Sat 7 President John Cerniglia joins us to talk about how Jesus would respond
>> Don Hawkins: Virtually all of us are aware of the 12 day conflict between Israel and Iran and the US bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran last weekend. Sat 7 President John Cerniglia joins us to talk about how Jesus would respond on Encouragement Live. Welcome to Encouragement Live providing biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of practical life issues. Now here's your host, Don Hawkins, author of Master Discipleship Today. Thank you Steve and friend, it's so good to have you with us. As live from studios located in First Christian Church of Wylie, Texas, Encouragement Communications presents Encouragement Live. Our mission is to provide biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of practical life issues. Sat 7 is a 29 year Christian ministry based in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, making God's love available by air, satellite broadcasting and online media throughout the 24 countries of the Middle east and North Africa. John Cernelia is on board with them as their new president. he leads a nationally deployed team focused on engagement and support among 13,000 partners broadcast the hope of the Gospel in the Middle east and North Africa. John has worked with Operation Mobilization and Habitat for Humanity in past ministries. He's an alumnus of Houghton College where my mentor Dr. Alden Gannett, served for many years and also went to school there. And John, it's great to have you back on the program.
>> Eric Metaxas: Thank you Don. It's a privilege to be with you and with our listeners.
>> Don Hawkins: And John, a very remarkable thing happened. The bombing of those three nuclear sites literally happened during our program last week. And so we literally had the privilege of announcing that live to the nation to Christian radio. We are the only live Christian radio program at that time to our knowledge. And so God, put us in that position to be able to, to make that announcement. but there's also something else that I failed to announce last week. We now have a partnership with Lonesome Road Radio, an Internet radio station that has documented listeners by over 8 million, primarily truck, and by the name Lonesome Road. You can tell that they carry the broadcast twice a week on Tuesdays, Morning Drive, 8:30am Central and 8:30pm Central. And we're grateful to Roger Barkley for making that possible. so I think we have, since you've come on board, John, we have multiplied, exponentially, the number of people who are potentially listening to our broadcast.
>> Eric Metaxas: Well, just based on the callers from last month, I know Encouragement Live is indeed an encouragement to American Jesus followers.
>> Don Hawkins: well, and we're certainly grateful for that and Tonight, friend, if you have a question, we're going to talk about loving your enemy, Responding as Jesus responds to what's happening in the Middle east today.
Matthew 5:43 says love your neighbor and hate your enemy
855-586-5433 is the toll free number and we'd love to hear from you. John, that passage of scripture, Matthew chapter 5:43, 48. I don't know if you have that in front of you. I have it here. If you have it, why don't you read that for us? If you don't mind.
>> Eric Metaxas: Happy to. Yes, this is Jesus speaking. Of course you have heard that it was said love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that. Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
>> Don Hawkins: Powerful words coming from the Lord Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the mount in Matthew 5 with definite implications for what's going on in the Middle East. And we're going to talk with John Cernelia about that. Want to encourage you to check out the website set7usa.org you'll be able to learn a lot about this ministry and ah, particularly about Iran. You may be shocked to discover the number of believers there. The website sat7usa.org and we'll be right back on encouragement live.
>> Eric Metaxas: We're over 100 years old.
>> Don Hawkins: Dallas Theological Seminary President Dr. Mark Yarborough on the seminary's motto teach truth, love. Well that is what we do.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's our slogan that we use. Obviously it's preach the word for all of us. We are called to teach truth and live it out.
>> Don Hawkins: To learn more about how Dallas Theological Seminary can equip you for biblically based Christian service, visit dts. Edu. That's dts. edu.
>> Dr. Rex Rogers: I was so high and I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage and then I awoke two days later in the hospital. I heard about Teen Challenge. I came here and this place has shown me that it truly does care. That's when everything changed.
>> Toni King: At Adult and Teen Challenge we provide hope and healing for a new drug free future. And you can find the center nearest you at 8 5, 5, and addiction or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from addiction starts here.
John Cernelia says he sees hope in Middle East following recent developments
>> Don Hawkins: This is encouragement Live. And we are live talking about what happened in the Middle east recently and all of those developments. But most importantly, how can we respond like Jesus to what's been happening these days in the Middle East? Our toll free number. If you'd like to talk with John Cernelia, he is the president of SAT 7. their ministry is impacting the Middle east and North Africa, having an incredible impact through satellite broadcasting and online media. 855-586-5433 is the toll free number. Last weekend we were live and announced the US airstrike on those three nuclear targets in Iran. John, when you look at the Middle east region right now, do you see any hope and if so, in what ways?
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, Don, thanks for asking. I do see hope, although it's hard to see it on the surface right when we see what's happening on television. But here's why I see hope and have hope specifically for the people of the Middle east. Because God is alive. and as long as I believe that, Don, I believe there is hope for you and me and our listeners and of course the 600 million people living in the Middle east and North Africa.
>> Don Hawkins: It's hard to believe that the church is actually growing rapidly in countries like Iran, because of the severe penalties that you face if the government discovers that, you've become a Christian. talk about the growth of the church in Iran, if you will.
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, it's sort of a double edged sword, Don. So it is true in Iran, in Saudi Arabia, in Iraq, in countries that we hear about and see in the news all the time, the underground church is exploding and we celebrate that and we give thanks to God for that. At the same time, it's important to remember this is the birthplace of the Christian church. Right. This region of the world is where our faith began. And only 4% of people in the region. There's about 600 million people in the region. Only 4% identify as Christian. So our heart breaks over the very small percentage, especially in the cradle of our faith. And we thank God for growth of his church in places like Iran.
Over 60% of the Middle East's population is under 25
>> Don Hawkins: How do you see God working among children and young people? Let's zero in on those people in the Middle East. What's the evidence that maybe those even under the age of 25 are looking for a genuine encounter with God?
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, great question. Well, interestingly, over 60% of the region's population is under 25. So it's a young region, and that's good news. As we look for look, we look for hope because these are tomorrow's leaders and influencers and academics and pastors, and they shape culture in a region. We know that. Right. these are all also people, Don, who have grown up in war and conflict after war. I have colleagues who live in the region, and some of them tell me of the places they've lived and the wars they've lived through. And when war shapes you as a child in those formative years, it can have a lifelong impact. But here are some beautiful statistics. children, of course, are very in tune to technology these days, certainly more than I am. and we have several platforms for young people to connect with us. We have Sat seven Kids, which is an Arabic television station designed for children. But we have an app, and we had nearly 800 million views on our social media feeds last year.
>> Don Hawkins: John, let me jump in right there because we're coming up to a break. There's more to be learned and we'll be right back on Encouragement Live. Crossflix, a complete multimedia platform at your fingertips, featuring faith based shows for the entire family. Plus an amazing library of interactive online Bible courses such as Revealing the Secrets of the Hebrew Hebrew Bible.
>> Dr. Rex Rogers: You'll have access to a community and join others on their spiritual journey.
>> Don Hawkins: Crossflix partners with the Seal Future foundation and Bless I L to support American and Israeli veterans and families suffering from trauma.
>> Dr. Rex Rogers: Crossflix. Educate, entertain and inspire.
60% of Christians will die with no will. Only 10% have up to date estate plans
>> Don Hawkins: 60% of Christians will die with no will. Only 10% have up to date estate plans, virtually guaranteeing that probate courts will sort out their affairs. What does being a wise steward of God's resources mean? The Bible has a lot to say on the subject. Sat 7 offers a biblical estate planning seminar or webinar that takes the mystery out of wills, trusts and estate planning. To learn more, visit sat7usa.org Plan the.
>> Eric Metaxas: People of the Middle east and North Africa are familiar with hardship and struggle. But Sat 7 gives the hope of God's word to the hurting and broken.
>> Don Hawkins: SAT7's new president, John Cernelia.
>> Eric Metaxas: Our vision is to see a growing church in the Middle east and North Africa confident in Christian faith and witness, serving the community and contributing to the good of society and culture.
>> Don Hawkins: To learn more or support this ministry, visit set7usa.org Toni King on her book the Maze of Medicare.
>> Toni King: I looked up on the Internet how many books have biblical in regards to Medicare, and there was zero. And then God brought you into my life and you helped me Write the maze of Medicare because we took Medicare and put scripture with it because people are stressed, they don't know what to do, where to turn.
Don Hawkins: SAT7 is reaching young people through the digital world
>> Don Hawkins: You can order the maze of medicare@uh, tonysays.com that's T O N I tonysays.com we're back on Encouragement Live. I'm Don Hawkins with John Cerniglia. He's the, the president of Set 7 Music in the background, produced by one of the talented members of our Encouragement Live team, Brad Smith art. You can google Brad Smith art if you'd like to download some of his music. We also have on the team tonight Danny and Chris and Cora, Wriley and Bailey Keith at the worship channel, Naeli at Ambassador, our distribution point. And appreciate every one of you listening to the program tonight. If you have a comment or a question, particularly about what's happened in the Middle east, but between Israel and Iran and the fact that there are a number of believers, a large number of believers in Iran and we want to encourage prayer for those people tonight. particularly 855-586-5433 is our toll free number. 855-586-life. And John, you were talking about reaching young people by bringing literally God's word through the digital world and giving us some numbers from 20. Amazed to hear those numbers.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's right. 800 million views on our social media feeds on apps like Facebook and Instagram. Young people, that's where they are, right? That's the town square.
>> Don Hawkins: yes, today, yes. And, and, and I see that you literally had230,000 video views as well. So people are watching sat7 as well.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's right. And that's on YouTube. That's just YouTube. We have about 15 million viewers in the region. But just on YouTube, 230,000 video views. Kids love those short form videos.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Eric Metaxas: And so we tell stories of Jesus on those clips.
>> Don Hawkins: Hey friend, if you want to learn more about all of this and what's happening here and the millions of people being reached on those four satellite channels in 25 countries, free and uncensored channels. It's an amazing, Visit the website sat7usa.org this is a worthy ministry for your prayer support, your financial support. I would encourage you to visit that website, learn more about these numbers that John is telling us about. 855-586-5433 is our number. And the website again is sat7usa.org Now, John, let me zero in specifically to how SAT7 may be making God visible among the turmoil in the Middle east right now, and so many people seem to be asking, where is God? Could this chaos actually be an opportunity for the gospel?
>> Eric Metaxas: Well, we think it is. And in fact, we know it is because our viewers on the four satellite channels and on social media are calling us and they're emailing us and they're texting us and they're sending us messages on WhatsApp. And you know what the number one topic is, Don, when our viewers call us? It's fear about what happens to me when I die.
>> Don Hawkins: Wow.
>> Eric Metaxas: And so, of course, that's what's going to be on a person's heart when their world is literally crumbling around them. You know, it would be like a family member of yours or mine going through cancer.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Eric Metaxas: Or maybe a tragic divorce or even a loss of a job. What happens in those moments? we feel drawn to the Holy Spirit, our prayer life increases, and we just actively seek what God wants for us. That's what we see happening in the Middle East.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. So exciting to see God at work in spite of what's been happening there. And it's certainly, John, understandable, that people in Iran and people in Israel and people in Gaza and many of those places, surrounding, that part of the Middle east would think about what's going to happen when I die, because, death is a reality. I've had, friends that were able to get out of Israel just literally by the skin of their teeth. And, you've talked about having people that you know in Iran, and, that's pretty amazing.
John: Jesus said we're to love our enemies and hate our enemies
But I believe, John, that, that you want us to transition to a perhaps more difficult and more important topic, and that is our role as Jesus followers. Tell us about that.
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, you know, I'm going to quote Mark Twain here. he said it ain't the parts of the Bible I can't understand that bother me. It's the parts that I do understand. So when we talk about, our enemies and we talk about what Jesus has for us, I think it's just really important for us to first be Jesus followers and then maybe second claim loyalty to a nation or family. Right. So, first of all, let me say, the people in the Middle east and North Africa are not my enemies. I love them.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen.
>> Eric Metaxas: That is true for my colleagues and brothers and sisters who work at SAT 7. We love the people we serve. And yet I know some Americans might be tempted to have, a sense of animosity towards some people in the Middle east. And we read that passage from Jesus out of Matthew earlier, Don, where he issues. Use some really challenging words.
>> Don Hawkins: yeah, love you. It's amazing how he started that passage off, John. you've heard it said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. And that was sort of the, the approach the Pharisees were taking. and it seems like throughout that part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was challenging the, the, shall we say, the status quo, the attitude there. And, you and I both have probably heard people say, I just hate those people that wear those outfits and follow that religion and so on. But Jesus died for those people, didn't he, John?
>> Eric Metaxas: Amen. Amen. I was. I was a nasty sinner, and Jesus was still actively, lovingly pursuing me. And I thank God for that every day. And I. That's exactly the posture he takes towards people in the Middle East. And I'm going to read what he says yet again. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. So I think that's our response.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, absolutely. So important. Maybe tonight, some of you have a story about, your own experience in reaching out and loving the people of the Middle east and even of North Africa. We'd love to hear from you at 855-586-5433. And if that story happens to involve SAT 7, we'd love, to hear that as well. Or if you have a question about this whole issue, John, for some people, this is really a hard truth. And I love that theological quote from the great theologian Mark Twain and, and, and his use of the grammar there. It ain't the parts of the Bible. As a Southerner, I can relate to that.
>> Eric Metaxas: That.
>> Don Hawkins: It's the parts I do understand, and, and those are the ones that trouble me. but this is. This is not an option, is it? It's a command. That's exactly right.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's exactly right, Don.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. So, you know, the reality is, Jesus said we're to love our enemies. but what about the law, John? How do we factor that in? It's a, you know, love's a wonderful thing, and loving our neighbor is important, but, talk about the law.
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah. Well, this is a common question I get from friends and family. They directed at me and say, well, what about the Old Testament? Because there's, some contrasting truths some would say in the Old Testament. So let's go back to what Paul says, to the Galatians, chapter Five. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free, but not. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh. Rather serve one another humbly in love. And then he says this for the entire law, the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command. Love your neighbor as yourself. Wow. There it is again.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And John, that reminds me of twice, I, think in Matthew and in Mark, when someone came to Jesus and said, what is the, the greatest commandment? He actually gave two commands. Love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. And he said, the second one is just like the first one. Love your neighbor as yourself. So, this has to be absolutely important. I believe, Romans 13 talks about this as well. What does it tell us?
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, that's right. Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another. For whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. So, again, Don, this is my interpretation. This is the metanarrative of our Christian faith. the law is fulfilled in loving. We're to love our enemies as we love our neighbors and as we love ourselves. There's no two ways about it.
>> Don Hawkins: And John, this could have implications in our country with the threat of sleeper cells. You know, we hear a lot about that in the media these days, that there could be sleeper cells here that could launch attacks inside the US and, and people can become absolutely paranoid and fearful and all of that. But what a time for us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Which, raises the question, what is the posture for loving our enemies? The good posture?
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, that's good. It's good.
John: There's lots in the Word about how to treat our enemies
Well, there's lots, again lots in the Word and what God has given to us to guide us in the posture, you know, we should take towards people, including our enemies. First of all, to guard our hearts. Right? I mean, our listeners know this to be true. We, we've heard preachers talk about it, and it's still true. Do not repay evil with evil. Overcome evil with good. Right out of Romans, Romans 5. Bitterness is a slow poison, and we ought to actively resist it. Resist hate and fear and cynicism, and keep our hearts soft, remembering how God loved us while we were still an enemy of his.
>> Don Hawkins: You know, that fits right in, John, with what Paul wrote in Ephesians, 4:32, where he said, be kind, tender hearted, forgiving one another as God for Christ's sake, has forgiven you. And I think about people who, have suffered some of the terrible things that have happened both in Israel and in Iran and other parts of There I think of Gaza, for example. but what an opportunity for us to demonstrate not a callous heart, but a tender heart and extending forgiveness and the love of Jesus Christ.
>> Eric Metaxas: Amen.
John Cerniglia suggests practicing good posture for loving our enemies
>> Don Hawkins: Now, you have, have, some other, words that you've put together that sort of help us unpack this concept of a good posture for loving our enemies.
>> Eric Metaxas: Sure, sure. Well, you know, our nation is increasingly diversified and, I celebrate that and give thanks to God for the sort of the diversity of our nation. You've heard it said that when we stand before the Lord in heaven and we look around us, it's going to be quite a colorful group of people who will be ascended.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Eric Metaxas: And I celebrate that. So, you know, just practical things. Spending time together with our neighbors, getting to know people's story, getting beyond the superficial, hi, how are you? How is it going? But literally asking people, tell me how the Lord has blessed you, or tell me, tell me your about your childhood. Simple things like that, in our attentiveness begin to soften hearts and demonstrate our openness and our love, our affection for people. spending time with people, particularly when there's a sacrifice involved, giving somebody some of your time to help them help a neighbor do something that they need done that goes a long way at breaking down prejudices and fears. And then, of course, most importantly, praying for people. Yes, it's good to pray for people we love. It's really good to pray for people we're afraid of or we have anxiety about.
>> Don Hawkins: These are wise words from John Cerniglia on our program tonight. The toll free number is 558-65433. We'll be right back.
Free webinar with his faithful stewards will discuss wills and trusts
>> Steve: There are only two ways that your affairs will be settled after you pass away. Your way or the government's way. For anyone without a will or trust in place, the government will settle it through probate. So we must all ask ourselves, do I want the government to decide how my minor children get their inheritance and where my assets go and then charge my heirs probate and court fees to make that happen? Or do I want to protect my family from probate and steward the resources that God has entrusted to me by determining how the assets that I leave behind will be used? Find out what you need to know and do to protect your heirs. At a free webinar with his faithful stewards. This free webinar will discuss wills and trusts and help you understand it all. Go to hisfaithfulstewards.com and find the link for webinars. There's A place there under webinars where you can sign up. That's hisfaithful stewards.com and the link to webinars his faithful stewards.com when you need.
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>> Eric Metaxas: That'S.
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Sagi Lukas grew up in South India without Christ. When he trusted Jesus, his Hindu family disowned him
>> Don Hawkins: Sagi Lukas grew up in South India without Christ. But when he trusted the Savior, his Hindu family disowned him. His witness brought his entire family to Christ and led to the founding of Mission India, which trains hundreds of village missionaries each year. For a free copy of Saji's biography Transformed for a Purpose and to learn more about Reaching Indians Ministries International, visit reme.org that's remy.org I was so high.
>> Dr. Rex Rogers: And I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage. And then I awoke two days later in the hospital. I heard about Teen Challenge. I came here and this place has shown me that it truly does care. That's when everything changed.
>> Toni King: At Adult and Teen Challenge, we provide hope and healing for us new drug free future. And you can find the center nearest you at 8:55 and addiction or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from addiction starts here.
Don Hawkins talks about satellite television programming that reaches Middle East families
>> Don Hawkins: Welcome back to Encouragement Live. Our toll free number is 855586 LIFE. Here again is your host, Don Hawkins, author of Master Discipleship Today. And what a timely topic we're tackling tonight on the program Encouragement Live. We're talking about relating as Jesus did to our enemies, to people we have considered enemies, perhaps in the Middle East. John Cernelia is with me. He is the President of SAT7. And their web address, sat7usa.org Let me encourage you to visit that website, learn more about their ministry, pray for them, Pray for the outreach there, particularly the believers in Iran, an incredible number in the underground church there. and, for people in Gaza and in Israel and other parts of the Middle East, Afghanistan as well. And John, I believe that, there are three or four different languages that SAT 7 is broadcasting into.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's correct. our primary language which reaches many nations, a few dozen nations in the Middle east and North Africa is Arabic, of course. we have Farsi, the Farsi in Persian language which reaches Iran. And, then we have Turkish, of course, reaching Turkey. And Those are the three primary languages, and those languages will reach about 600 million people in a 25 nation region.
>> Don Hawkins: And you have, programming for children as well. I'm really fascinated with what SAT7 is doing for children. Talk about that.
>> Eric Metaxas: Well, Jesus, of course, we all know the scripture said to let the children come to him. He demonstrated a soft heart for children. and what's interesting about children and children's television. Remember, Don, what we're talking about here is satellite television programming. what's really great about our children's program is that in the Middle Eastern cultures, families watch television together. That's less common in the US These days. You know, mom might be in one room watching one, and the children might be in a different room. Here in the US and in Middle Eastern cultures, it's more common for families to watch together. So when you have programming for children, then, that can in fact reach the entire family. we have a program called Church for Kids, for example. it's a Persian speaking children's program which reaches Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. And, it actually is geared towards believers. Some of our programs are geared towards believers. Some are geared towards people who are not yet Jesus followers. But Church for Kids is for families, who are Jesus followers. And it models, often through animation and programming design for children, what it looks like to, to be a Jesus follower in that context in that culture.
>> Don Hawkins: And a lot of those people have had to learn things about loving their enemies as well because of all the conflict in the Middle east, you know, the Mullos and others who've, come down hard on Christians. And so I would think that kind of programming helps to communicate the message that you and I are talking about tonight.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's right. It's not just for you and me, loving our neighbor as ourselves. it is for Jesus followers in Iran and in Afghanistan and in Saudi Arabia and many other countries through the region, which honestly I think is a whole lot harder for them to do than it would be for you or me here in the U.S. yeah, you.
>> Don Hawkins: Know, you know, I think about, my own family. We have twin daughters, Kathi and I do. And, I'm thankful for both of them as well as my son who is, involved in our ministry here. one of our daughters, had, built a friendship with a Muslim family and particularly their daughter, and invited, the daughter, to be a part of her wedding. And, as a result, the entire Muslim family came and gave me an opportunity to present the gospel in the context of a wedding and that never would have happened, if my daughter hadn't been practicing the very thing that, you're talking about on the program tonight.
>> Eric Metaxas: You know, Don, that's a beautiful story and it reminds me of something that is common in the Middle east that maybe our listeners are not aware of. In the Middle east, religion is central to culture and central to family. You know, here sometimes in the US we might be a little reluctant to talk to somebody we meet, about our religion because some people feel like it's inappropriate to do that in our culture here in the U.S. well, in the Middle east, it's very common for people to have conversations about religion. And so believe it or not, talking about Jesus not just as a prophet, but as the son of God is, it's acceptable in a private setting, in somebody's home, perhaps over a meal. Very common thing to do.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. You know, I had a conversation with an individual about a week or so ago, and he was discussing the fact that they're developing a Muslim community, in north central Texas here in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. And, and it's been somewhat controversial because questions were asked about will they implement Sharia law? And the comment was, you know, here I am living, you know, not too many hundreds of feet, away from a mosque and, and where most of the people who live or there will be a mosque there. There. It's not built yet. but I thought to myself, you know, what a great opportunity to, use something that we often call friendship evangelism and to have an outreach of that way. Your thoughts about that?
>> Eric Metaxas: Amen. Well, again, Jesus modeled this. Right? the stories are all about him walking or sitting or eating. he didn't cocoon himself off in some segregated space. And that's just a truth for his active three years of ministry and his entire life, in fact, even as a child. So I think that's a good, model for us to follow as we think about people in our neighborhoods and in our villages, in our workplaces. Right. Because a lot of listeners of course, are working and when somebody shows up at work that looks a little different than you. Hopefully we see that as an opportunity.
>> Don Hawkins: 855-586-5433 is our toll free number and we're so glad to have you listening tonight and, fascinating discussion on loving our enemies and reaching out to our enemies.
John: Sometimes we think of our neighbors as our enemies
John, you, you put some observations down on the show notes for tonight night that I thought were so timely. Jesus pushed against the smallness and narrowness of only loving our friends and family. He causes his son to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, and how these people equally experience the generosity of God's love in creation. And we should model and reflect that among, both our neighbors and our enemies. And sometimes we think of our neighbors as our enemies. and you had talked about praying for them, asking God to bring reconciliation. I want to come back to that for just a moment and get, you to unpack that a little bit more about praying for those maybe that we're working with, that we kind of feel like we're having a hard time getting along with.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's right. That's right. Well, you know, of course, we all know the power of prayer. My wife and I were talking about this this evening over dinner, in fact, and really still trying to fully understand what God intends as he calls us to pray, because of course he does. And I believe there's some mystery to this, Don. I don't know that it's a literal cause and effect. Right.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Eric Metaxas: because of course, sometimes God answers instantly and affirmatively, and sometimes his answer, is not what we expected where it comes in time. But here's what we do know. There's something beautiful and spiritual that happens as we pray for our enemies specifically, and even as we pray with our enemies.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Eric Metaxas: you know, even in the church, unfortunately, there's discord and disunity. And of course, we're told very clearly that that's unbiblical and ungodly. So the power of prayer is good for our hearts to bring our anger to the Lord or our fear to the Lord about our neighbor or our co worker. and it's good for that relationship. It's hard to hate somebody after you've prayed for them, Don.
>> Don Hawkins: boy, that's a great point, John. So maybe tonight, as a result of this program, many of our listening family for encouragement live, will say, you know, there's that person I'm having a hard time getting along with. And it may not be somebody from a different religion. It may be somebody in your church that you come to feel like is an enemy or a member of your family. if you start praying for that person, it'll be amazing to see, the kind of ways that God may intervene.
John Cerniglia: Trust the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. John: Tonight we talk about loving your enemies
John, I need to give a little plug for my encouragement for you weekly podcast. because one of the features on that podcast, I had a man named Steve Saint. Now, the name Saint may ring a bell with you, you remember Nate Saint, one of the five missionaries speared to death by the Hodani Indians in South America in 1956.
>> Eric Metaxas: I remember hearing about it, yes.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, you were much too young, back then I was a, I was a kid myself. But, but the bottom line is Steve Saint is the son of Nate Saint Saint. And I'll never forget encountering him in a hotel in Washington D.C. with a little fella, very short, wearing a tribal garb. And Steve introducing me said, this is Grandfather Minkai. And later he told me, this is the man who speared my father to death. And he's become like a grandfather to my children. And I have his story on my Encouragement for you podcast.
>> Eric Metaxas: John.
>> Don Hawkins: Ah, as I thought about this program tonight, I thought, you know, what an incredible example of somebody loving your enemy.
>> Eric Metaxas: Amen. There's nothing, there's nothing other than the blood of Jesus that can make that moment happen as you've described it done. Thanks be to God for that.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen. Thank the Lord for that. And friend, you can visit that podcast encouragement for you. they drop weekly on Wednesdays on Spotify, Life Audio and other other places as well. we're talking about loving our enemies in the same way we love our neighbors. And Sat7 really is practicing this in a great way, reaching people with the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. And tonight, if I'm talking to somebody who hasn't trusted Christ as Savior, I want to encourage you to think about four words. One word is sin. The Bible says that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In Romans 3:23 it says there's a penalty for sin. The penalty is death. Romans 6:23. But that penalty has been paid by the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8. God proved his love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Sin's penalty has been paid. And that leaves just one thing for us to do so trust. Trust the Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:16 says, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Friend, no matter what your background, what your religious, affiliation, if you haven't trusted Christ, will you bow your head right now and ask the Lord Jesus to save you? Admit that you're a sinner and place your trust in him and then reach out to us and let us know about it. Our toll free number is 855-586-5433 I'll be back with John Cerniglia right after these important messages.
Encouragement Live helps people bridge the gap between faith and everyday life
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>> Jane: The older people grow, the more important it is that they have savings that are not at risk and the stock is market.
>> Don Hawkins: Here's an important warning from Roxanne Intermule of his faithful stewards.com I've seen many.
>> Jane: People in their 50s that have all their savings still in a 401k or some other market based account that is fully at risk of loss.
>> Don Hawkins: Roxanne and her team offer practical financial counsels at people from all age groups.
>> Jane: It could be that they need to start saving for the future in retirement. Or maybe they've already done those things and they just need to be good managers of what God's given them and get their money to where it can grow well but won't be at risk of loss in the stock market. Or maybe they need to get a will or a trust in place to protect their family from the cost and stresses of probate.
>> Don Hawkins: You can schedule a free and confidential time to talk with Roxanne at her website hisfaithful stewards.com just follow the links on the website to set a good time to talk or you may call the office to set a time.
John Cernelia is the president of set 7.org
That's his faithful stewards.com we're back on Encouragement Live talking with John Cernelia tonight. He is the president of set 7. The website sat7usa.org tells you about how they are reaching people with the light life changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Transforming lives through Bible centered programs, reaching kids with God's love. Bible centered programs that show that kids love and parents trust and also equipping people to live out their faith. programs that strengthen those that don't have a local church or are part of the underground church. And John, we, have focused on loving your enemies enemies tonight. but it seems to me, that this is a critical time for us to love and pray for, our fellow believers who are, in places like Iran and Afghanistan and Iraq and some of those places, maybe share a little bit of how we might be praying for people that Set seven is ministering to.
M. M. asks listeners to pray for Iranian Jesus followers
>> Eric Metaxas: Sure, sure. Well, I, based on a 2020 survey out of the Netherlands, there's an estimate suggesting there could be as many as a million people in Iran who are Jesus followers, who are Christians. So, my heart breaks for them. Right. Because we in the US have such easy access, to a local church, to a public place of worship, and, to, places where we can convene and pray together with brothers and sisters. And of course, that's deadly, literally deadly in Iran. So, our satellite network, is free, and it's, uninterruptible by the government or anybody else. And millions of people are able to, worship with other people in their heart language. Our presenters on the television screen are Iranian, and they are speaking Persian, so, Farsi language. So these are same culture Jesus followers ministering and leading worship, potentially to millions of people in Iran. And I would just ask our listeners to pray. Pray for the technology to keep working.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen.
>> Eric Metaxas: Pray for our presenters. Their hearts are broken. These are Iranians who have left the country and who have family in the country, but are so determined to present the gospel to their people that they continue to do this. And, you know, with what's happened in the last few weeks, this has just been a very stressful time for our people, particularly our people of Iranian descent. So pray for our presenters. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work. I mean, the church is growing very rapidly in Iran. Thanks be to God for that.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Eric Metaxas: and we need people to be able to fellowship together and pray together. We can provide the technological opportunities for that on things like Facebook. my real heart's desire, Don, is that Iranian Jesus followers someday soon can assemble in a church just like you and I will tomorrow. M. And be free for public worship.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Eric Metaxas: Not to be scared and afraid.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen. That would be such a powerful thing if that happened. And that can happen if God's people get behind this and pray. And I want to encourage our listening family tonight. maybe you haven't felt prompted to call us tonight, but I would encourage you to jot down the website sat 7 USA. OK. The letters sat the number7usa.org and John, I suspect that there's some place people can go there and find out what the prayer needs are and let you folks know that they are praying for them.
>> Eric Metaxas: That's exactly right. In fact, you can sign up very easily for our prayer letter which we send out regularly. and as things are changing so rapidly in the Middle east, we're keeping our supporters and our friends up to date. We covered your prayer. We plead with you to pray not simply for the SAT 7 ministry, but for the millions of people that we are ministering to in the Middle east and North Africa.
This ministry needs your prayer. And you can find out about how they need that
>> Don Hawkins: And John, I wanted to ask you about the people who are at the tip of the spear, so to speak, in that ministry. you have people in Cyprus who are broadcasting in Arabic and Farsi and Turkish. and I had heard there was action actually in order to, for people to leave, Cyprus at one time last week. How are your people doing there?
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, you know, Cyprus is a good place. They're doing fine. Thank you for asking. And thank you Don, for your prayer. You've been communicating with me over the last few weeks. Yes, letting me know you're praying. I covet your prayers and we're deeply grateful for your prayer and for every listener to come. Continue to pray for the ministry. Cyprus is a European nation, it is in the Mediterranean, it is strategically located in the next door to the Middle east. so it is a good location and our people are safe there and free to continue to broadcast from Cyprus into Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, just with the Farsi language. And then we do have broadcast centers in Turkey, and in Istanbul, Turkey and in Lebanon as well. So, we're spread across the region.
>> Don Hawkins: Boy, what a great impact that ministry is having and equipping people to live out their faith, lifting people from poverty, reaching kids with God's love, but especially reaching people with the life changing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This ministry needs your prayer. They also need your faithful support. And you can find out about how they need that by going to the website. And the website is sat the letters. Sat the number seven, the letters. USA.org Mary is on the phone calling us from Tennessee tonight.
Mary and John talk about forgiveness through the Holy Spirit
Mary, good to hear from you. Go ahead.
>> Eric Metaxas: Yes, I was just thinking about when you were talking about, forgiveness and that about Corey Pin Boom and how she had to forgive her, jailers, with the concentration camp, how she was able to forgive them. They had come to faith. The gentleman had and she was, in that moment, asking God to give her the strength to shake his hand and make that connection because it was so hard.
>> Don Hawkins: I remember very vividly reading that. And John, I suspect you've read that story about Corrie 10 boom as well.
>> Eric Metaxas: I have. And that reminds me of Jim Elliot, when he was martyred and how Elizabeth Elliot came to love his killers.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Eric Metaxas: So, yeah, it's modeled in biblical times and it's modeled in modern times. Ah. And it's just, Boy, oh, boy. I don't think. I think the only way I could ever do that is through the work of the Holy Spirit. Right. My flesh alone is just not in a position to do that. so I think what we're seeing happening in these moments, like Mary's reminding us of, is the work of the Holy Spirit.
>> Don Hawkins: And I'm so glad, glad you thought of that and brought that up tonight. Mary and John, I'm so glad you mentioned Elizabeth Elliot. I remember hearing Steve Saint talk about Aunt Betty, who basically was one of the key people who raised him. And I think she was one of the influences, influencers in his life that brought him, to love the man who took the life of, his father. So we're talking about supernatural things that none of us can do. Mary, so good to hear from you tonight. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
>> Eric Metaxas: Thank you.
>> Don Hawkins: God bless. Bye bye. 8 5, 5, 5, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 3.
John Cernelia: Jesus demonstrated love for his enemies in practical ways
As we talk about loving your enemy tonight, maybe some of you have a story about maybe you were the enemy and somebody loved you and that made the difference in your life. John, you talked about some ways that we love our enemies, the same way we love our neighbors. And some specific things that Jesus would model for us. take us to, that. How would Jesus answer this question?
>> Eric Metaxas: Yeah, great, great question, Don. you know, sometimes it's easy to read the Bible and always think in supernatural terms. Right. But Jesus gave us practical examples of how he demonstrated love for his enemies. It often was around sharing of meal. You know, there is something beautiful that happens when we break bread together.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Eric Metaxas: But in these examples, these were with. With some of his enemies. The tax collectors, sinners, Roman officials, Jewish leaders who were seeking to kill him. Jesus would sit at a table in a private setting, not at a public restaurant. We like to do today in somebody's home. and. And that was the venue, that was the, the posture he took, the position he wanted to be in to show love toward his enemy. I got to tell you, I I need to work on this.
>> Don Hawkins: Don't we all, John? I mean, this is not something that just comes naturally. It's not some kind of a magic formula. It's not a trick. I mean, the bottom line is this is as, as you put it in our notes, a posture toward every human being we meet. even those that maybe, we just. And some people, we just don't like them. But, you know, the biblical concept of love, the word agape actually has the idea of making a choice, making a decision. It's, an act of the will. It's not an emotion. even though sometimes we tend to relate love to how do I feel about this person. I really have a loving feeling toward them. it's really a choice, isn't it?
>> Eric Metaxas: Amen. Amen. And Jesus demonstrated how by being present with people and loving them, he showed us this, that. That he was able to convert enemies into neighbors. Right, and into co workers through his love. And of course, remember, he tells us we'll do even greater things than he did.
>> Don Hawkins: Wow, that's a powerful statement. And again, it's the Holy Spirit who makes this possible. You pointed that out earlier in the program, and I think that's a great place for us to sort of zero in on as we come to the end of this program. Running out of time, but such an important program. And John, my prayer is that this program has motivated, each of us as it's motivated me, and I know motivated you from what you've said, that we will look for opportunities, to love those who might be our enemies, those who are our neighbors. Converting enemies to neighbors, so that ultimately the spirit of God might reach them with the Christlike example we've set, and they would come to the Savior. Your final thoughts on this subject?
>> Eric Metaxas: Well, thank you for the time our listeners have given us this evening. Don, Don, thanks for welcoming me and hosting me. But my final thought is this. Let's just pray for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done in the Middle east and North Africa as it is in heaven.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen to that. And friend, we're so glad that you joined us tonight. you've heard about the Ministry of Sat 7 reaching in these languages, the Arabic, the Farsi, also the Dari language as well as the Turkish language, with the gospel of Jesus Christ, with programming for children and for adults, please Visit that website, sat7usa.org and on, behalf of our entire team, as well as John Cernelia and the people in the Middle east and North Africa. We're being ministered to by Sat seven. you pray for them tonight. Thank you for joining us for the program. Encouragement, Live Faith, Family Freedom, American Family Radio.
>> Toni King: As a federal or state employee, you have the opportunity to support the American Family association through the combined federal campaign. By designating a monthly Payroll deduction using 12037, you help AFA continue to fight for your family. So when you complete your CFC form, remember.
