Christianity, the Way, the Church – was founded by Jesus and strengthened and spread by the teachings of the apostles, those that were first hand witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But it was not by any means a simple task. In Acts 5, the Pharisees rose up against the Apostles and threw them in jail. During the night God delivered them so they could go and share His Gospel some more. Although somewhat more fearful, the Pharisees brought them back and commanded they speak no more of Jesus and caused an uproar but started plotting their death. “Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” Then Saul, who was a Pharisees Pharisee, started persecuting the Christians. But on the way to Damascus to arrest a bunch of Christians, he encountered Jesus. The conversion of Saul was the turning point in his life. Jesus took control of Paul and let him know his rebellion against God was a losing battle. He told Paul his actions were as senseless as an ox kicking “against the goads.” Paul had passion and sincerity in his fight against Christianity, but he was not heading in the direction God wanted him to go. Jesus told all His disciples that HE was the Way, the Truth, and the Life and they all went to their death teaching that to the Jews first, then the Gentiles (us)! Even today many Christians are being persecuted, even unto death for their unwavering belief in Jesus! Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers especially facing elimination in its Biblical homeland. Christianity is the only religion that is actively confronting Muslims with the truths of its own message, publicly uttering teachings that contradict Muhammads. Christian missionaries have won over millions of converts to the faith-many of whom are now targeted and persecuted. From its inception-starting with Jesus followed by his disciples and the early Church-many Christians have accepted martyrdom rather than recant their faith, as foretold by Christs own words: But whoever denies me before men, I will deny him before my Father in heaven. Do you have that kind of faith? When you stand for Jesus, He will stand for you, even if it means leaving this life for a life eternally with Him!
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 09:10:30 +0000
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