The Christian Experiment is about one simple question:
If you could easily and freely help your brothers and sisters in Christ, would you do so?
This experiment is in relation to the following Bible verse: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
When Paul wrote these “opportunity words,” little did he know that we would have unprecedented opportunities through our social media, to share that which is good and that which will “do good.”
Yet, I’m afraid what seems a no-brainer in theory is quite the opposite in practice.
This is even more shocking, because this opportunity is without any cost or effort on one’s part.
Two Confronting Illustrations
Since we live in “our version” of Christianity, it’s often helpful to consider how some Christians in the New Testament expressed their desire to help other Christians.
For example, in 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, Paul used the Macedonian believers as an example for the Corinthian believers. We read:
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints.”
These Macedonian believers begged Paul earnestly “for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints.”
Even though they were severely afflicted and extremely poor themselves, they wanted to help their poverty-stricken brothers and sisters in Jerusalem and Judea.
Paul exhorted the Corinthian believers to pursue the same mindset: “See that you excel in this act of grace also” (2 Cor. 8:7).
Secondly, in Hebrews 10:32-34, we read:
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.”
These believers in Hebrews wanted to partner with and show compassion to their imprisoned brothers and sisters.
Such partnership and compassion came at great personal cost, though.
Yet, they joyfully accepted the plundering of their property.
What about You?
In light of these Macedonian and Hebrew believers, is it too much to ask you to share a Bible fundraiser for your persecuted brothers and sisters on your social media?
That is what The Christian Experiment is all about.
Here’s the main link you can share: www.HelpThePersecutedChurch.com
Ultimately, though, you have to ask the question, what does God have to say about helping or not helping His children.
Here are three free books that will encourage you to help your brothers and sisters in Christ when you have an opportunity to do so.
Plain and simple: if you could easily and freely help your brothers and sisters in Christ, would you do so?
Or…
Would you not do so?
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
In Christ Alone,
Mr. Jan Blonk
P.S. Undoubtedly, if you were a Christian who lived in one of the fifty-two countries where God’s word is banned and didn’t have your own Bible, you would want Christians in the West to help distribute Bibles to the persecuted church. Will you do for other Christians what you would’ve wanted other Christians to do for you?