And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14
Growth
The Pwo Karen Christians in Thailand can be divided in groups according to their dialect, the province they live in or their denomination.
There are still areas where there are none or only a few Christians.
The biggest need among the Christians is Bible teaching. Young people like to go to Bible schools in the City.
They lack discernment to know which teaching is Biblical and what teaching is half the truth. Many Bible schools teach a particular doctrine or emphasize a subject that they see as most important.
Some Pwo Karen churches accuse others of not having received the Holy Spirit. Other churches are very tolerant to people living in sin while other churches do not allow people to attend church because they have committed a sin.
Praise:
- For the believers to grow in their faith. God will not leave them!
- For the offer of the Lord Jesus and His promise that He will not forsake His children and leave them behind like orphans but that he has given the Holy Spirit to indwell us, to guide, to teach, to encourage and comfort.
Pray:
- For teachers true to the Bible, that they are able to stand up against criticism from other teachers or church members.
- That church members will read their Bible daily or have children or grand children read the Word to them. Pray they will check the teaching they have received with God’s Word.
- Believers in different churches will remain united in Christ.
- God will receive all the glory in spite of all the confusion. Pray God’s Word will go out to the places where there are no churches yet.