Especially for You ...
Dangerous Freedom
For years he had lived in a country whose rulers took a dim, even intolerant, view of Christianity. Now he lived in a country whose Christians lived in freedom and in relative comfort, and he was appalled. To him, these Christians seemed casual about their commitment, preoccupied with position and possessions, contaminated by the world. And he bluntly said so to a friend.
Some time later he visited his friend to whom he had stated his opinion about the Christians. He asked if his friend remembered his words and his bitter criticism. The friend remembered.
The man stood silent for a few moments, and the friend tensed for a second attack.
"I have come to apologize both for what I said and for the way in which I said it," he said simply. "I did not know how dangerous freedom could be for Christians. I have been here for a year now. And I am worse than those I criticized."
He paused in reflection; then he added a significant statement: "It is more difficult to live the Christian life under freedom than under repression."
from the January 2002 issue of "Decision" magazine
Dangerous Freedom
For years he had lived in a country whose rulers took a dim, even intolerant, view of Christianity. Now he lived in a country whose Christians lived in freedom and in relative comfort, and he was appalled. To him, these Christians seemed casual about their commitment, preoccupied with position and possessions, contaminated by the world. And he bluntly said so to a friend.
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DonateThe man stood silent for a few moments, and the friend tensed for a second attack.
"I have come to apologize both for what I said and for the way in which I said it," he said simply. "I did not know how dangerous freedom could be for Christians. I have been here for a year now. And I am worse than those I criticized."
He paused in reflection; then he added a significant statement: "It is more difficult to live the Christian life under freedom than under repression."
BEING SURE OF YOUR FAITH
Would you like to have assurance that you truly are saved? John's first epistle is written so that we might have confidence in our salvation and not doubt.
Read more »
Would you like to have assurance that you truly are saved? John's first epistle is written so that we might have confidence in our salvation and not doubt.
Read more »
Ruth Bell Graham
Ruth Bell Graham was the wife of evangelist Billy Graham and mother of five children. Born to missionary parents in China, Ruth faithfully supported her husband throughout his ministry, raising their children in his absences. Ruth was also a poet and author, and published a number of books. Visit the Ruth Bell Graham Memorial Web site»
©2002 Billy Graham Evangelistic AssociationRuth Bell Graham was the wife of evangelist Billy Graham and mother of five children. Born to missionary parents in China, Ruth faithfully supported her husband throughout his ministry, raising their children in his absences. Ruth was also a poet and author, and published a number of books. Visit the Ruth Bell Graham Memorial Web site»
from the January 2002 issue of "Decision" magazine
