Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area has been rocked by multiple massive attacks recently. These attacks by Baloch insurge
The only answer to "Christianland" dispute; By Jeanne Swartz
Bishop Timetheous presents some key points to rebut Mr. Durrani's suggestion that setting up a “Christianland” in Pakistan would be the ultimate answer to stop persecution against Christians.
However, I truly expected more from a Bishop than a simple tongue lashing and “worldly” reasoning. For years now the Religion section of PCC has lain dormant. Methinks what is truly needed is for the various bishops and priests of Pakistan to start posting their weekly sermons on PCC to give some quality BIBLICAL training to so many who think they have the answers to all the problems of Christians in Pakistan who for the most part do live on egg shells daily. This would not require any additional work, just a simple click of the mouse to send the sermon out to the wider world through PCC.
So to clarify why Mr. Durrani is wrong in his suggestion and expectation that Christians can and will flock to a separate section of Pakistan not because it is illogical from the logistical and economical perspective, but ultimately from the more important BIBLICAL perspective, it is because Jesus taught his followers that we are to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16). The Lord also told us, “as the world has hated me, so will they hate you” (John 17: 14-16) and told us that we would be living as sheep among wolves (Matt 10:16, Acts 20: 29). Not pretty pictures but at least Jesus was honest with us so we know what we are getting in to when we accept Him as Lord and Savior.
In the same final prayer of the Lord where he interceded on behalf of the disciples then, as well as all future believers, Jesus asked for the Father's protection of believers from the evil one – the one who could make them turn against each other, or react out of fear and anger against enemies who attack them. Instead as Christians the Scripture tell us born again believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit will have the power to overcome through the gifts of the Holy Spirit that will be strengthened if we call out during any trial – love, peace, joy, gentleness, kindness, long-suffering and self-control.
Surely there are MANY Pakistani Christians who understand these principles and do use them daily. But surely as our spiritual life is a constant journey of learning and growing, there may be some who have not heard or understood. And surely there are many living in the West who need to hear this message and learn to live it out and instead of taking their “easy” existence for granted, take a few more chances to do direct outreach to the many Muslims flooding into their countries. Instead of hiding behind closed doors people in the West need to get involved – in their neighborhoods, all level of schools but especially universities, community service projects, and even when shopping, the Lord is opening MANY opportunities to meet Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and begin to offer them the truth about God that they now only know a bit about.
THEN and only then can “westerners” speak out and give suggestions to Christians in Pakistan, or anywhere else where they live surrounded by darkness.
The other essential elements for western Christians is PRAYER – remembering as we are told in Scripture to pray daily that believers who face such struggles will be protected and still be able to live out the joy of the Lord. And 2nd to SACRIFICE and send money thru organizations such as Voice of the Martyrs, CLAAS, Jubilee Campaign, or Open Doors to help our suffering brothers and sisters overseas.
So I urge ALL “western” Christians who read PCP regularly to take these steps of faith that truly pale in comparison to the suffering of the body of Christ in many countries around the world.
And please brothers, as Christ also commands through this last final prayer, above all strive to maintain unity (John 17: 20-23) so HIS glory will be seen through each of us and His love lived thru us can truly bring the kingdom on earth!
Peace, L'chaim!
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. George Washington Carver
However, I truly expected more from a Bishop than a simple tongue lashing and “worldly” reasoning. For years now the Religion section of PCC has lain dormant. Methinks what is truly needed is for the various bishops and priests of Pakistan to start posting their weekly sermons on PCC to give some quality BIBLICAL training to so many who think they have the answers to all the problems of Christians in Pakistan who for the most part do live on egg shells daily. This would not require any additional work, just a simple click of the mouse to send the sermon out to the wider world through PCC.
So to clarify why Mr. Durrani is wrong in his suggestion and expectation that Christians can and will flock to a separate section of Pakistan not because it is illogical from the logistical and economical perspective, but ultimately from the more important BIBLICAL perspective, it is because Jesus taught his followers that we are to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16). The Lord also told us, “as the world has hated me, so will they hate you” (John 17: 14-16) and told us that we would be living as sheep among wolves (Matt 10:16, Acts 20: 29). Not pretty pictures but at least Jesus was honest with us so we know what we are getting in to when we accept Him as Lord and Savior.
In the same final prayer of the Lord where he interceded on behalf of the disciples then, as well as all future believers, Jesus asked for the Father's protection of believers from the evil one – the one who could make them turn against each other, or react out of fear and anger against enemies who attack them. Instead as Christians the Scripture tell us born again believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit will have the power to overcome through the gifts of the Holy Spirit that will be strengthened if we call out during any trial – love, peace, joy, gentleness, kindness, long-suffering and self-control.
Surely there are MANY Pakistani Christians who understand these principles and do use them daily. But surely as our spiritual life is a constant journey of learning and growing, there may be some who have not heard or understood. And surely there are many living in the West who need to hear this message and learn to live it out and instead of taking their “easy” existence for granted, take a few more chances to do direct outreach to the many Muslims flooding into their countries. Instead of hiding behind closed doors people in the West need to get involved – in their neighborhoods, all level of schools but especially universities, community service projects, and even when shopping, the Lord is opening MANY opportunities to meet Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and begin to offer them the truth about God that they now only know a bit about.
THEN and only then can “westerners” speak out and give suggestions to Christians in Pakistan, or anywhere else where they live surrounded by darkness.
The other essential elements for western Christians is PRAYER – remembering as we are told in Scripture to pray daily that believers who face such struggles will be protected and still be able to live out the joy of the Lord. And 2nd to SACRIFICE and send money thru organizations such as Voice of the Martyrs, CLAAS, Jubilee Campaign, or Open Doors to help our suffering brothers and sisters overseas.
So I urge ALL “western” Christians who read PCP regularly to take these steps of faith that truly pale in comparison to the suffering of the body of Christ in many countries around the world.
And please brothers, as Christ also commands through this last final prayer, above all strive to maintain unity (John 17: 20-23) so HIS glory will be seen through each of us and His love lived thru us can truly bring the kingdom on earth!
Peace, L'chaim!
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. George Washington Carver
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On demand of our readers, I have decided to release E-Book version of "Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" on website of PCP which can also be viewed on website of Pakistan Christian Congress www.pakistanchristiancongress.org . You can read chapter wise by clicking tab on left handside of PDF format of E-Book.