Note: This article is an excerpt from the conclusion of last Sunday’s message at CRBC on “The Fiery Trial” (1 Peter 4:12-19). I read this account in the book Calvin for Today (Reformation Heritage, 2009):
In one of his ministry conferences, John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in California told the story of a young Muslim woman who was converted to Christ by hearing his radio broadcasts in her homeland. She came to the Master’s College in California to study, keeping, however, her faith in Christ a secret from her family. On a return trip home she was met by the secret service agency of her nation and interrogated for over two hours.
When she finally arrived at her family’s residence she was met by an uncle who asked her, “Are you a Christian?”
She said, “Yes, I am.” He then said, “You have shamed our family and you will pay the price.” He picked up a chair, broke it over her back, then took a leg and started beating her with it. Her life was only spared when her father walked in and rescued her. Though he saved her life, he took her to the airport, put her on a plane, and told her not to come back. She flew back to California and a few days later met with Pastor MacArthur.
As they talked, MacArthur asked her, “What were you thinking as your uncle was beating you to death?” She responded, “I was thinking that this man has a religion that he would kill for, but I have a Savior I would die for.”
Do you know this Savior? Are you willing to lay down everything for him? Are you willing to suffer any hardship, any depravation that might come your way for him?
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
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