By Karen Y. Stevens

 

We, in America, can’t quite grasp the fact that the world is still under religious persecution.

Yes, our religious freedom is being suppressed here, but in many countries, China is a great example, the government is openly tightening its controls over religious matters.

Praise God He still has a chosen lot, China being one.

According to the “St. Charles Institute”, a recent group of 344 Pastors has signed a public statement which is titled “A Declaration of the Christian Faith”.

It states, “We are a group of Chinese Christians, chosen by the highest God, to be His humble servants, serving as Pastors for Christian churches throughout various towns and cities.”

These Pastors know that this is possibly signing their death warrants.

We cry and whine about things that are so unimportant here in the states, and demand that God take care of us in our time of need.  And if He doesn’t, we doubt Him, or worse; forsake Him.

Well, guess what?  God says in Isaiah 46:8-9  “Remember this, you sinners; consider what I have done. Remember what happened long ago; acknowledge that I alone am God and that there is no one else like me.”

More than 80 countries favor a specific religion, but not necessarily Christianity.

One-in-five countries declare a single state religion, that is enshrined in their constitution or basic law of the country.

In Afghanistan, for example, a quote from their constitution states: “The sacred religion of Islam is the religion of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”

The good Ole US of A states “In God, we trust” but doesn’t declare it as our religion.

Islam is the most common government-endorsed faith, with 27 countries officially claiming Islam as their state religion.

By comparison, just 13 countries designate Christianity, which is the second most common official religion around the world.

What really surprised me, out of this study of other countries and their religions, is that more than eight-in-ten countries (86%) provide funding or resources, specifically for religious education programs.

Here in America, we pass laws to separate church and state, which on one hand is a good thing, but we the people are the “state” and the “church”.  We have somehow managed to divide ourselves?  But as we all know, the “state” can’t help themselves when it comes to regulations, and God should not be regulated; cannot be regulated.  He is God!

Out of all the religions all over the world, I can see why Christianity is the most favored religion.  Christianity drips with Grace.  The loving forgiveness of God when we don’t deserve it.

So many times, I have not wanted to pray because of the things that I did or did not do.  (Sometimes the “not doing” can haunt you more.)

But once I start praying and asking for forgiveness, that wonderful grace will sweep over me, and I know all is well.

We are favored by God and His loving grace!