Baptisms in Iran

In its most recent issue, Christianity Today published a photo with the caption "Persian Plunge". The angels in heaven rejoiced as 228 former Muslims professed their faith in Jesus and were baptized (Luke 15). On Sunday I shared this photo with New Life Fellowship in hopes of broadening our vision of the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing sinners from every tribe and nation to repentance and faith in Christ, to produce gratitude to God for his faithfulness, and to encourage prayer for the persecuted church.

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When Paul is writing to the church at Philippi he urges the Philippians to be humble, selfless, and to consider the interests of the other brothers and sisters (Philippians 2:1–4). Later in chapter two he points to Jesus (Philippians 2:5–11), Timothy (Philippians 2:19–24), and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25–30) as examples worthy of emulation who have a genuine concern for the welfare of the saints. One such way the church can have this attitude of genuine concern is to remember in our prayers Christian brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their obedience to Christ. Those who feel led to pray for the church in Iran may be aided by consulting Operation World's prayer guide for Iran.