GREAT book: The Privilege of Persecution by Dr. Carl A. Moeller and David W Hegg

The Privilege of Persecution

(And Other Things the Global Church Knows That We Don`t) by Dr. Carl A. Moeller and David W Hegg

with Craig Hodgkins

   This book is a must-read. In more ways than one.

''Many Americans view the global church as 'third world', needy, uneducated, and poor-sorely lacking in much of what we assume the church needs to function well. But the irony is that we're in much greater need of them. 
It is a lesson that is best viewed through a lens of humility, and both of us have had to learn in our own way.''- the authors.

   As you and I read this book, let us begin aright as well, with a heart of humility and repentance.

   From the first chapter, I was grabbed by this heart-touching, convicting, motivating book. One can tell that the authors know their topic. As I raced through this medium-sized book, my heart was convicted about my lack of understanding of what it truly means to live-and die- for Christ. The more I read books like this, the more I am convinced of my apathy. Living in North America has been a blessing. But instead of using that blessing to glorify God more, I like so many other citizens of the West have squandered this privilege. We are now at the point that Christians in the East are praying for us!
''In the West, we are not persecuted. We are intimidated.'' (-Brother Andrew)

''When we claim allegiance to God's kingdom but...bend to fit into the culture, we are hypocrites by definition and we are wide open to the criticism we receive.'' (page 99)

The Privilege of Persecution is well-written, well laid-out and organized into several chapters. Each chapter was distinct yet flowed with the main purpose of this important book.
1. God and His Word

2. Worship and the Church

3. Prayer and Dependence

4. Community, Culture, and Evangelism

5. Leadership, Authority, and Power

6. Generosity and Stewardship

I found this book to be well-rounded. It was easy to understand yet convicting. Needless to say, I do recommend this book for all audiences! It was not condemning, yet didn't skimp on truth.

''Persecution often results in pain, but that same pain can bring perspective, a perspective of who we really are- or can be- in Christ, through God's great mercy...'' (page 146)

And these brothers and sisters in the global church have experienced this first hand.

'Obedience doesn't lead us to the blessing. Obedience is the blessing.'' (page 131)
This is something those strong Christians know. Let us be humble and seek God. Seek true and lasting faith.


More about this book (from the publisher's site):
Many Americans view the persecuted church as "third-world," needy, uneducated, and poor -- sorely lacking in much of what we assume the church needs to function well. Essentially, we see them as being in need of  us. But the irony, say Carl Moeller and David Hegg, is that we're in much greater need of them.

Through a combination of inspiring real-life stories, first-hand experiences, and exposition of key Scripture passages, Dr. Carl Moeller and Pastor David Hegg examine the "normal Christian life" of Christ-followers currently suffering persecution around the world. In topical chapter after chapter, the authors conclude that the suffering church's vibrant, sacrificial, and communal faith is much closer to God's intent for His church and His children.  The authors explore the areas of community, leadership, worship, prayer, and generosity, among others, revealing specific attitudes and actions of the suffering church that can renew the spiritual lives of Christians in the West. Each chapter ends with challenging questions and suggestions for personal and corporate application