Interesting pictures... these were taken in a Buddhist temple in the Chinatown section of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In the first picture you can see an idol that is worshipped as part of the religion, and in the second you see a large urn that holds incense whose smoke supposedly carries the prayers of the petitioners to heaven.
What does a Christian pastor do when he enters such a place? He prays. I saw the people who firmly believe in their religion. Yet, they are destined for hell. I realize that seems harsh and arrogant on my part. How can I put my faith ahead of theirs? How do I know that I'm right and they are wrong? Interesting topic, for another post. For now, just go with my thoughts, rambling as they are...
They have no hope. There is no guarantee in their religion that they will enter heaven such as they believe it to be. This is not true for a Christian. I Jn. 5:13 says that we can know that we have eternal life if we believe. That is true hope. I love that word "hope" in the Bible. It doesn't mean, "I hope this will happen." There is no guarantee in that hope. The word used actually means a guarantee. That our hope is sure. It is guaranteed. Our blessed hope is in Christ Jesus.
There are those in Vietnam who believe. We were unable to visit one of the government run churches while we were in Vietnam, but these churches are unable to teach the full truth of the Gospel because of the Communist government. Each sermon must be approved before given. Underground churches are able to teach the full truth at risk of their freedom and even their very lives.
I was able to meet one man and his family whom I believe to be true Christians. Due to language difficulties I was unable to understand exactly the circumstances. From what I could gather, this family wanted to immigrate to the US, but were unable to because of their Christian faith. The government wouldn't allow it. I saw and prayed as I saw this man and his family weep at their possible loss of freedom (maybe more, especially hard when looking at their young son). Was this what the man asked me to pray for? No. His prayer was not for himself, but for the salvation of Vietnam. This selflessness has struck my heart. There is a nation that, save for a remnant of believers, is lost and destined for hell. This isn't the only nation. Around the world people are lost and dying. They are heading for an eternal destiny away from God, love, and anything that is good. They are destined for eternal death. I have never been struck with that reality so profoundly as I had that day.
Join me in prayer for this lost world; for this lost country...
