Barry Tubbs ministered in our church today. He’s an associate minister with Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas, responsible for “ministerial relations.” What that really means is that he has relationships with pastors around the world.
At lunch, he was telling us about his experience with Brother Copeland visiting leaders of the underground church in China. His report was consistent with other things I’ve read.
Each element of the underground church can’t get too big. Big gatherings attract government attention, and that usually means jail. Once a gathering reaches about thirty people, another group is formed to avoid detection. People hunger for the Word and fellowship so much that they endure hardship and persecution for the opportunity to get together with other believers in house churches.
The pastors are particularly vulnerable to persecution. Brother Barry told about one pastor named John. John was jailed for three years, and while he was in jail, he simply turned the jail into his mission field, getting other inmates born again. When he was released, John wasn’t deterred; he went right back into ministry.
Pastor John explained to Brother Barry that jail was just part of the bargain. Accepting Jesus included the risk of serious persecution and the loss of freedom. But the persecution wasn’t going to stop him from fulfilling the ministry the Lord had given him.
That story reminded me of the Apostle Paul – beaten, shipwrecked, jailed – but who wrote in Acts 20:24 (NKJV):
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Contrast that with much of the American church. Many whine and complain because of a little criticism. Many are lukewarm, and won’t endure any hardship for the sake of the gospel. Many won’t go to church because they want to sleep in on Sunday, or watch TV, or read the papers, or play sports. Can you imagine the Apostle Paul doing that – or putting up with it? Can you imagine how odd that would seem to our Chinese brethren?
Wake up, American Church! God needs us to do the work He’s called us to do, and to endure our “light affliction” joyfully. He needs us to be the Body of Christ in this most blessed of all nations. Go to church. Pray. Read your Bible. That’s just the minimum to get prepared for what you’re really supposed to do. Get out there and minister. Stand out. Be different. And if someone criticizes you, smile and pray for them, but keep ministering the love of God and the good news of Jesus.
Don’t let fear or indifference keep you from fulfilling the great purpose God has for your life. Go! And when you go, God will use you in ways that will surprise you.