We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 1:23
Mukhtar Masih (2004)
A Bold Proclaimer
On an early January morning in 2004, Mukhtar, a pastor in Pakistan’s Punjab province, was murdered on his way to catch a train. His life had been threatened several times previously because of his Bible readings that were broadcast on his church’s loudspeaker every morning. This infuriated local Muslims, some of whom had been in a dispute with him over the matter.
Mukhtar, who had a wife and seven children, was shot once in the chest. None of his valuables was stolen, indicating that his murder was more akin to an execution than a robbery that had gone wrong.
If the devil were wise enough and would stand by in silence and let the gospel be preached, he would suffer less harm. For when there is no battle for the gospel it rusts and it finds no cause and no occasion to show its vigour and power. Therefore, nothing better can befall the gospel than that the world should fight it with force and cunning.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Onward, therefore, pilgrim brothers!
Onward, with the cross our aid!
Bear its shame and fight its battle
Till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awaking,
Soon the rending of the tomb,
Then the scattering of all shadows,
And the end of toil and gloom.
Bernhardt S. Ingemann (1789-1862)
Translated by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924)