This is a guest post from the pastor at the church we have been attending. It is a different perspective on the revolution that is occurring now as it takes the spiritual battle into account. And, since he was here in February, he has interesting perspective. Pastor Steve keeps a blog at
Steve's Blog www.maadicommunitychurch.com/blog/ .
Steve's Blog www.maadicommunitychurch.com/blog/ .
Is it Revolution 2.0? It’s beginning to feel a lot like … last February! The tension and anxiety levels have risen dramatically. We pray the elections will take place so that forward movement can take place. But as violence and fear rise, God is mightily at work!
I spoke with an Egyptian pastor yesterday who was at the prayer rally to ask about what is going on spiritually in Egypt. While you read alarming headlines, God is counter-punching Satan to open doors like never before! In addition to 71,000 praying—the largest Christian gathering in over 1000 years by one estimate—it was also an unprecedented event in bringing unity among the three major Christian groups in Egypt: Orthodox, Evangelical, and Catholic. Most of the 8 million Christians in Egypt are Orthodox (Coptic). These groups have moved quite separately for centuries, so praying together was nothing short of a miracle of the Holy Spirit! The walls are coming down!
If that was not enough, there is more! Muslims who came to check out the prayer event expected to hear Christians pray God’s curses down as a result of the burning of churches like in Maspero and the killing of Christians in mid October. Instead they experienced the Spirit of God as Christians prayed for peace, healing, and blessing on ALL of Egypt. One Muslim news media person is reported to have texted on Twitter, “I am in heaven now.” As a result, relational bridges are being built like never before. It was not about converting; it was about extending a hand of love and cooperation. Imagine the spiritual power released when 71,000+ used God’s tools of love and forgiveness rather than Satan’s tools of hate, violence, and fear.
As a result, many Orthodox leaders are anxious for further prayer opportunities together. Don’t under-estimate the power of prayer. It’s one potent tool when done with the right motive! One evangelical church that right at the epicenter of the Revolution on Tahrir Square has added another dimension to building bridges. They opened their church to be a clinic for those who have been injured. I don’t know about you, but I think I smell the spirit of Jesus over-powering the dust and smoke and gunpowder!
I spoke with an Egyptian pastor yesterday who was at the prayer rally to ask about what is going on spiritually in Egypt. While you read alarming headlines, God is counter-punching Satan to open doors like never before! In addition to 71,000 praying—the largest Christian gathering in over 1000 years by one estimate—it was also an unprecedented event in bringing unity among the three major Christian groups in Egypt: Orthodox, Evangelical, and Catholic. Most of the 8 million Christians in Egypt are Orthodox (Coptic). These groups have moved quite separately for centuries, so praying together was nothing short of a miracle of the Holy Spirit! The walls are coming down!
If that was not enough, there is more! Muslims who came to check out the prayer event expected to hear Christians pray God’s curses down as a result of the burning of churches like in Maspero and the killing of Christians in mid October. Instead they experienced the Spirit of God as Christians prayed for peace, healing, and blessing on ALL of Egypt. One Muslim news media person is reported to have texted on Twitter, “I am in heaven now.” As a result, relational bridges are being built like never before. It was not about converting; it was about extending a hand of love and cooperation. Imagine the spiritual power released when 71,000+ used God’s tools of love and forgiveness rather than Satan’s tools of hate, violence, and fear.
As a result, many Orthodox leaders are anxious for further prayer opportunities together. Don’t under-estimate the power of prayer. It’s one potent tool when done with the right motive! One evangelical church that right at the epicenter of the Revolution on Tahrir Square has added another dimension to building bridges. They opened their church to be a clinic for those who have been injured. I don’t know about you, but I think I smell the spirit of Jesus over-powering the dust and smoke and gunpowder!
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