Monday, October 13, 2025

         The book of Acts chronicles and follows the earliest days of the Christian Church.  It is full of exciting stories and characters.  In Acts 5, the apostles were facing a wave of persecution for their commitment to Christ.  The Lord Jesus had given them a command to declare the good news, “’Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people all about this new life’” (Acts 5:20).  Obediently, the disciples did just that.  They taught the people about Jesus and how He had fulfilled the law and prophets.  Incredibly, the disciples were in the position to preach because the Lord had miraculously delivered them from jail (Acts 5:19).  Here was a classic example of God opening doors for the gospel to go forward and for lives to be changed.    
            When Peter and the other apostles were questioned about their preaching and teaching, they answered, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29).  Soon after, the apostles were flogged and ordered once again not to speak in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40).  And then, Acts records this conclusion, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41).  Reading this with a risk-averse, twenty-first century mindset, we might find it remarkable that the apostles were rejoicing over their flogging and affliction...rejoicing over suffering for Christ.  But it is a joy to know that we carry the name of Christ upon ourselves, our lives and our witness.  We can rejoice when we are given the privilege of being a witness or voice for Christ anywhere at any time.    
            We might not enjoy physical, emotional or spiritual pain and suffering, but our faith may well make such a demand of us.  We live in a fallen world under the dominion of the devil.  To preach, speak or act in the name of Christ may mean that we encounter some measure of conflict or suffering.  Underground churches and believers are scattered all across the globe. They are under the daily threat, even moment-by-moment threat, of persecution and hardship.  Yet still, they gladly and eagerly carry the name of Jesus upon their lives—knowing full well what the consequences could be.  Advocating for and serving the least of these—the poor, the sick, the hurting and those who are grieving and struggling—can often put us at odds with the climate and consensus opinion around us. 
            How does this apply to us?  Be bold and confident in standing for Christ and your faith.  Be quick and eager to share the gospel message with those around you.  Pray for those who persecute you.  Keep your feet ready to go where the Lord may send you or to speak the words that the Lord may give you.  Ephesians 6 speaks about wearing the full armor of God—wear it daily and confidently.  Know that the Lord has provided you with all the armor—offensive and defensive—that you could possibly need to face conflict, persecution or hardship.  And like the disciples, take joy in those times where you may suffer for the name of Jesus.  And if suffering leads to hardship, accept it gladly and know that the Lord will provide for you.   
            We cannot see the future but it seems reasonable to think that there could be times when we may face serious headwinds or even obstacles because of our faith.  A stand for Christ and truth could cost us a job, a promotion, a friendship or even our lives.  But we live in peace and joy when we know we are called to live for the only One who could and did die for us.  Have a great Monday!  Remember you can always share our worship at YouTube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.