I recently did a post about the growing trend of supporting and joining the killing fields in the middle east. There is an ever growing number of those from the west calling themselves Christians who are supporting and even calling for killing in the name of Christianity. Is this what we are suppose to do? Is this commanded by Jesus? Yes, we can defend ourselves, but to be a crusader that backs and supports killing is another matter all together. Yesterday, on a Christian site, I read a piece titled, “Christian Militia teaches ISIS a lesson.” It literally sent chills down my spine. This is not about a re-birth of the crusades, this is not about imitating a Roman Emperor (Constantine). This is not about keeping score or revenge. God say’s ‘Vengeance is mine.’ This is about watching 1/4 of the world’s population as they are slaughtered and tortured.
Today while reading the news about the American aide worker captured and beheaded by ISIS (his identity has not been confirmed), I felt what everyone feels—sadness, anger, rage even, but I also feel what he felt. Below is a quote from Peter Kassig in an interview he did about his work and why he felt compelled to do it.
“It’s about showing people that we care, that someone is looking out for those who might be overlooked or who have slipped through the cracks in the system for whatever reason.”
He started his own organization 2 years ago and traveled to Syria out of love to provide aid (food, clothing, and medical assistance) to the suffering people of the war in Syria. His Mother is calling for restraint in the media. She does not wish for the hostage takers to use anything that would further their cause. I couldn’t agree more. This honorable man should be held in high esteem, but to allow this evil to use any retaliation to further their cause and ideology is wrong.
The claimed Christian militias are spreading fear and hate and a mindset of revenge. What they may not realize is they’re actually allowing this evil to grow in popularity. This tribulation is turning into a sort of sports game where scores are kept. The so called christian group in Nigeria called Anti-balaka are also spreading this same type of fear and hatred. They recruit those weak in faith or weakened by greif. By the way we have proven they are not a Christian group. We can also say that it’s been proven that the Lord’s Resistance Army has a huge presence in Nigeria even today.
The lack of interest from the UN and western governments has fueled Boko Haram, ISIS, Al-Queda, and those like them, and the fear they are spreading. Fear breeds fear. Hate breeds hate. What have we become? As Christians, what have we become when we remain silent about the persecution our brothers and sisters are facing? As Christians is the only answer to take up arms and join in the slaughter?
We can take a lesson from what is happening in Nigeria. Watch this video, it’s very graphic, but then ask yourself what are we becoming, when we allow fear and hatred to overtake us. We’ve remained silent while murderous rampages happen. What did we expect would happen, while thousands watch their loved ones systematically killed in the name of a religion and leaders stand idly by? What do we expect will happen when we as voices for the persecuted remain silent and complacent? What do we expect will happen unless we unite and form a chain of love and peace to aid those suffering. There is such a great need in Nigeria, Syria, Libya, Pakistan and all parts between.
As these men who more resemble monsters are taking over 1/4 of the world, or at least that’s what they portray. The leaders of the free world are taking an obligatory response and fueling the flames, while some in the west are taking up arms to join the fight. A fight that is a losing battle at least for Christians, expanding the bulls-eye giving them reason to target each and every one of us. We, or at least some of us are sending the wrong message. As peace is taken from Jerusalem and a form of evil hatred is forced upon Israel, the rest of us are lulled into believing that peace has been taken from the world and there is no recourse except to trust in bureaucrats, or dictatorship. One that closes it’s eyes to genocide and persecution in order to divvy up the spoils and carve up the land.
Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Romans 14:17-19
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints..
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So does the word of God sound like it advocates hatred and killing? No in fact just the opposite. It advocates a peace that passes all understanding. (Philipians 4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
So let us unite in our prayers for the 1/4 of the earth still in slavery and chaos, let us unite for our persecuted brethren, let us unite to give aid to the weak, the sick, the war torn, the tortured. Let us unite in Christ’s love and peace, for He alone can calm the storm, though it rage all around us, He alone can keep us safe in the midst of the waves. Not man, not a government, not a militia, not a crusade. God.
I ask again, “How far do you go to stop evil, before you are also evil.”??????
By C. Refsland, VOP Advocate/News Analyst
Categories: Africa, Christian persecution, Christianity in the news, Middle East Crises, news, News Of The Day Heartbreaking & Prophetic, Pakistan, persecution of children in the middle east, Persecution of women in the middle east, Prophecy, Sudan, Syria, War & Rumors of War
I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel Of Christ! 
I agree with you. We must in the power of GOD conduct ourselves as followers of CHRIST the LORD. We must be different than the world. Christians cannot adopt the world’s way any longer. CHRIST’S Words in the Gospels are very plain.
If our only difference is that we have better automatic weapons and can afford to transport ourselves to a war zone and end someones pitifully short little life faster than they can ours; if that is the only difference, we are a wretched group indeed.
I have noted that military weapons and ammo and vehicles, are not items that poor third world countries people can afford. Who and What government is financing this slaughter?? THIS evil entity must be targeted by the prayers of the saints. It is obvious that human life means NOTHING to these workers of evil. May the LORD+ expose them and bring them down into the pit they have dug for others.
Thank you for this post. Let all of the Body of CHRIST do what we can to help ease this suffering. May HIS+ protection be over those on the field in these areas. It is obviously a nightmare for those workers having to witness it.
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