Has following Christ cost you anything? It cost the apostles:
1. Pain
Acts 5:40-42 “When they had called the apostles, and beaten them,”
2. Persecution
“they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”
Notice the Apostles response:
1. Joy
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”
2. Obedience
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
LESSON - Christians in America have not experienced this level of suffering for their faith. As a result, most Christians have not taken a stand against the onslaught of secularization in our society and we have not been obedient witnesses. Unfortunately, this explains why many Christians in America live without the joy that we see present in the lives of Christians who live in persecuted areas. Choose to be faithful and obedient witnesses for Christ. You will experience a certain level of persecution, but the joy that you receive in return will be worth the cost.
~Mike
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