The 
An Expensive Gospel!
2006
On a lecturing trip at a Bible institute in another country, I was saddened to hear of legislation before the parliament that sought to outlaw the Evangelical Church. I shared my concerns with the students that though I had come to assist the other instructors to train new missionaries and evangelists, we might instead witness a new wave of persecution. The staff and I then joined with the students in prayer and worship to God about the matter.
After we concluded, one of the students said to me: Thanks for being concerned for us, but don't worry. We've learned that it's not enough for us to preach the Gospel or live for the Gospel. It is necessary that we suffer for the Gospel!
His words were not flippant but honest. Living for Christ often exacts a price.
Paul, writing from prison said: To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake
(Philippians 1:29)
His statement is daily lived out by believers around the world who experience hardship and persecution for no greater crime than living openly for the name of Jesus. This is no longer happening in third world or in communist or dictator-ruled countries, but it is happening even in my family's homeland of France today.
Likewise this is going on in other European countries though we hear little or nothing of it in the daily press or the nightly News. The Christian TV stations naturally report it, but the secular press says little or nothing about such things, or if so, it is usually negative and the world in general, does not want to hear about Christ or the Church today.
Let's pray for God's blessing and provision for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are paying an expensive price, wherever the are in the world, for embracing a salvation that is free.
Those who live for Christ, can expect trouble in the world.
Angel House International Missions Ministries r.f.
Christian-Charles de Plicque Karleby Finland (c) BC 2006
www.deplicque.net
