Throughout history the world has seen monumental movements of oppressed people rising up against corrupt leadership. Recent events in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, and elsewhere indicate that, when people come together as a community, they can do just about anything. The church—as a community of Christian believers—is also capable of accomplishing incredible things when its members unite around a common purpose. This week LinC looks at how we, the church, are God’s instrument of change in the world. Key Scriptures: Matthew 16:13-20; John 14:11-14; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Religious freedom is such an important part of our country’s history that many Christians in the United States take it for granted. Meanwhile people in many other parts of the world face discrimination, imprisonment, and threats on their lives because of their faith. Despite the recent stories of Shoaib Assadullah Musawi (imprisoned for giving someone a Bible in Afghanistan) and Asia Bibi (facing execution on charges of blasphemy for proclaiming Christ in Pakistan) making headlines, many American Christians are unaware of the ordeals facing believers in other countries. Next week we’ll look at how we can make a difference for persecuted Christians.
