Pacified or Persecuted?

 

In the book of Acts we read of a Holy Spirit filled and empowered church experiencing great wonders and miracles.  Thousands of people responded to the message of Christ’s forgiveness and eternal life.  Everywhere the gospel of Christ was preached, lives were changed.  However, everyone was not as excited about this new faith, especially the Jewish religious leaders.  The stronger the early church grew, the greater the persecution arose against them.  Followers of Christ were beaten, jailed, and even killed for sharing their faith in Christ.  Tactics used to silence them only served to increase the followers of Christ even more.  In every instance of oppression, the followers of Christ considered it a joy to be worthy of persecution.  They even prayed for more boldness to speak the word of God.

If we were honest, many American Christians would have to say we can’t recall any persecution for our faith.  Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20).  Jesus’ words are as true today as they were when he first proclaimed them, so if we are not experiencing persecution for our faith, we are either alone on a deserted island or our witness is ineffective.  We must not be living the truths of God’s word if no one is challenging us. 

Persecution is the litmus test of our faith.  If we look around the world, Christians are being tortured and killed for standing with Christ.  We need to thank God that hasn’t come to America.  Yet, we are experiencing an onslaught of media prejudice and promotion of anti-Christian and unbiblical lifestyles and thought.  There is a war on against Christ’s church in our society.  If you are truly standing with him, you will be persecuted.  They day may come when it will be a crime to speak the name of Jesus.  If it were a crime for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Come see us Sunday.  We will talk about that.
Pastor Jeff