North Korea Knows - It Didn't End at Rome

Yes, the vicious hatred of the Enemy for the church of Jesus Christ has been well documented in every generation. Yet the church is alive and prospering and determined to march on to its final destiny.

Consider North Korean Christians for a moment: A South Korean pastor spoke at a missions conference in Germany last March, and gave us some insights into the almost unreal dedication of our dear family in "Chosun." He said that at their secret gatherings they have begun to recite, alongside the Lord's prayer, the following five principles. How meaningful might this be at your assembly?

1. Our persecution and suffering are our joy and honor.

2. We want to accept ridicule, scorn and disadvantages with joy in Jesus' name.

3. As Christians, we want to wipe others' tears away and comfort the suffering.

4. We want to be ready to risk our life because of our love for our neighbor, so that they also become Christians.

5. We want to live our lives according to the standards set in God's Word.

I can imagine some fundamentalist groups in our land giving the nod to number 5, and isolated believers throughout the nation amen-ing the others, but by and large the North's "principles" may as well have been written on some other planet. It is not where we are. It is not what we do. We cannot comprehend this way of life.

If you are a Western believer reading this and in serious disagreement, please reflect as to why. Is your church being persecuted while its people are rejoicing in it? Is there ridicule and scorn that you are receiving for Jesus' sake? Are their tears and suffering on the behalf of Christ, and serious efforts to bring neighbors to Jesus? Perhaps so, but my understanding is that this scenario is not common in America.

Can you hear His voice tonight, calling His people to the cross?

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.