I have heard a number of sermons on this subject. It takes a new and deeper revelation when you live in a country that persecutes the church.
In the country of Belarus, which is a part of the Former USSR located in Eastern Europe, persecution is on the rise. During Soviet times the persecution was out in the open and very brutal.
When perestroika came, it seemed that all the problems with the government suppressing the church were gone. That has not been the case.
The increasing persecution has been gradual but growing in intensity. It seems that the greatest pressure is on the Charismatic church.
The government has instituted new laws that will not allow any church organization to rent government-owned buildings. Since nearly all the auditoriums are owned by the government, the church has no place to meet.
The new law is strictly enforced when it comes to the Charismatic church. The Baptist and Pentecostal churches are not nearly as affected.
The city of Minsk, which is the capital of Belarus, has an organized Full Gospel Union and three of its larger churches hold over 500 members. You can imagine having that many people in your church and nowhere to meet.
Stay And Grow Stronger
As seen in church history, when it comes to persecution of the church, there will be some members that fall away but the ones that stay grow stronger and more committed. God can certainly use governments that are not godly. We have seen and read about this many times.
One strong Old Testament example is the government during Daniel's time. God used these leaders to perform his plan. This was not automatic though. Take a look at the book of Daniel chapters 9 and 10. It took much praying to put God's plan into action.
As we pray New Testament prayers for God's plan for the Nations, we can't allow ourselves to slip into selfish or unscriptural prayers.
As for me, my flesh wants to pray, "God get rid of this ungodly president." In contrast my spirit says, "Pray for the leaders, pray the Word, pray in love and bind the enemy." First Timothy 2:1-3 says,
First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, for Kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that outwardly we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life and inwardly a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. For such praying is good and right, and it is pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior.
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Jim ministers with an emphasis on teaching and facilitating unity among believers. For many years now his heart has been stirred to serve the Lord abroad with a calling to the Russian-speaking people wherever they may be. Jim has helped many in this people group to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him. Jim has also worked in the Far East of Russia. There he assisted the Christian churches in the areas of growth and unity by giving counsel conducting seminars and leadership schools.
