Last weekend millions–yes, millions–of Christians in Poland turned out to pray for the salvation of their country and of Europe (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/07/world/europe/poland-rosary-border-prayer.html). They prayed all long Poland’s 2,000-mile-long border, at some 4,000 “prayer zones” and over 300 churches.
The day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, when a scraped-together Christian fleet–the Christian kings and queens were too busy fighting each other to answer the Pope’s call for help–utterly defeated a vastly superior Ottoman fleet and, in all probability, saved Europe from being conquered by Islam. The victims also freed, beyond hope but not beyond the reach of prayer, many thousands of Christian galley slaves.
Islam seeks our blood and secular humanism, our souls: either one would erase Christianity from the earth, if it could.
So for your Protestants who have a problem with Polish Christians being overwhelmingly Roman Catholic–wise up, O men of God! For most of my lifetime, the Church in Poland took everything the communists could throw at it; and the Church is still there, and communism isn’t. Could we do the same?
I pray that all the Christian world join with Poland in her prayers–every denomination, every kindred, every tribe on this terrestrial ball, as the old hymn puts it.
Because not only is the Lord our defense. He is the only defense that will win!
I saw nothing about this on the conservative, Christian leaning shows I watch. May God answer Poland Christians prayer, and may American Christians wake up out of their apathy.
The Polish people are a remarkable lot and known for being devout. It is a standout of conservativism and sense in a Europe which has lost its way.
For years, I have struggled with the problems on denominational religion. Many denominations believe things I can’t support biblically, but that is not to say that there are not many fine people within those denominations. When Christ returns, we will answer the call based on faith, not denomination. I’m not a Catholic, but I certainly admire the faith and courage of Polish Christians, Catholic or otherwise.
Father, bless and keep safe your faithful people in Poland called by your name. Even through such adversity and persecution, they have remained faithful to you. Deliver them from their oppressors and keep them in Your Hand until you come. In Jesus’ most precious Name. Thank You, Father. Amen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q88AkN1hNYM
Lee, your column is right in line with the Lord’s prayer, “That all may be one, as I and the Father are one.”
Denominational disputes and distances between Christians must break His heart.
At this time when Christians of all denominations are being threatened, politically, spiritually and even physically around the world, we need to band together. We have infinitely more in common than what separates us.
It astounds me how militant some denominations have been, over the years. I understand that there are differences of opinion with regard to doctrinal issues and I think it’s important that we worship according to our conscience. However, it is every bit as important to leave others to make their own decisions with regard to worship. When Christ returns we will all know what to do.