martyrs

Reading part of the New York Times posted in an Austrian newspaper I read the comment of a native South African Sheik who lectures at a mosque in Vancouver:

"All Muslims, if given the chance, should want to become martyrs."

Not that I agree with any believes of the Islam religion or want to express any favour with Muslim leaders. But this statement could be valid for our faith in Christ:

"All belivers, if given the chance, should want to become martyrs."

Dying for Jesus instead of denying him. If facing this question, I hope, I chose living up to my The War College sessional name, chosing to be a martyr. God, give me grace!

Europe is facing problems coming up with Islam becoming more and more popular in many countries, Muslims requesting more freedom in proclaiming and teaching their believes and Muslim countries applying to be part of the European Union.

If this tendency continues it might finally cause a separation between people merely professing to be Christians and whole-hearted committed believers. Between those chosing to back off their belives when facing opposition and those who finally have to make up their mind if they are willing to die for Christ at all costs.

This, I belive, will plant martyr-like faith in the remnant of believers left that provides the fertile ground for the extension of the kingdom: Persecution as the beginning of church growth. The blood of the martyrs as seeds of the church.

I still don't dare to explicitly pray for this. It may cost my life.

"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." - Philipians 1:21

Comments of German readers concerning the situation in Germany are welcome!