Persecution is real and we out to pray for our brethren

Jesus told His followers to expect persecution: "If they have persecuted me," he forewarned, "they will also persecute you But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me" (Jn 15:20-21)

There are faithful followers of Jesus who will not compromise when authorities forbid congregating and evangelising in the name of Christ They believe that "we must obey God rather than man" and suffer the consequences of following Jesus (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29) Christ

Accepting that Jesus is "The way, and the truth and the life" (Jn 14:6), his disciples are rejected, ridiculed, threatened and antagonised by governments, other religions and even their own families.

Many are imprisoned; many are tortured; many are martyred These are our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible says : 1 Corin 12: 26 If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.

We have many brothers and sisters suffering all over the world for their faith in the Lord JESUS and it's our responsibility to stand with them in prayer and strengthen them in giving where we can.

When we do this, it helps them not deny their faith, spread the gospel in their communities and also helps challenge our faith and keeps us alert to the reality that it can happen to us anytime

We at Beauty & The Gospel stand with our persecuted brother and sisters, you too can be a part of this

Herea er some prayer points taken from inorganization (voice of the martyrs) that is helping our brothers and sisters

Remember prayer has no barrier:

A Prayer for Spiritual Growth

Heavenly Father, we ask that their love may abound more and more toward others especially Islamic extremists and that they will grow in spiritual knowledge and discernment so that they may approve what is excellent and be pure and blameless until the day of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to Your glory and praise (Phil 1:9–11)

A Prayer for Gospel Opportunity

We pray that You will open a door for Your Word to go forth in countries where Christians face Islamic extremists. May those who are persecuted make the mystery of Your Son and the Gospel message clear to those who are persecuting them for Your name’s sake (Col. 4:3–4).

A Prayer for Boldness

We ask that You hear the threats that Islamic extremists are making against our Christian brothers and sisters and that You will grant them the ability to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness (Acts 4:29)

A Prayer for Endurance

We ask that our persecuted brothers and sisters will be filled with Your mighty, glorious strength so they can endure with patience, always being full of joy and thankfulness to You, Father (Col 1:11–12)

A Prayer of Thanks

We thank You for the steadfastness and faith of Christians facing Islamic extremists in all their persecutions and in the afflictions that they are enduring (2 Thess 1:3–4)

A Prayer for Kingdom Advancement

Finally, we pray that Your Word may speed ahead of our Christian brothers and sisters and triumph wherever it goes We pray that they will be delivered from wicked and evil men We know that You, Lord, are faithful You will establish them and guard them against the evil one We ask You to give them peace at all times in every way, and may they know that You are with them (2 Thess. 3:1–3, 16).

How to give to the persecuted brethren, visit these websites : www.opendoors.org.za www.persecutionsa.org