1 John 2:6

 ‘Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.’

DAILY READING 2 Corinthians 11; 2 Kings 25; Habakkuk 2

For 16 years, North Korea has been ranked the most oppressive place in the world for Christians. Recently the U.S. State Department re-asserted it as one of the world’s worst religious persecutors – torturing and executing those even suspected of worshipping God. But that still hasn’t stopped an estimated 36 percent of the population – around 9 million – from practicing Christianity. Though life is extremely difficult for all North Koreans, Christians face an even tougher road.

Christianity is practiced at an extreme risk. It is estimated that there are up to 70,000 Christian prisoners in concentration camps in North Korea, and the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights conjectures that more than 75 percent of Christians who are dealt this fate do not survive. Defectors have spoken of Christians being crushed by steamrollers and used to test biological weapons, or hung on a cross over a fire.

Yet despite these efforts to eradicate Christians, it has been  found that the church in North Korea is actually growing. Christians know that only God is powerful enough to break through the darkness of this most oppressive regime on earth, so they serve God even at the risk of their lives.

Though many of us do not hide to practice our faith as people in such repressive countries, the question is; are we living a life that measures up to our claim as Christians?

A popular church marquis posting reads, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” This is certainly a thought-provoking and soul-searching question!  Did you know that Jesus actually went through six different trials the night He was arrested? Three Jewish trials and three Roman trials – none of them were really legal. All of this takes place in about eight hours. He had done nothing wrong. He had committed no crimes. But finally they found one accusation that stuck. They asked Him, “Are you the son of God?” His answer was, “Yes!” And they said, “That is it. We got Him now, crucify Him.’

Jesus was tried and found guilty of being the son of God.

1 John 2:6 says ‘Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.’

As the father sent Jesus so has He also sent us.  Just like Jesus manifested His sonship, likewise we are to manifest as sons of God on earth today. That is why Jesus came and died, to bring unto God many sons just like Himself.

In this resurrection season let us take a decision to consciously  begin to live and walk as Jesus did. Enough of being a secret service Christian. It is time to live in such a way that there will be no doubt to the fact that you are a son of God. Indeed the world is waiting for your manifestation.

Romans 8:19,22 says ‘For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.’

Indeed the whole creation  groaning and travailing in pain together until now, waiting for the sons of God to show forth their identity. The whole earth has been held down, tormented, afflicted and buffeted by the devil. There are cries of oppression as humanity groans in pain, looking here and there in search of emancipation and a way out. The world is waiting for men and women who will, by the power of God, bring deliverance and liberty  to mankind. The world is waiting for these sons of God who will disarm the forces of wickedness and bring the creature out of the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. The world is waiting for saviours, to rescue them out of shame and reproach.

The price Jesus paid at Calvary for our manifestation cannot be in vain. Let us decide today to begin to live and walk as Jesus did. We have to manifest our sonship. No matter the price, or what it may cost us, it is time for us to begin to live in a way that everyone around us will judge us guilty of being a son of God.

PRAYER: Lord, Please help me to conform my life to Your Word and to begin to manifest the character of Christ. Help me to live a life that will always bring glory to You in Jesus Name.

quote :

The study of The Word will keep  shame and disgrace far from you.

WORDBITE 222.

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS