Posted on 02/21/2023 9:47:52 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Even with laws that should be protecting us, Christians are experiencing increased threats, accusations, and legal actions aimed at silencing our voices and disqualifying our message. Not only does it happen in the public square, but it has reached our own homes and neighborhoods. The price tag for our convictions has gone beyond just intimidation and criticism, to lives and liberties being destroyed by demon-fueled agendas.
How do believers respond to these threats? What kind of action do we take in such a volatile culture of hatred towards Christianity, the sanctity of life, and everything that is holy and pure?
The book of Acts details the experiences of the early disciples as they led the newly birthed Church in the midst of enemy occupation. Even as the Holy Spirit was being poured out in signs, wonders, and miracles, the public authorities, as well as the religious leaders of the day, were rising up against this new wave of passionate Christ followers. The example and testimony of these disciples should provoke us to greater boldness in our own quest for God’s truth to be known.
In Acts 4, Peter and John were taken before the city council to answer for their extreme religious views and controversial actions. In response, the Scripture says they lifted their voices together in prayer: “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:29-30 ESV)! As a result, Scripture says, “the place was shaken” and they were empowered with even greater boldness to speak. They didn’t wring their hands in desperation or call for a demonstration against those who accused them. They went right into worship and asked God to give them even more courage to declare His name.
In the next chapter, the apostles were subjected to severe flogging. But this wasn’t from the godless civic authorities. It was from the esteemed religious rulers of the day – the Sanhedrin. The highest religious court in the land which should have been supporting their testimony gave them a beating with orders to stop speaking the name of Jesus. Their response? They left the Sanhedrin “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41). Then they just kept on speaking.
In the face of such threats, the consistent response from the early disciples was to rejoice, pray, and continue declaring the good news. They did not ask for protection, but the boldness to say more. They had an unshakable faith in God’s promises and were convinced of His power to heal and deliver the broken culture around them. Even death threats would not stop their charge to tell the world about this higher Kingdom of love and power.
As they traveled from city to city to share the good news, they didn’t go to the governmental authorities to incite change. Instead, they went directly to the spiritual leaders in the region. Some of these leaders didn’t have a title, but they had influence. And an open heart. Aeneas (Acts 9:32-35), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43), Cornelius (Acts 10:23-48), and Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) were all well-respected citizens in their communities. They were converted through the testimony of these disciples and, as a result, influenced their entire city for the Lord. It was clear to the disciples that the veil of deception gripping the land was the bitter fruit of unregenerate and spiritually blind leaders. They knew the only way to ultimately defeat the spiritual strongholds over cities and regions was to displace them with godly leaders who walked in the truth and power of God.
Even witchcraft could not stop the power of this gospel is preached. Samaria was a city held captive through the influence of Simon the sorcerer. When Philip came and boldly proclaimed the power and authority of Christ, it broke the spell and the entire city was set free (Acts 8:9-13). Believing in the power of God to utterly save and deliver even the most hardened opponent, these courageous leaders preached the Kingdom of God fearlessly and trusted Him to validate their message. As a result, even governmental authorities woke from their stupor and changed their minds (Acts 13:4-12).
Our human tendency, in the face of accusations, threats, and oppression is to fight back. Our godly zeal compels us to act. There is certainly a place for championing justice by engaging in civic affairs, confronting corruption, and reforming the laws of the land, But, we must always start from a Kingdom perspective that is victorious. We must remember the power and authority we have been given as believers, not to prove our case, but to prove His. He has given us the most powerful message of all time and heaven’s anointing to back it up. He is more than able to show Himself strong and mighty if we give Him the opportunity to use us.
After being whipped, the apostles thanked God that they were accounted worthy of suffering for Christ’s sake. In Egypt, Christians have been persecuted by Arab Muslims for the last 1600 years. In the United States, the growing persecution is comforting, knowing we are becoming worthy of suffering for Christ’s sake.
Orthodox Christian church bodies have websites that are full of stories of martyrs and confessors who lived long after the apostles.
Their witness continues to this day! Thanks be to God!!!!
the post says, “Wanda Alger has been in ministry for over 35 years as a worship leader, teacher, author, deliverance counselor, and speaker.”\*****
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Is she one of those Beth Moore types?
My BS meter is telling me Wanda is a flake.
RE: Is she one of those Beth Moore types?
Set that side for a while ( since we don’t know the answer to that question ). Do you agree or disagree with her article?
She does make a good case.
It is worth the read even if those issues could be true.
The early church and the Book of Acts took place under a pagan Roman Empire; an empire who with the instance of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem - crucified Christ. U.S. Christians live in a republic founded by Christians. We are not 2nd class citizens and we will not allow ourselves to be fed to the lions. We will stand on our rights under the Constitution and we will not tolerate Christian hating politicians, bureaucrats or individuals. No, we will use civil and criminal law to let out enemies know, we will not be cat bait and our enemies will pay a dear price for persecuting us!
"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Christ, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." - Psalm 2
--Apolytikon for the Feasts of several Martyrs
Bkmk
Thankfully the Founding Fathers did not choose her route. This is why women were not supposed to be church leaders back in the early Christian era.
1 Timothy 2:12: I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35: Women should be silent in the churches.
This is America’s only hope: an authentic Gospel proclaimed by authentic Christians (i.e. those living out a real relationship with Jesus). Don’t know anything about the author or her ministry, but what you posted is spot on. Even as Christians we often fall for the allure of following the ways of the world when trying to address the problems our society and nation face. I honestly can’t even imagine praying for boldness and not protection if I ever encountered real persecution the way the early church did. But I’d like their example to reshape my way of thinking. Thanks for sharing this.
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