A Discipleship Question

Everyone has questions for the Bible but how often do we listen to the Bible question us? In this vital area of discipleship which prepares God's people for mission and unity, here is a striking question that comes from God's word to us today.

"God's Word says in the last days there will be great tribulation and persecution and many Christians will even die for their faith. How are we preparing God's people to go through this?"

I will be praying and reflecting on this more but it seems to me one group of people who are living this out is the persecuted global church around the world outside of western Europe and North America. How they are doing it and how they are being trained, equipped, and prepared for a kind of "last days" ministries is a burning question that should haunt each one of us until we begin discovering the answer for ourselves and for those around us.

Breakout Churches

I am beginning to see a mustard seed transformation. It may be small but the ramifications of it are great. What is it? In the local church I serve in, they are breaking out to helping and loving and serving the poor, the down and out, the hurting, the sick, and the dying. In the midst of crises a whole new group of people are coming into God's church.

I am also seeing a whole new move of God happening where churches in this area will be coming together to minister to people on the streets. Churches are breaking out of the sanctuary and onto the streets! What happens in all this is yet to be seen but we worship such a great God that God already knows what's coming even if we don't.

What do you see God doing in your area? Are there churches in your area that are breakout churches?