The plight of women hinges on the rule makers and the bribe takers. Society in general has largely misunderstood women and projected personal burdens, on her image. It’s not easy to find security in a world that undermines her worth.
Christianity has been a guardian of women , because Christ loved women. He rescued a condemned woman from stoning, revered his mother, had women in his entourage and a woman was given the honour of being the first to witness His resurrection. The Lord chastised men when they sought to dismiss the women that came to Him.
When a crowd of men sought to stone a woman after being caught in the act of adultery. He dispersed the men by revealing their own lack of integrity. Christ does not have double standards.
“Where are you accusers? Didn’t even one condemn you?” “No Lord” she said And Jesus said “Neither do I. Go! and sin no more.”
When Jesus attended a wedding, his mother sought Him to fix a domestic situation. The wine had run out and she was asking her son to provide what they needed, miraculously. The Lord was a little put out by his mothers request, as He wanted to delay His revelation. But like the good son that He was, He provided over 120 gallons for the feast, by turning water into wine. Christ is a wonderful guest.
“Woman, why do you involve me? Jesus replied. My hour has not yet come”
His mother Mary, received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, with the disciples . Even when he was suffering on the cross, her welfare was paramount to him, and asked His disciple John, to look after her. Jesus expected Mary to continue in the mission and not for her to return to Nazareth.
Women travelled with the Lord and camped among them. They would have helped with cooking and tasks as the disciples set up camp. Although the women contributed their labor, they were also students. Mary ( a friend) listened to His teaching, and even though her sister Martha complained that she was not serving, the Lord defended her choice.
“Martha ! Martha! the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.”
On the morning of the Lords resurrection , the crux of His ministry. When He revealed that He has power over death, it was Mary (another Mary) that met him first. Both John and Peter, the inner circle of His ministry, had been to the empty tomb. Both left perplexed. Mary remained, weeping and distressed. After the men left, the Lord, revealed Himself to her.
Jesus said “Do not hold onto me, for I have not yet ascended to the father. go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my father and to your father , to my God and your God.’
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
BEATITUDES
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Recently there has been mass slaughter of Christians worldwide, including:
70 Christians beheaded in Congo
Sudanese military that bombs congregations when gathered in churches.
7000 Christians and Alewives slaughtered in Syria.
Iran regime imprisons, tortures and kills Christians constantly.
50,000 Christians driven out of Iraq.
50,000 killed since 2009 and 276 school girls kidnapped in Nigeria (refer to #bringbackourgirls campaign).
Violence continued unabated in Nigeria, which is why it continues to be ranked in the top ten of the World Watch List. In multiple instances, hundreds of Christians were killed or displaced because of attacks from militants.
Other countries where Christian persecutions and periodic imprisonment is enforced are Myanmar, China, Eritrea, India, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
However despite the persecution of the Church, Christianity endures under persecution, this is most evident in communist Russia and China. Protestant Christians in China grew from 87 million in 2010 to 110 million in 2020 and the orthodox Russian church has surpassed 100 million members..
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
300-400 million Christians are persecuted worldwide
1 in 7 world wide
1 in 5 in Africa
2 in 5 in Asia
What profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?
SUPPORT PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS financially or in prayer; refer to OPEN DOORS and VOM (voice of the Martyrs)
‘Insanity of God’ & ‘Tortured for Christ’ available via You Tube.
Christians suffering for Jesus because
He is:
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah ,The Lamb of GOD,The Word of God; The Messiah; Faithful and True; Holy Son of God; the Morning Star; Everlasting Wonderful Councillor; Government/ King; Everlasting ; Raised from the dead; Anointed; Mighty God; Prince of Peace; Saviour
Eternal Life.
Then I saw thrones, and people sat upon them—those to whom authority to judge was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Yeshua and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image, nor had they received his mark on their forehead or on their hand. And they came to life and reigned with the Messiah for a thousand years.
The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. How fortunate and holy is the one who has a share in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no authority, but they shall be kohanim of God and the Messiah, and they shall reign with Him for a thousand years. (Revelation)
If a man wakes up after a public and violent death and then walks within the community and meets with friends, then death has no power over him. He must be the Messiah, the son of God. What does such a person say when he meets with others.
Yeshua said to them,”Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them , “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven, if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”
About a week later his friends were fishing from a boat and Yeshua was on the shore, He called out to them;
“Children do you have any fish” No they answered.”Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some”
When they landed the boat, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid on it and bread. Yeshua said “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught”..”Come and have some breakfast”
When he was on the Earth, He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed thousands, restored sight, stopped storms, walked on water, cast out demons and asked for nothing in return. He lived a modest life and rewarded kindness, yet He spoke with authority.
Through Yeshua we find a person who cares about the daily woes of his friends, and seeks to help them, when they are in need: despite being King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.
melbourne press 