Underground churches
Being persecuted for one’s Christian faith is not something new, but has been going on since the time of the first Christians. In many places around the world today, Christians are persecuted because of their faith. They get to secretly meet others of the same faith in different types of places. They are the underground church today. Many times they risk imprisonment, torture or death. As a Christian, you must be prepared for suffering for your faith.
“For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,” Philippians 1:29
But, in many parts of the world we have freedom of religion, for example in Europe. The Christians are not persecuted in Europe today. They may be ridiculed but not physically attacked, with some exceptions.
But, the church in Europe is unfortunately many times like an underground church. Hardly anyone notices us. We make no impact on our surroundings at all. It may be due to not being willing to leave the comfort zone, fear of man, sin, selfishness and so on.
”He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved. But he who does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” After the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God. Then they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20
Gospel means good and happy news and it is about what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has done for us humans through His death and resurrection from the dead. This message is the most powerful, best and most important message out there. Behind the gospel is God Himself who backs up this message.
The first Christians preached Jesus everywhere and Jesus worked with them and mighty things happened. The first Christians were also persecuted for their faith, but that did not stop them.
It is time for the silent, self-absorbed church in Europe that mostly has some kind of survival mentality to take up the mission that Jesus gave to the Christians. We are called to preach the gospel so that people can be saved for eternity. The assignment is great and extremely important. It is about whether people will spend eternity in heaven or hell. Jesus wants to save every person, but we are the ones who need to tell it.
“For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:13-14
You can preach in town, to your neighbor, through tracts, books or through the Internet or other means. Take your personal responsibility. It is a privilege to spread the gospel in the name of Jesus. Expect Jesus to walk with you and understand that both miracles and opposition are biblical.
Christians in Europe, come out of your hiding places.
God bless you.