Greg: "On Being Free"
Posted by Martha & Greg Singleton , Sunday, March 4, 2012 5:36 AM
Today, across the country, millions of Americans will worship freely in sanctuaries, auditoriums and homes. In Iran, though, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani sits in a prison cell, not certain of what this day or the next few weeks will bring. His wife and kids wait at home. His congregants wait prayerfully, and wonder if they might be next to be arrested.
Thankfully, our Congress and our President are applying appropriate pressure on the Iranian government. And. we have been joined by other nations and individuals who realize the injustice and the persecution is not acceptable.
Many of our brothers and sisters around the world face the same oppression as Pastor Nadarkhani. As free believers, we have the responsibility to pray for them, talk about them, remember them.
"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."
Matthew 5:10-12
