“After my marriage, I only kissed two men; my husband and the man that murdered my family”
Christ, the embodiment of God, commanded that the redeemed are to love their enemies. Sabina and her husband Richard Wurmbrand, founders of ‘VOICE OF THE MARTYRS’, take this command to its extreme. As Romanian Jews during WW2, they are persecuted by the Fascist NAZI’s and when the Russians took over, they were persecuted for being Christians.
Romania was under NAZI rule for 4 years (1940-1944) and then under the Communists for 18 years (1947-1965). Under both administrations, Sabina and Richard were targeted for prosecution. They survived by loving their neighbour, and their enemies.
Richard converted to Christianity amid a mortal battle with TB. In his preparation for death, he hoped there was a God, and found HIM.
“GOD, I know you don’t exist, but if you do, it’s up to you to reveal yourself to me!”
‘Sabina’,the movie, covers the ‘NAZI years; when they met and married. They had been secular intellectuals with financial success, both reckless party people. The movie follows, their conversion and their commitment to a higher will. Richard changes his career from stock broker to pastor. From reckless to fearless they navigate the treacherous rule of the Iron Guard and the NAZI’s.
A follow up movie that documents the Communist era is ‘Tortured for Christ’ where Richard is tortured and imprisoned for 14 years. Both the Fascists and the Communists made a common enemy of God.
“I am not afraid for those Jews (the murdered), God will surely compensate them for what they suffered. I am anguished when I think, what will happen to their murderers when they stand before God.”
Snatching souls from the eternal torment of Hell is paramount in their minds and both are willing to suffer to save a soul. Sabina and Richard face their persecutors with two fundamental foundations of their faith.
‘If your enemy is hungry give him something to eat, if he is thirsty give him some water.’
and
‘Whoever will save his life shall lose it and whoever will lose his life for my sake, will save it.’
Sabina was an unwilling convert initially, but as Richards commitment persisted, her resolve submits after a party where she is confronted by the immorality of her peers.
Whist a third of Romanian Jews were murdered, including 11,000 in one day, Sabina and Richard survive the NAZI years, by loving their neighbours. Her family does not, they are taken to the camps to meet their end, including her young 14 year old brother.
The path of Christianity is marred by demonic institutions, at every turn, but the Wurnbrand’s rise to the occasion, not only to confront their enemies but also to comfort them. Both knew that death was not a fearful transition for them; they had the golden ticket to Heaven, and no-one could snatch away their prize.
In ‘Tortured for Christ’, (the Communist era); a guard that had been torturing Richard see’s him praying, in frustration he yells..
“Your wife (Sabina) is in prison and your son is an orphan, who are you praying for?”
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:
7000 killed and 276 school girls kidnapped in Nigeria (refer to #bringbackourgirls campaign).
70 Christians beheaded in Congo
Sudanese military often 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.
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 thrives when 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.
Persecution is often not directed to the backslidden church as they are compliant. Most governments will impinge compromise on the Church, before persecution; such as Russians including Marx and Darwin as ‘prophets’ or the pro-Palastine, pro-diversity ,pro global warming churches of the west. The anti-Christ spirit of Satan loves the luke warm church, but Jesus hates it.
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. …
However Christ has nothing bad to say about the persecuted Church, in-fact they are given the keys to eternal life without further judgement.
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.’
Satan is ‘in bed’ with anyone who persecutes authentic Christianity. The Anti-Christ is not a person, its a spiritual force that is sweeping over the Earth, because Christ is the only spiritual force that can and will defeat Satan. It’s only those that keep the commandments and hold onto their testimony of the Savior Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) that will survive the 2nd death (that of the soul) without judgement.
What profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?
‘Insanity of God’ & ‘Tortured for Christ’ available via You Tube.
Who is Jesus?
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; With eyes of flaming fire, and more.
melbourne press 