Posted on 08/26/2009 12:15:34 PM PDT by Liberty1970
Nigeria: Pastors Beheaded
On July 26, 12 Christians were killed, including three pastors, in northern Nigeria after members of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram launched attacks on police and government bases, according to contacts at VOM Canada.
The violence, which began in Bauchi state, spread to Borno, Kano and Yobe states. Churches were set ablaze and several people were abducted, including Christians. Many believers were threatened with death if they refused to convert to Islam. According to media reports, assailants behead three pastors: Pastors Sabo Yukubu, Sylvester Akpan and Pastor George Orji. The assailants were reportedly acting on the instruction of the extremist group's leader, Mohammed Yusuf. Yusuf was later killed by authorities.
The militants attempted to force the pastors to convert to Islam, but they refused to abandon their faith. They were then beheaded by guards who shouted "Allah Akbar" and fired several gunshots into the air in celebration.
These recent reports of persecution in Northern Nigeria reflect the trials believers endure. The Voice of the Martyrs actively supports persecuted believers in many ways through the Families of Martyrs fund, resources for widows to start businesses and a free education at Stephen Centre. Pray God will comfort the families of those killed in these attacks. Pray the peace of Christ will rule the hearts and minds of Nigerian Christians in the face of ongoing threats and danger.
*Ping*
This is a Ping-List for reports of persecution against Christians. Please message me or reply if you would like to be added.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” Matthew 5:10-11
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...” Matthew 5:44
There is not positive prohibition against blowing them to pieces first.
I guess this is part of their Ramadan celebration....
Fixed for the author.
...and on and on it goes.
The “Religion of Peace” doing what it does best to those it hates most (Real Christians).
The civil government is charged with protecting people and should do its job. It is not the place of the Church or any smaller Christian groups to seek vengeance. (God will take care of that: '"VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.' Romans 12:19)
“There is not positive prohibition against blowing them to pieces first.”
Amen.
google “obey God, obey man”
Then the government should blow them to bits.
‘It is not the place of the Church or any smaller Christian groups to seek vengeance.’
But is it wrong to defend yourself ,in the first place,even by using deadly force?
Well, I had in mind people taking actions after the violence in question. As far as self-defense goes, in my opinion it depends somewhat on the circumstance. But if it is a clear-cut case of someone attacking me because I am a Christian and they are not, then I believe we should not return evil for evil. Escape if you can, but do not seek to harm them in response.
In the movie The End of the Spear, based on the real-life martyrdom of missionaries in Ecuador, one of the soon-to-be martyrs tells his son "Oh no, son. They're not ready to die yet" (or similar words), in response to just such a question. The point being, it would be a sin to condemn such a person to Hell by killing them, even in self-defense, simply to selfishly save our own lives.
And in point of fact, in real life the families of the slain missionaries did go to the tribe with the murderers and brought them to faith. At the end of the movie (or is it the documentary Through Gates of Splendour?) the warrior Mincaye, leader of the murderers and now a Christian leader, is interviewed (with a hilarious exchange on his adventures visiting in America after a lifetime in the jungle). It's very touching stuff.
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