Propagation of the Gospel
There are many countries where either there are laws against being a Christian or there is severe social activism (i.e. persecution) against those who convert to Christianity or publicly declare Christian beliefs.
These places, and certainly the Christians who live, work, and minister in these places, are in definite need of the church's prayers. And let this not in the least sound trite (Lord knows the day may be quickly approaching when this is the same situation in America); but to all those in Christ who have been providentially placed in these areas or have been called to serve in these areas - it is their Christian privilege and responsibility to continue declaring the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:29-30) - even in the face of persecution (against societal norms) or in the face of government sanctions (against legal norms).
What else did Peter and the apostles mean when they said, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29)?
Now, certainly if the government was a just government, not only would there be no law against Christianity, but the laws would protect Christians against societal persecution. And if the society was a righteous society they would not in the least persecute those who profess the gospel of our Lord.
But even if there is no law against being a Christian, yet there remains societal persecution, it is the privilege and responsibility of the Christians there to keep the faith and to continue in the work of the church (Heb. 10:32-35; 1 Pet. 2:19-21ff; 1 Pet. 4:12-16).
And even if there is no societal persecution, yet there are laws against Christianity (or there are societal persecutions along with laws against Christianity), it is the privilege and responsibility of the Christians there to continue proclaiming the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 26:29).
Whatever the case, when it comes to making disciples of all nations, "We must obey God rather than men"!
These places, and certainly the Christians who live, work, and minister in these places, are in definite need of the church's prayers. And let this not in the least sound trite (Lord knows the day may be quickly approaching when this is the same situation in America); but to all those in Christ who have been providentially placed in these areas or have been called to serve in these areas - it is their Christian privilege and responsibility to continue declaring the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:29-30) - even in the face of persecution (against societal norms) or in the face of government sanctions (against legal norms).
What else did Peter and the apostles mean when they said, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29)?
Now, certainly if the government was a just government, not only would there be no law against Christianity, but the laws would protect Christians against societal persecution. And if the society was a righteous society they would not in the least persecute those who profess the gospel of our Lord.
But even if there is no law against being a Christian, yet there remains societal persecution, it is the privilege and responsibility of the Christians there to keep the faith and to continue in the work of the church (Heb. 10:32-35; 1 Pet. 2:19-21ff; 1 Pet. 4:12-16).
And even if there is no societal persecution, yet there are laws against Christianity (or there are societal persecutions along with laws against Christianity), it is the privilege and responsibility of the Christians there to continue proclaiming the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 26:29).
Whatever the case, when it comes to making disciples of all nations, "We must obey God rather than men"!