Message to Believers from Peter Mitskevich

Dear brothers, beloved ministers of the Lord! Peace to you and your home.

How should members of Russian UECB Churches respond? How does the gospel relate to us in this issue?

1. TRUST in the LORD. I pray that the Lord will truly be the king of my life, and of every church member. Every believer should say with the apostle Paul: “For this reason I suffer like this; but I'm not ashamed. For I know in whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to keep my pledge until that day.”  2 Tim. 1:12

That is, not only do I know about the LORD, but I personally know the LORD. HE IS THE GOD OF LOVE, but THE LORD Judges and punishes as well. He is Alpha and Omega. EVERYTHING is in HIS HANDS. Pastors can help church members in this time, to renew their relationship with the Lord.

2. If I TRUST in the LORD, then I TRUST my life is in HIS HANDS. Psalm 22

We must BELIEVE and act with wisdom. The main issue is that we know the SHEPHERD. Our life is in HIS HANDS. Looking at Christ, our hearts are calmed. May God's will be done in our lives.

3. BE PRIESTS. This is a call not only to the pastors of the church. The apostle Peter calls believers "a chosen people, a royal priesthood." (1 Peter 2:8-9). The duty of a priest is to pray for himself and for others. The people around us are in particular need of prayers at the present time. Ask neighbors, friends how to pray for them and teach them to pray.

4. BE FAITHFUL TO CHRIST AND HIS MESSAGE! Shepherds can help church members, as in any circumstances, in any context, not to be afraid to testify about THEIR FAITH, about the LORD JESUS ​​CHRIST, and be ready for any trials (suffering) because of their FAITH.

Each member of the church must know the basics of faith, 4 spiritual laws - in order to tell others.

Now we have a unique opportunity to be evangelists. It is Christ's task to go and proclaim HIM to all people. And in Russia, and to the ends of the earth. In your home, at work, in a military unit, wherever the Lord calls us. Every church member should have a few gospels and prayer meeting invitations in their pocket.

5. KEEP YOUR MOUTH FROM CONDEMNATION, and have a heart filled with the Holy Spirit. The Church is called to preach about Christ, about ETERNAL LIFE, and the terrible fate of sinners. Our mission is to preach the GOSPEL. Political times are changing. Christ and the disciples of the Lord preached about repentance, about saving faith in the difficult times of the ROMAN EMPIRE, and did not get involved in political issues. Christ taught: "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God" (Mark 12:17). The church is separated from the state, but testifies to society as people who believe in God.

Dear brothers, I also ask you not to condemn others who have different political views than you, but to pray for all members of the church, and call everyone to FOLLOW CHRIST with their lives.

Peter states in 1Peter 2:15-25:

“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

“He committed no sin,  and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

May the Lord give you understanding, spiritual strength, wisdom from above - to serve, trusting in Christ. Weep with those who weep, console the distressed, and pray for PEACE in the heart of everyone. I pray that new opportunities for evangelism will open up, so that every Russian will hear about Christ.

Bless you all with prayers,

Peter Mitskevich,

President of the Russian UECB.