Is Jesus’ Most Frequent Saying Your Most Frequent Thought?

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Pastor Foley

WLO_searchingscripturesYou do know what Jesus’ most frequent saying is…right?

It’s one of the few that’s recorded in all four gospels. In one of the gospels, it’s even required twice.

Matthew 10:39–“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

Matthew 16:25–“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

Mark 8:35–“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Luke 9:24–“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

John 12:25–“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Do you love your life today? Are you seeking your life today? Are you seeking to save your life today? Have you found your life today? Are you on a collision course today to lose your life for Christ?

If Jesus is quoted as saying this more frequently than any other saying, are you thinking about these questions often enough? Would anyone (including yourself) deduce from your life that this is the question Jesus most frequently put to his followers?

Posted in Bible, persecution | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Video – Reaching North Korea With The Gospel Through Radio Broadcasts And Movies

Posted on May 2, 2014 by tdillmuth

One important way we get the Gospel into North Korea is through our nightly radio broadcasts.  These are produced and voiced by North Korean defectors, and we estimate that nearly 2 million North Koreans tune into our broadcasts each night.  The broadcasts themselves are presently facing an unprecedented level of state blocking efforts. This is great news because governments do not waste precious resources blocking broadcasts to which no one is listening.

The radio broadcasts feature a variety of content, all completely focused on the gospel. We also do video recordings. The clip below shows how we recorded “He Lived Among Us,” an animated video made by Voice of the Martyrs.  One very unusual facet of the recording was the use of both North and South Korean actors to do the drama. Typically the only time North and South Korean actors work together is for performances that reinforce the two peoples as enemies. Through the joint production, we sought to emphasize how the gospel tears down the dividing wall between all people and creates level ground at the foot of the cross. The recording studio you see here is the same one that we use for our nightly radio broadcasts.  We also use the audio from this and other dramas in the radio broadcasts themselves, since North Koreans love dramas!

Watch our full documentary and other North Korea videos on our Seoul USA Video Page!

 

Posted in North Korea, Videos | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Best Christian Hospitality Links In The News And The Blogosphere

Posted on April 30, 2014 by tdillmuth

WLO_openhomeOur culture seems to be at war with Christian hospitality, and at times our churches practice a watered-down version of it. But in spite of this, I’ve found some Internet “hospitality gems” that I wanted to share with you. Each of the articles below has wonderful ideas on how we can practically “do the word” of hospitality that Christ first did to us. These below links are not blanket endorsements of the authors or the sites, but just simply an acknowledgement that we can learn something from what was written.

Baptists Growing In Christ Because of Hospitality? This article calls us to pay close attention to the difference between our culture’s idea of hospitality and a Scriptural view of hospitality. It also gives some good suggestions on how we can begin being hospitable, even if we are very uncomfortable with it!

Reclaiming the Culture Through Hospitality? We often think of reclaiming our culture through prayer, protest, evangelism or even through elections, but how about through hospitality?

Has Anyone Come to Know Christ in Your House? Nan McCullough shares stories of how her home was used to lead others to Christ. She encourages us to unlock our doors, silence and set aside our smart phones, and practice hospitality!

Why is this American woman called “Pakistani Mama?” How much of a difference can you make by practicing a lifetime of hospitality? Doris Gvillo shows us what her legacy of hospitality looks like. As you read this article, pay attention to what you think Doris is doing right and what she might be able to improve upon as she continues to faithfully practice hospitality.

Posted in Opening Your Home | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments