The Persecuted Church
I was reading an article this morning on the persecuted church, when I came across some astounding and sobering statistics. The article stated that research reveals that “over 380 million Christians around the world suffer persecution or discrimination for their faith in Jesus Christ. That means they experience some kind of hostility as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus or living out their faith.”
They define Christian persecution as “any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus.” That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment and even death.”
This should drive us to our knees in prayer to God. Not only for their protection, but also for their endurance to remain faithful to Christ. And that God would use it to advance the gospel, and give us boldness where we live today.
Christians in other parts of the world experience firsthand what the early church faced in Acts 5. They are giving evidence to the truth of the gospel, because in the midst of opposition they continue to go and tell people about Jesus. And they remain faithful wherever the Lord places them.
As we consider the example of the early church and the apostles in Acts 5:12-26, several truths stand out in our efforts to follow Christ in the midst of opposition.
#1 – Give evidence to the truth of the gospel. (Acts 5:12-16)
The apostles were performing signs and wonders before the people, on a regular basis. And people were witnessing the truth of the gospel.
Some people were afraid to join them. And yet, the believers were added to the Lord in great numbers.
What does fear drive you to do, or keep you from doing?
Would you describe your relationship with Jesus as being a ‘committed follower,' or a ‘casual follower’?
What steps are you taking to move toward being a committed follower of Jesus?
As Christians, we are called to live out our faith and give evidence with our actions to the good news of Jesus. We won’t do this perfectly, but the pattern of our life is to be characterized by a serious commitment to Jesus.
#2 – Go and tell people about Jesus. (Acts 5:17-21a)
The apostles faced opposition for their faith. They were arrested and thrown into prison. But an angel of the Lord rescued them one night. He opened the prison doors and told them to ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life' (Acts 5:20). And that’s exactly what they did.
God freed the followers of Christ to go serve Him and speak about Him. They were not to remain silent. They were entrusted with Christ’s mission and message about eternal life...and they were compelled to continue to share!
The good news of Jesus is the message that brings eternal life!
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
You can have assurance of eternal life with Christ, if you would turn away from your sins, and trust in Him alone as your Savior and Lord.
We are freed from sin, to serve Him and to tell people about Jesus.
Who have you shared the good news of Jesus with this week? I would love to hear!
You can start with your family and friends. Believers or unbelievers.
We all need to keep hearing the good news of Jesus!
#3 – Be faithful to the Lord, wherever He places you. (Acts 5:21b-26)
The news eventually made its way back to the Jewish leaders that the apostles somehow got out of prison and were back in the temple telling people about Jesus.
The officers then brought them back, but not by force.
The apostles were trusting in the Lord and seeking to be witnesses of Jesus wherever He placed them.
Sometimes the Lord delivers his people from opposition. But as the persecuted Christians around the world would remind us today, even if we are not delivered in this life, the Lord strengthens us to persevere, just like the apostles did.
Wherever God has placed you, in whatever situation He has put you in, be faithful to Him. Give evidence to the truth of the gospel. Look for opportunities to share your life, and the message that brings eternal life.
For this week: Read Acts 5:27-42
They define Christian persecution as “any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus.” That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment and even death.”
This should drive us to our knees in prayer to God. Not only for their protection, but also for their endurance to remain faithful to Christ. And that God would use it to advance the gospel, and give us boldness where we live today.
Christians in other parts of the world experience firsthand what the early church faced in Acts 5. They are giving evidence to the truth of the gospel, because in the midst of opposition they continue to go and tell people about Jesus. And they remain faithful wherever the Lord places them.
As we consider the example of the early church and the apostles in Acts 5:12-26, several truths stand out in our efforts to follow Christ in the midst of opposition.
#1 – Give evidence to the truth of the gospel. (Acts 5:12-16)
The apostles were performing signs and wonders before the people, on a regular basis. And people were witnessing the truth of the gospel.
Some people were afraid to join them. And yet, the believers were added to the Lord in great numbers.
What does fear drive you to do, or keep you from doing?
Would you describe your relationship with Jesus as being a ‘committed follower,' or a ‘casual follower’?
What steps are you taking to move toward being a committed follower of Jesus?
As Christians, we are called to live out our faith and give evidence with our actions to the good news of Jesus. We won’t do this perfectly, but the pattern of our life is to be characterized by a serious commitment to Jesus.
#2 – Go and tell people about Jesus. (Acts 5:17-21a)
The apostles faced opposition for their faith. They were arrested and thrown into prison. But an angel of the Lord rescued them one night. He opened the prison doors and told them to ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life' (Acts 5:20). And that’s exactly what they did.
God freed the followers of Christ to go serve Him and speak about Him. They were not to remain silent. They were entrusted with Christ’s mission and message about eternal life...and they were compelled to continue to share!
The good news of Jesus is the message that brings eternal life!
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
You can have assurance of eternal life with Christ, if you would turn away from your sins, and trust in Him alone as your Savior and Lord.
We are freed from sin, to serve Him and to tell people about Jesus.
Who have you shared the good news of Jesus with this week? I would love to hear!
You can start with your family and friends. Believers or unbelievers.
We all need to keep hearing the good news of Jesus!
#3 – Be faithful to the Lord, wherever He places you. (Acts 5:21b-26)
The news eventually made its way back to the Jewish leaders that the apostles somehow got out of prison and were back in the temple telling people about Jesus.
The officers then brought them back, but not by force.
The apostles were trusting in the Lord and seeking to be witnesses of Jesus wherever He placed them.
Sometimes the Lord delivers his people from opposition. But as the persecuted Christians around the world would remind us today, even if we are not delivered in this life, the Lord strengthens us to persevere, just like the apostles did.
Wherever God has placed you, in whatever situation He has put you in, be faithful to Him. Give evidence to the truth of the gospel. Look for opportunities to share your life, and the message that brings eternal life.
For this week: Read Acts 5:27-42
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