THE PERSECUTED CHURCH!

 

Monday, November 2, 2020

 

THE PERSECUTED CHURCH!

 

Acts 8:1-6

8 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

 

           Yesterday was designated the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. In spite of the political restrictions placed upon the American church, we can hardly call it persecution. As the author of Hebrews pointed out: “Ye [we] have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. (Hebrews 12:4)

 

Where It’s Hardest to Follow Jesus:

1. North Korea

2. Afghanistan

3. Somalia

4. Libya

5. Pakistan

6. Eritrea

7. Sudan

8. Yemen

9. Iran

10. India

 

           Martyrdoms drop in Nigeria but soar in Burkina Faso. From January of 2016 to 2019, there were 1800 killed. John 16:2-3 says, “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”

 

           According to Christianity.com, “Unlike the lazy and complacent Christianity that develops in "safe" countries, persecution fosters a robust Christianity, confident of its faith and bold in its proclamation. The church thrives under persecution.” You see, when being a Christian involves only an occasional entertaining worship service, the church becomes stagnant. The world is much more talented than the church regarding entertainment! When worship is compressed into dark corners with whispered prayers, the church grows.

 

           Persecution is a filter! Even the Devil knows that it is hard to love and worship a God who allows difficulty. This was his complete argument against the faithfulness of Job. He did not count on Job’s resilience when he heard Job say: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:” (Job 13:15)

 

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 

Dear Lord, bless every brother or sister enduring hardship because of their faith. Strengthen us in our love and dedication. AMEN