As the Taliban carries out the devil’s work to destroy the church in Afghanistan, the church in America is safe in their beds. “It’ll not come here,” is the thought that goes through many minds.
It’s coming. There will be a time soon when the church in the USA will go underground by necessity. Home cell church will be the norm rather than the exception. Get involved in one ASAP. You can still go do your Sunday thing at the church on the corner, but all real Christ followers need to know how to do church a different way.
1. Join a home church
If there is no home cell group in your area, contact me. I’ll get you coaching how to do it. It won’t cost you anything to get started. All you need is a Bible and a way to do a zoom call for coaching.
Check out Chris Galanos, author of From Megachurch to Multiplication, speaking on the discipleship making method DMM. https://youtu.be/NBudtCw_rto
2. Memorize Scripture
Part of being persecuted is being thrown in jail sometimes. How would you share the gospel if you didn’t have a Bible? How would you strengthen and comfort yourself if you didn’t have a Bible? Right now those things are handy in jail, but they won’t be when persecution comes. Build up your arsenal now.
3. Spend quality time with Jesus now
When persecution hits, recognizing the voice of the Lord and the spirits promptings and warnings will be essential. If you don’t develop that skill now, it will be harder for you later.
4. Have a go bag
Have a small backpack with some essential things that you might need. There are tons of videos on YouTube on putting a go bag together. For me, mine doesn’t include weapons. I wouldn’t use them. Do include a good pair of waterproof shoes for walking.
Learn some essential survival skills like making a fire. I know an Iraqi woman who had to flee with three children when war hit her village. She boiled water from the river and made soup from local plants she found including grasses. Click off the secular garbage that you don’t need to be watching and learn how to build a fire.
Learn fermentation techniques and how to fish. McDonald’s isn’t real food. In a cashless society, you can’t buy it anyways.
5. Work on your physical fitness
If ever you have to be on the move, it will be easier if you are in good shape. If you are huffing and puffing walking now, it’s time to join a gym and start eating healthy. Quit drinking. Alcohol = calories. It’s extra miles you have to walk. Just one margarita is 500 calories. That is two hours of walking. It’s not worth it. Also 1 Peter 5:8.
5. Read Paul’s letters
He was in jail a lot. Be prepared for that mentally by reading about his time. Consider chains a badge of honor to suffer.
6. Make disciples
You need to do this now. The harvest is ready. Plus it was a command from Jesus. Those disciples you make may be your community of believers during persecution.
Okay, maybe you were expecting something more along the lines of my usual teaching today. Sorry (not sorry). An Afghan family went to be with Jesus today because they would not deny their faith. Are you ready?
8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5
Following Jesus 