Proof The Bible Is True

I picked up a recent copy of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research.  I like to read through the whole issue to keep informed about missions, so I read an article that I thought I would not relate to me or to anything that I do. I was wrong! The article was about East Syrian Monasteries in the Ninth Century! It turned out to be a great article that related to just about everything I do and love. It was about love for God and love for learning. I was struck by one of the author’s statements (Steve Cochrane): “The East Syrian school movement…integrated a passion for learning with a passion for God and making him known. These passions were a key source for the continued renewal of the church across hundreds of years, even in environments often hostile to the Christian faith.” ….

At VOM, we periodically get the question: “How can we prepare for persecution?” I believe that article gives us the answer—a passion for learning, a passion for God, and a burning desire to witness about Christ in the world. It will keep us developing, maturing, and growing deeper both in our understanding of God and his world but also in spiritual truths that will fortify us for the day of trial. The motto ecclesia semper reformanda est (the church is always in need of or in the process of reformation and renewal), applies to our situation as well.

Read More  Persecution Blog: Continued Renewal under Hostile Conditions.