It's a War!

Mark 1:23-28 - Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evi spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!"

"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching-and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Have you ever noticed this? Whenever Jesus is near, demons seem to come to the surface! Jesus did not even speak to this guy. Just hearing the word of God set him off!

If we really preach the word, it will cause a reaction. You can't preach God's word with all of its authority and not get a reaction! Let's not be in shock when the world reacts to strong teaching--in fact, let us be worried if they don't.

And remember, when people react against us, don't take it as a personal rejection. It's not a war between people, it is a war that has been going on since before the world was even created.

God strengthen us! Give us the courage and conviction to preach the word!

Pray for Cologne, Germany

Cologne is the 4^th largest city in Germany, and has a long-standing history that dates back to being a Roman settlement in 38 BC. Cologne is a major cultural center of the Rhineland and has a vibrant arts scene. Cologne is home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries.

The church in Cologne has been through a lot over the last few years, and is no longer meeting as a congregation. Most of the remaining members have joined the neighboring Dusseldorf congregation just 25 miles to the north.

Let us pray for God to enable us to replant this church in the future, and to reach the more than 10 million inhabitants of this huge metropolitan area called the Rhine-Ruhr Region.