escape him, then it is surely conceivable that many countries across the vast oceans will also escape him.
    • The nation of Israel escapes the Antichrist arriving safe in the wilderness of Edom and Moab where they are protected of God for 3 1/2 years, or during the time the whole world is supposed to be taking the mark of the beast (see pt. 10, The Sun-Clothed Woman)
    • In Dan. 11:44-45 it is stated that the countries north and east of the 10 kingdoms under Antichrist will make war on him. These countries too, then, are not ruled by him and are and are not therefore forced to take the mark.
    • In Rev. 16:13-16 we have 3 unclean spirits like frogs going forth working miracles through ambassadors thus seeking the cooperation of many nations to help Antichrist against Jesus Christ at Armageddon. These will not have been conquered by him or be under him or they would not have to be persuaded to help him at Armageddon. If he ruled them and they loved him enough to worship him and take his mark, such demonic ministries would be unnecessary.
    • In Rev. 13:4 we have proof that there are nations whom the Antichrist has not conquered. If there were no nations who were not under him it would be foolish to raise the question about who can conquer him.
    • In Rev. 14:9-11 it is stated that every man who does take the mark of the beast, or his name, or the number of his name, will be sent to eternal hell without exception. If, as some teach today, Antichrist will kill every man who does not take the mark of the beast, and if, as stated here, every man who does take it will be sent to eternal hell, there will not be one person left on earth to populate it in the Millennium and the New Earth. Thus, such a doctrine as Antichrist killing all on earth who do not take his mark and worship him is literally untrue.
    • The truth is that Antichrist will make a law that all in his 10 kingdoms must worship him and take his mark, but the law will not and cannot be literally enforced in such a vast territory in as short a time as 3 1/2 years. It would be impossible for one human Antichrist to contact every man in the whole world and to see that every man is killed who does not take his mark. To say that, he could be virtually teaching that one man can do more in 3 1/2 years than what God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, and all the redeemed people of over 1,900 years have been able to do. The gospel has been preached that long and still multiplied millions of people on earth have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. How could a new doctrine and a new religion of the beast be made known to all the world in 3 1/2 years? One reason why Antichrist cannot enforce such a law even inside the Roman Empire territory in 3 1/2 years is because of the wars between his 10 kingdoms and the many nations north and east of his empire (Dan. 11:44). These wars will keep him so occupied that he will not be able to pay full attention to the enforcement of his religious laws. Then, too, there will no doubt be ways of avoiding such laws in certain localities as there are concerning any other manmade law. Local officials, money, bribery, and many other things will enable some in his kingdom to escape literal compliance to such a law. Guerrilla warfare against Antichrist can be carried on in all parts of his kingdom, making it impossible to enforce such a law literally. Antichrist will come and go without millions of people in various parts of the earth knowing that he ever existed. This is true of Jesus Christ, and it will be true of Antichrist. Many peoples in the interior of certain lands do not yet know that there have been two world wars in a generation. Many do not know we have automobiles, airplanes, etc. The Bible teaches that in the Millennium Christ will be reigning in Jerusalem for some time before His agents contact certain peoples on earth and seek to bring them under His government (Isa. 2:2-4; 40:9; 52:7; 61:6; 66:18-21; Zech. 8:23; 14:16-21). So it will be in the days of Antichrist.
    • In Zech. 14:16-21 it is clear that many from every nation, even those that are under Antichrist, will be left alive on the earth in the Millennium. These will not take the mark of the beast. If so, they would be sent to eternal hell by Christ at His second coming. Since they are left to enter the Millennium, it is proof that every man on earth will not take the mark or be killed. For example, Egypt is spoken of in Dan. 11:40-45 as not escaping the Antichrist, but we find Egyptians left to enter the Milennium in Zech. 14:16-21. So it will be with many people of all the nations under Antichrist. Some will not take the mark or obey his law and yet escape death by him. Multitudes will be killed, but not all (Rev. 7:9-11; 14:13; 15:2-4; 16:2; 20:4-6).
    • In Mt. 25:31-46 we read of many of all nations that are called blessed of My Father who will inherit the millennial and eternal kingdom. These people will not take the mark of the beast or they would be sent to eternal hell, as stated in Rev. 14:9-11. The basis of the judgment of the nations here is their treatment of Israel. Such kind treatment of Israel could not be possible on the part of any nation if all were directly controlled by Antichrist.
    • The remnant of the woman in Rev. 12:17 escape the mark of the beast and the worship of Antichrist. This is made possible by new wars in the north and east of his kingdom, forcing him to let them alone for the time being so as to conquer these new enemies. The ministry of the two witnesses helps protect them the last 3 1/2 years. Then when Antichrist conquers his enemies after nearly 3 1/2 years of war he gathers his forces against the Jews to destroy them. He is defeated by Jesus Christ at Armageddon before he even takes all of Jerusalem, which by some means has been suddenly delivered from Antichrist and is back in Jewish hands (Zech. 14:14-15).” Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments of the Authorized or King James Version Text.

        In verse 9 the readers are warned to hear. This is the same warning given to the seven churches to which the Revelation is sent. The seven churches are still present at this point in the Tribulation.

 

MUST A PERSON REPENT TO BE SAVED?

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 Saving Faith and Repentance

MUST A PERSON REPENT TO BE SAVED

BY Ken Blue

Certainly, there’s no shortage of Scripture on the subject of repentance. The shortage appears to be in the understanding of where, and how the word is used in Scripture. Strictly speaking, one may repent and still not be saved. Yes, repentance is a vital part of salvation. However, we discover that after we are saved, we spend the rest of our life repenting.

Now, in the matter of salvation, faith and repentance are just two sides of the same coin. Repentance is a “change of mind.” The Bible says God repented. “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” Jonah 3:10.  When God saw their repentance, He also repented! They turned and God turned. So, repentance is a change of mind that parallels turning.

When a person puts his faith in Jesus, he is believing. By believing he changed his mind about two things. One, he needed a Savior, and two, Jesus would save him. The Holy Spirit moves in and through the Word, begins a process we call Christian growth. Not all believers grow at the same pace, and it is a day by day decision. Paul said, “I die daily…”

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The longer you are saved, the more you understand that your problem is not your sins, but a sinful heart![/perfectpullquote]

I never tell a person he must repent, or turn from his sins. It only frustrates the grace of God, and leaves the convert confused. One person sows, another waters, but God gives the increase. Why not trust Him to bring about the change in the new born? When a sinner exercises saving faith, he is repenting! I think it is safe to say, in the context of saving faith, that faith is a synonym for repentance.

I never worry about the sinners’ repentance. I have discovered, once he believes in his heart, he has taken the first step of repentance. He will find that it is a lifelong process after that. Is there anything in your life, right now, of which you need to repent? The longer you are saved, the more you understand that your problem is not your sins, but a sinful heart! I know from personal experience.