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1. If you were imprisoned in North Korea for your
faith, what would you hope that other Christians around the world would do
for you?
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow
prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were
suffering. Hebrews 13:3
I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40
2. If you were faced with torture and brutality for
your faith, as many North Koreans are, what would help you to stand firm
in your beliefs and not renounce the name of Jesus?
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8.18
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss
for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss
compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for
whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may
gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that
comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the
righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ
and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his
sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to
the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3.7-11
3. What do you find to be the most shocking aspect of
the suffering of Christians in North Korea? Does that move you to want to
act? If so, what do you think you could do?
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for
the rights of all who are destitute, speak up and judge fairly, defend the
rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
4. Do you feel a sense of freedom in your faith? How
might your life be different if there were obvious and harsh consequences
for being a Christian in this country?
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave
again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry,
‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are
God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God
and coheirs with Christ, if
indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may
also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17
(We gratefully acknowledge the
assistance of Christian Solidarity Worldwide for the development of this
material.)
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