Since the time of Jesus those who believe in Him and follow Him have faced and undergone persecution ranging from death, physical torment, derision, and harassment. It began during the time of Jesus and continues in various forms today, including a federal judge who ruled that it was wrong to use the name of Jesus Christ in the Indiana General Assembly since it offended people who didn’t like hearing his name. More and more religious liberty worldwide is being threatened by the ignorant, the cowards, and the ungodly of all types. The question is one of what will believers do to stand firm in the belief of Jesus Christ?

When Peter was questioned about his following Jesus, he denied him three times. The Book of Acts is filled with examples of the persecution against those who were so bold to preach Christ crucified and risen. Shortly after the Day of Pentecost a mob stoned Stephen for preaching the gospel. Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. But he continued to preach Jesus Christ in the face of impending death. Paul and Silas upset the rulers of Rome and suffered. Acts 16:20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, Acts 16:21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. Acts 16:22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. Did the harsh treatment stop them from preaching the good news? No it didn’t and they continued until their deaths.

Paul was brought before Gallio by the Jews because he was teaching contrary to the law. Of course, he was preaching Jesus Christ and that would be contrary to the teaching of the law. Acts 18:12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Acts 18:13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio refused to aid them in their chicanery and set Paul free since it wasn’t the government’s business to interfere with religious teaching.

The Bible tells us that persecution against the people of God, the church, will continue throughout all periods. In each era that the people of God have faced turbulent times, they have rose to challenge and defeat the antagonists by being resolute in defending their belief. Paul told Timothy: 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Peter said: 1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: In the face of severe persecution the Christians of the early church refused to be silent and continued to grow.

The claim has always been that preaching Christ is offensive to others who don’t believe at all or believe something else. Will the Christians of today bow to the dictates of ungodly judges, who at the behest of the ACLU, Michael Newdow, and wicked politicians, rule against the public expression of faith in all public forums because someone might be offended? Or will they forge on and remain faithful to the one and only Lord of all by ignoring the persecutors and proclaiming Christ as the Bible teaches? 

Here the words of Paul: Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Think on these things. The decision that you make will determine where you spend eternity.

© 12-02-2005 DEC

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