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While the Israeli and Palestinian conflict rages, Nik Ripken records a special episode to address what this conflict is, and what it is not. Nik pushes listeners to maintain, and express, a Christian worldview that forces us to read the Bible, seek God’s face, and step out in faith to fulfill the Great Commission in the hard places.

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The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has captured the attention of the world, and as believers, it is crucial for us to approach this issue with a biblical perspective. In this podcast, we will delve into a thought-provoking conversation between Nik Ripken and Anthony Ball, where they discuss the conflict and the need for a Christ-centered response. Drawing from their experiences and insights gained from believers in persecution, we will explore the importance of grace, truth, and love in navigating this complex situation.

Understanding the Current Situation

The conversation begins by acknowledging the severity of the conflict, with Nik Ripken highlighting the horrors committed by both sides. However, he emphasizes that as followers of Christ, our response should not mirror the secular world but should be rooted in the teachings of Jesus. It is essential to differentiate between the role of governments and militaries and the eternal perspective that believers should adopt.

A Biblical Worldview

The conversation prompts us to reflect on how we form our worldview. Nik encourages listeners to resist being swayed by political ideologies and instead seek a biblical perspective. He reminds us that our ultimate goal is to emulate Jesus and His teachings, which call for love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This challenges us to examine our hearts and align our responses with the character of Christ.

The Power of Love and Reconciliation

Nik Ripken shares a powerful story of a believer who risked his life to protect Jewish children, despite being raised to hate and destroy them. This exemplifies the transformative power of love and the potential for reconciliation between Jews and Palestinians. It serves as a reminder that our mission as believers is to change lives, sow seeds of love, and trust in God’s timing for the harvest.

Avoiding a Western or Old Testament Mentality

The conversation cautions against adopting a Western or Old Testament mindset when approaching the conflict. While it is natural to feel anger or frustration, Nik reminds us that the Kingdom of God operates differently. Our response should not be driven by vengeance or violence but should reflect the teachings of Jesus. This challenges us to seek a Christ-centered perspective that transcends cultural and historical biases.

The Urgency of the Great Commission

The conversation highlights the staggering number of people worldwide who have little to no access to the Gospel. With 2.8 to 3 billion individuals lacking exposure to Scripture, songs, and missionaries, it is evident that the Great Commission remains unfinished. Nik Ripken emphasizes the importance of praying for the salvation of these souls and actively engaging in sharing the Gospel, rather than solely focusing on our own salvation.

“It’s time to fully accept and embrace the truth that God loves Jews, Arabs, Palestinians, Hindus, Chinese Muslims, Buddhists, Americans, Europeans equally.”

Praying for the Salvation of Others

The podcast addresses the misconception that the conflict in the Middle East is a sign of the impending end times. While acknowledging the significance of biblical prophecies, Nik reminds us that our prayers should not solely revolve around our own salvation or the second coming of Christ. Instead, we should pray for the salvation of those who have yet to hear the Gospel, recognizing the urgency of reaching the lost.

By embracing the teachings of Jesus and seeking His heart for all people, we can contribute to a more Christ-centered approach to the conflict and the world at large. Let us be agents of grace, truth, and love as we navigate these complex issues and strive to fulfill the Great Commission.

In this episode, Nik recounts his time amongst believers in persecution in China. Nik comes to discover how believers in persecution keep their eyes focused on the important things of the Kingdom. Who gets to share Jesus with the lost?

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Faith Under Fire for Believers in Persecution

In a world marked by comfort and convenience, where religious freedoms are often taken for granted, it takes a journey into the heart of adversity to truly understand the depth of one’s faith. Nik recounts his time amongst believers facing persecution in China. This episode shows a stark contrast between the resilience of those who endure persecution and the passive attitude in Western Christianity.

Nik’s teaches us about a remarkable aspect of the Chinese Christian community – a community where believers face imprisonment for spreading the message of Christ. As he details the lives of these resilient individuals, he teaches us about a striking gender dynamic that challenges preconceived notions about the roles of men and women in the church.

The women in China play a crucial role as church planters. It’s a role that comes with a heavy price – three months of imprisonment. In a society where women are often stereotyped and confined to traditional roles, these brave souls defy expectations. They willingly embrace the risks associated with sharing the gospel.

Contrary to this, Nik highlights a passive attitude prevalent in Western Christianity. In many Western societies, religious freedom is the norm, and believers can practice their faith without fear of persecution. Yet, this comfort often breeds complacency, and the willingness to endure hardship for the sake of evangelizing is scarce.

The stark difference in the level of commitment becomes evident when comparing the imprisonment terms for male and female church planters in China. While women face a relatively short three-month sentence, their male counterparts endure a staggering three years behind bars. This discrepancy is not just a reflection of the Chinese legal system but a testament to the unwavering dedication of these men, who are willing to sacrifice years of their lives for the sake of the Kingdom.

Would You Trade Freedom for the Gospel?

Nik’s narrative raises a challenging question for Western believers: How many would be willing to go to jail for evangelizing? In a society where individual rights are paramount, the idea of voluntarily giving up freedom for the sake of sharing one’s faith seems inconceivable for many.

In this way, Nik uncovers the resilience and unyielding determination of believers facing persecution. Their focus remains unwaveringly fixed on the crucial mission of the Kingdom – sharing Jesus with the lost. In the face of imprisonment, these Christians do not waver or compromise. Instead, they stand as beacons of unwavering faith, undeterred by the adversities that surround them.

The Chinese believers’ dedication challenges the status quo of Western Christianity. The emphasis on comfort often overshadows the urgency of spreading the gospel. Nik prompts believers in the West to reevaluate our commitment to the core principles of the faith.

Rethinking Persecution

Perhaps the challenge lies in redefining the understanding of persecution. In the West, persecution might not manifest in the form of imprisonment or physical harm. It may take on subtler forms. It could be the fear of social ostracization, the loss of reputation, or professional setbacks. Nik asks believers to reflect on the depth of our commitment. He asks us about the extent to which we are willing to endure discomfort for the sake of the gospel.

Furthermore, the gender dynamic revealed in Nik’s account challenges prevailing stereotypes about the role of women in the church. In China, these women are not confined to the sidelines. They are on the frontlines, fearlessly planting churches and spreading the message of hope. This challenges Western believers to reassess their views on gender roles within the church and recognize the diverse gifts and callings that both men and women bring to the table.

In conclusion, Nik’s recounting of his time amongst believers in persecution in China offers a profound glimpse into a world where faith is not just a Sunday ritual but a courageous and sacrificial way of life. It compels Western believers to reassess their priorities and challenges them to confront the realities of a world where sharing the gospel comes at a significant cost. The question lingers: In the face of adversity, where does our focus lie – on the trivialities of comfort, or on the eternal significance of sharing Jesus with the lost?

After Nik and Ruth had spent significant time in Somalia – witnessing horrific tragedies like war, abuse, and starvation – they learned and developed “best practices” for how to provide counseling and soul care to workers who had experienced the depths of human depravity. How can we apply these lessons to missionaries serving in the hardest places of the world?

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How to Heal from Emotional Trauma

Emotional trauma can leave deep scars on our hearts and minds, making it challenging to find a path toward healing and recovery. While there are various therapeutic approaches and coping mechanisms available, Nik Ripken teaches us a unique perspective on healing from emotional trauma through a strong connection with one’s faith in Christ and drawing inspiration from the Old Testament.

Faith can be a powerful source of strength and comfort when dealing with emotional trauma. A strong walk with Jesus and a personal relationship with Him can provide solace, hope, and guidance during the darkest of times.

Biblical Narratives: Genesis through Acts

One key aspect of this faith-based approach is the choice of biblical stories to draw inspiration from. Rather than focusing solely on the New Testament (Romans through Revelation), we can gain valuable insights from the Old Testament (Genesis through Acts). The Old Testament narratives are full of stories featuring resilience, faith, and hope amidst adversity.

Genesis: Joseph’s Journey of Forgiveness

In Genesis, we find the story of Joseph, who endured betrayal and hardship but ultimately forgave his brothers. This narrative teaches us the power of forgiveness in healing emotional wounds. Letting go of anger and resentment can be a crucial step toward healing.

Exodus: The Israelites’ Redemption

The story of the Israelites’ redemption from slavery in Egypt is a powerful one. It reminds us that God can bring deliverance from even the most oppressive circumstances. This narrative instills hope that our own emotional bondage can be broken.

Job: Finding Purpose in Suffering

The Book of Job illustrates the concept of finding purpose in suffering. Through his trials, Job learned to trust God’s sovereignty even in the midst of pain. This teaches us that, in our own trauma, we can find purpose and meaning.

Psalms: Pouring Out Our Hearts

The Psalms provide a rich source of comfort and expression of emotions. They teach us the value of pouring out our hearts to God in times of distress, knowing that He listens and cares for us.

Acts: The Early Church’s Resilience

In the Book of Acts, we witness the early church’s resilience in the face of persecution and adversity. Their unwavering faith and commitment to their mission show us the importance of community and purpose in healing.

According to Nik, the Old Testament better reflects the hardships that missionaries often face when they go to challenging and dangerous places to spread the message of Christ.

Celebrate Missionary Departures and Returns

Hosting celebrations for missionary spouses when they leave for and return from the mission field is a wonderful idea. It’s something that Ruth Ripken has hosted for Nik many times over the years. These gatherings can serve multiple purposes, including boosting morale and aiding in the healing process for missionary workers who may have experienced trauma during their missions. Here’s why such celebrations are valuable.

Recognition and Appreciation: Hosting a celebration for departing missionaries is a way to recognize and appreciate their dedication and sacrifice. It shows that their work is valued, which can be especially important when they’ve faced challenges and hardships in the field.

Emotional Support: Leaving and returning from the mission field can be emotionally taxing. Celebrations provide a supportive environment where missionaries can connect with loved ones and fellow believers who understand their unique experiences and challenges.

Joyful Transition: Celebrations before departure can help ease the transition from home life to mission work. It allows missionaries to leave on a positive note, surrounded by love and encouragement.

Healing and Reintegration: For returning missionaries who may have encountered trauma or challenging situations, celebrations can be part of the healing and reintegration process. It helps them reconnect with their home culture and support system.

Morale Boost: Celebrations provide a morale boost for missionary couples and their families. Knowing that they have a network of friends and supporters cheering them on can be a source of strength during their mission and upon their return.

Shared Stories and Reflection: These gatherings offer a platform for missionaries to share their experiences and insights with others. It allows for reflection on the mission work and the impact it had, further contributing to the healing process.

Nik Ripken steps forward, confronting one of the most compelling statements one can hear: “It’s time.” He poses a series of introspective questions, inviting you to truly reflect: “In this very moment, what decisive action does obedience demand of you? Which unresolved situations is God urging you to make peace with? And where in your life is God beckoning you to take a bold leap of faith?”

With sincerity and vulnerability, Nik delves into his and Ruth’s personal odyssey, revealing how they discerned that “it’s time” to wholly surrender and align themselves with Christ’s directives. Their story serves not just as a testimony, but as a beacon of inspiration for all who seek a life of genuine faithfulness.

Be sure to subscribe to the Witness & Persecution Podcast on your favorite platform.

In this episode of the Witness and Persecution podcast, hosts Nik and Ruth Ripken discuss the importance of recognizing when it’s time to make significant life changes for the sake of the gospel. They share personal stories of their own “it’s time” moments, including their decision to serve overseas, their experiences in Somalia, and their commitment to work with persecuted believers. Nik emphasizes the urgency of spreading the gospel, particularly in America where 50% of the population reportedly does not believe in God. He also encourages listeners to forgive, reconcile with estranged family members, and to cross cultural and geographical boundaries to share the love of Jesus. The Nik Ripken urges listeners to consider what “it’s time” for in their own lives and to act in obedience to God’s calling.

Nik and Ruth conclude a series on worship in the home by giving us a personal look into how they pray and worship around their breakfast table – whether as a couple, a family, with guests, and even the lost. Additionally, they share with listeners how they end their day in prayer and worship with a global perspective.

Be sure to subscribe to the Witness & Persecution Podcast on your favorite platform.

Daily Devotions from Sunrise to Sunset

Nik Ripken and Ruth’s journey through worship within the context of their home offers a profound lesson in devotion, community, and empathy. Their morning rituals as a couple set the tone for the day, fostering intimacy with God. Family worship also deepens their connections with each other, their missionary team, and the church. Ruth Ripken emphasizes that establishing daily devotions is critical to the success of a missionary on the field:

It’s the relationship that I have with the Father that transcends all of those tools and all of those books… My time in the Word has to be the richest time that I have during the day. I think that’s something we need to figure out. It’s not that when you go to the mission field that there’s a magic wand… here’s what you need to do. You’re going to need to figure this out.

By sharing their table with both believers and non-believers, Nik and Ruth demonstrate the transformative power of love and acceptance. Their evening prayers, resonating with a global perspective, remind us of the wider world that calls for our empathy and intercession.

In embracing these practices, the Ripkens invite us to practice daily devotions in our everyday lives. Nik and Ruth’s insight into daily worship provides a roadmap for personal growth. They teach us that worship creates a deeper, more connected life with God and humanity.

Prayer Cards

The Ripkens base their daily devotions on four prayer cards each day. These cards hold the aspirations, worries, and dreams of those who choose to share their burdens. Whether you are working through worries, seeking strength, or simply longing for a sense of connection, consider reaching out to Nik and Ruth through a prayer card. The mailing address is PO Box 1414, Shelbyville, Kentucky 40066.