Crucifixion of Peter – Caravaggio (1571-1610)
The church does most of its growing when her detractors are the loudest.
It was true then:
- Saul got the persecution ball rolling
- The Jews were jealous over the attention Christianity received
- Peter and John were beaten and chased
- Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed
- The Roman government made sport out of killing Christians
As we read though Acts, we see the participants tried at every turn for proclaiming the truth. God did not exempt himself from the cause and effect cycle of growth born from challenges. (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4) Despite all that, the church grew by leaps while Christians went proudly to their deaths as a statement for God. In fact, the persecutions helped get the church to grow outside Jerusalem.
It takes a lot of discomfort to make nearly anything happen!
Why is that?
Is it because we tend to remember what happened better?
Is it because it helps us own what happened?
It is true now:
- Evolution vs. Creation is a hot topic
- Atheist are not only bolder, they are very vocal
- Homosexuality is being normalized and treated like racism
- God’s word is second guessed routinely be even those “in” the church
The church is under no less stress now than it was in the first century (or any other time for that matter.) I suspect it will get worse before it gets better.
Like Stephen, Peter, Barnabas, Paul and the rest of the great men that lead the way, we need to be ready for anything.
Prepare to be memorable.
Prepare own it!
June 23, 2014
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