Harlie

1. There is more persecution and martyrdom now than there has ever been in the history of the world. Right now persecution is going on heavily in Sudan, Balkans, China, North Korea, Southern Philippines, Indonesia to name 6 out of many. 2. By witnessing to the Gospel of Hope, letting people know that God has weathered their persecution with them. That despite evidence to the contrary, God remains with them.

1. It tells us that God the Father is the beginning and the end of all things. He is from everlasting to everlasting. He is all mighty. 2. That Jesus identifies himself with God. The preeternal Word.

1. Testify, testimony and witness are rooted in the material world, in human perception and experience. This is so much more powerful than giving an opinion or sharing an idea. It is saying this is what I saw (heard, touched, felt.) 'This is my experience.' It is real. 2. Jesus encourages us by his presence in human form. He can share his experience as well as confirming ours. 3. Our daily needs do not hang in the balance. We know that to be a clear witness means giving up some of our privacy and allow true fellowship to happen. We would rather be in control and let God be a partner rather than the boss. Only when we need to come to grips with addiction or something seriously wrong that we turn to God for help. Persecution and slavery force a decision, living an ordinary life does not.

Hi, My name is Harlie and I am from the Northwoods of Wisconsin where I serve a cluster of three rural churches as an Episcopal Priest. I'm here because I have never tried a online Bible Study and it sounds like a great idea. I have picked JoyfulHeart because I like Pastor Ralph's sermons which I have read online and also because I have never really developed a relationship with Revelation to John. Harlie