Photo by Ricardo Cruz on Unsplash 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When we think of a Christian missionary, we probably think of someone doing God’s work in places where God’s word is needed in special ways. We might envision a dedicated, faithful servant of the Lord desiring to share God’s life-saving word with others - acting as the hands and feet of Christ through education, healthcare, construction, agriculture, or some other way. In short what could be more harmless than a Christian missionary showing others Christ’s love!?

The reality – depending on where missionaries serve, they might be viewed as dangerous weapons. I read of a young missionary crossing into an “unfriendly” country. The border guard asked, “Do you have any guns, drugs, or Bibles?” Guns – they’re used to mount insurrections and revolutions. Drugs – they can be used to raise money for criminal elements intent on causing trouble. But Bibles?

They are indeed dangerous. God knows it and tells us, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible, God’s word, proclaims truth and exposes falsehood. It gives courage, strength, and hope to the oppressed. It shows those who think they’re powerful, the one who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and almighty! God’s word, that living and active two-edged sword, destroys even the most unspeakable evil.

As we go through life, we may not be oppressed by a ruthless dictatorship. But we can find ourselves oppressed by Satan and those he works through in the kingdoms of the world. In these times, let us break out the most powerful weapon of all, God’s word and lean on it to fight off the devil and those in league with him. Know that God is ultimately in control. Through Jesus He has already won the battle over our souls. In faith we know that one day, any oppression we’re under now will vanish as we enter eternal life in the kingdom of God.

                                                                                    In Christ’s Love,

                                                                                    Pastor Jim