Day 308

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The Persecution of a Church Depicted

Scripture

November 3—Acts 8-9: Persecution of the Church

Observation

It was inevitable that persecution of the growing church of Jesus Christ should eventually lead to martyrdom. What is surprising is that the martyr was not one of the apostles. Stephen's death (ch. 7) leads t a coordinated campaign to exterminate the church. Directing this effort is a zealous. Pharisee named Saul, whose fanatical opposition to the believers forces them to scatter throughout the regions of Judea, Samaria and Syria. As they flee from Jerusalem they carry with them their faith and witness wherever they go: Philip to Samaria, Peter to Lydda and Joppa. As Saul travels with murderous intent to Damascus, the ascended Lord appears to him in a blinding light, confronting him with the truth of the message he has been trying so vigorously to obliterate—the risen Jesus is Messiah indeed!

Application

When it comes to doing the work of the ministry, some Christians would much rather do nothing! "Let the clergy do it" is a sentiment sometimes heard in churches today. But consider: 
  1. The geographical extension of the gospel outside of Jerusalem was done by the church members, not the apostles (8:1).
  2. The first martyr was Stephen, on of the seven "laymen" chosen to administer a feeding program (6:1-6), not an apostle.
  3. The person who led the evangelism of Samaria was Philip—another of the seven, not an apostle. How might the book of Acts read if the first-century Christians had held the attitude, "Let Paul do it"?
According to Ephesians 4:12, God "gives us special abilities to do certain things best . . . so that God's people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity." In what ways are you being equipped for service in your local church today as a teacher, helper, deacon or evangelist? And where can you put that training to work building up the body of Christ?

Prayer

Almighty Father, please strengthen us to endure hardships of many kinds like good soldiers of Christ. For we know about conflict and how the world, the devil and the flesh will try to hinder a believer's walk with you. Our Christian life is warfare and we need you to help us to endure to the end of this life on earth until Jesus comes back for us. We are praying, evangelizing, waiting and watching for that very special time. We are looking up for our redemption draws near! In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 

Look up for our Redemption Draweth Nigh!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020


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