What Are You Celebrating Today, February 16, 2015?

Many people are calling today President’s Day.  For most of them, President’s day is a time to honor all of the presidents of the United States of America.  Some people think of today as the celebration of our first president, George Washington.  Others think of today as a time to celebrate the birthdays of two presidents, Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, and George Washington, born February 22.  Finally, there are those who think of President’s Day as a time when retailers offer great bargains on their merchandise.

What is President’s Day for you?

Today is a good time for all Christians to be reminded of the fact that our nation was founded on Biblical principles.  We need to give special recognition to all of the presidents of our great country who publically acknowledged the role of God in our country.

Many of our presidents had a reverence for the Lord.  I will mention four by name.

In a Thanksgiving Proclamation issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789, Washington stated, “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”

John Adams, our second president stated, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”

In 1788, James Madison, our fourth president said, “The belief in God all powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the world and to the happiness of man, that arguments which enforce it cannot be drawn from too many sources nor adapted with too much solicitude to the different characters and capacities to be impressed with it.”

In God We Trust was first inscribed on U.S. coins in 1864 under President Lincoln (our 16^th president).

In addition to the four presidents listed above, many other presidents recognized God for who is and depended on Him for daily guidance.  These men understood that they needed to “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV)   We should all be grateful for these Godly men who were willing to publically profess their belief in God and use Biblical principles to govern our nation.

Unfortunately, our current president and many of our current government leaders appear no longer to be seeking God’s guidance for governing America.  At the same time, Biblical principles are being eliminated from proposed legislation. America can not continue to be a prosperous nation and a world power if this trend continues.  Christians need to be praying fervently for our current president, our current government officials, and our nation.

President’s Day is a time to remember and honor our past presidents and a time to pray for our current president.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.        (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! (Psalm 33:12 ESV)

 Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+7

Beloved, let us love one another,

for love is from God,

and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

(1 John 4:7 ESV)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV)

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8 ESV)

 Happy Valentine’s Day

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+10

How many times has someone said to you, “Just be patient”?

In the Bible, James 5:7, we are instructed to “Be patient …”.  The sentence concludes with the phrase “until the coming of the Lord”.  Simply stated, scripture tells us that we are to be patient for the rest of our lives.

What does it mean to “be patient”?

Definitions for the word patient include the following phrases:

Quietly and steadily persevering

Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, or annoyance with calmness

Remaining calm and not becoming annoyed for long periods of time when dealing with problems or difficult people

Calmly awaiting an outcome or result

Bearing trials without complaint

As we go through life we will be facing challenges, trials, pain, difficulties, annoyances, problems, and difficult people.  In the face of all of these conditions we are to “Be patient …until the coming of the Lord”.

Other scriptures also instruct us to be patient.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12 ESV)

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant … (1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV)

Being patient does not mean that you are approving inappropriate behaviors.

“‘I know your (Church in Ephesus) works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. (Revelation 2:2 ESV)

When you are having difficulty being patient, focus on Jesus Christ.

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)

Finally, remember where patience comes from.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, … (Galatians 5:22 ESV)

Genuine patience is a gift from God.

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+8

What does it mean to compromise?

When we compromise we “meet somewhere in the middle” or we make concessions.  When we compromise we settle for something less than we know, in our hearts, to be the truth.  When we compromise we weaken the principles or standards we once valued dearly.

It is never o.k. to add to or take away from the Biblical principles that we know are true.  It is never o.k. to compromise what we know to be true when we share Jesus Christ with other people.

A few of the basic Biblical truths that can never be compromised are found in John 14 and Act 4.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 ESV)

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12 ESV)

Powerful reasons for us to never compromise our testimony are found in Matthew and Luke.

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)

 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.   …  And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:8-12 ESV)

Finally, we need to remember who is glorified when we are uncompromising.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+6

Most Christians believe that God is able to answer prayers in miraculous ways.

How do you respond when your prayers are miraculously answered by God in ways far beyond your understanding?

There is an amazing story in the book of Acts, chapter 12, that illustrates several ways God-fearing believers responded when God answered their prayers in a truly miraculous way.

The apostle James, the first apostle to be martyred, had just been killed “with the sword” by Herod Agrippa I.  Peter was in prison, chained between two guards, knowing that he was likely to be put to death in a similar manner.  At this time “earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church” (Acts 12:5 ESV)   and “many were gathered together and were praying (at the house of Mary)”. (Acts 12:12)

At this point in the story God sends an angel to rescue Peter from the prison.

What were Peter’s first thoughts as he was being rescued? He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. (Acts 12:9 ESV)

• Peter thought that he is seeing a vision.

When (Peter) realized (that God had miraculously intervened by sending an angle to rescue him), he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John … where many were gathered together and were praying. (Acts 12:12)

And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. (Acts 12:13-14)

• Rhoda responded irrationally.

They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” (Acts 12:15)

• The people in the house thought that the servant girl was out of her mind and did not believe the good news about Peter’s release from prison.

But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” (Acts 12:15)

• The people were not able to see God’s miraculous intervention and tried to rationalize the events of the evening. They had been praying for Peter and then were not able to believe that God had in fact answered their payers.

But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. (Acts 12:16)

• After witnessing God’s miraculous answer to their prayers they were amazed. They were surprised that God had answered their prayer.

How do you respond when your prayers are miraculously answered by God in ways far beyond your understanding?

• Do you think that you are seeing a vision? Do you think that you are having a dream?
• Do you react with irrational behaviors?
• Do you think the people who tell you that they have seen God at work in your life are out of their minds?
• Are you surprised when God answers your prayers?

What would be an awesome response to all of God’s miraculous interventions in our lives?

“… . For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 ESV)

We all need to believe that God is able to do anything. We are totally dependent on God.  We need God’s help so that we can have complete trust and confidence in Him.

“I believe; help my unbelief!”  (Mark 9: 24 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+6

We are constantly hearing news reports about individuals who have a reputation for lying or cheating.  Many times these reports are of individuals in positions of leadership or in positions of high visibility.  These reports include well known politicians, news anchors, or well known athletes.  Frequently these individuals are seen as role models in our society.

Is  it O.K. to lie?

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, …. (Proverbs 12:22 ESV)

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: … a lying tongue, … a false witness who breathes out lies, …. (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV)

Is it O.K. to cheat?

 “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity.  You shall have just balances, just weights, … . (Leviticus 19:35-36 ESV)

A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight. (Proverbs 11:1 ESV)

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 20:10 ESV)

Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good. (Proverbs 20:23 ESV)

The word abomination is used five times in the above verses.

The word abomination could be defined as a description of something that is detestable, disgusting, repulsive, loathsome and absolutely intolerable.  The word abomination describes something that is totally unacceptable to God.

Do you accept and approve behaviors that are an abomination to the Lord?

Do you endorse people whose repeated, unrepentant behaviors include activities that are abominations to the Lord?

Do you or your children elevate individuals with a pattern of unrepentant, abominable behavior as role models and heros?

NO, it is not O.K. to lie.

No, it is not O.K. to cheat.

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+7

Know Your Opponent.

Christians throughout the world are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  Many Christians are being mistreated, tortured, and killed because of their faith in Jesus.

I coached basketball for many years. Most coaches understand that the more you know about your opponent, the more likely you are to experience success.

As Christians, the more we know about the enemy, the less likely it is that we will be defeated by the enemy.

Who is the enemy?  Where will persecution come from?

If you have not read Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 1),  Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 2), or Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 3) you may want to read those posts before proceeding with this current post.

Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 4)

Who is the enemy? The initial answer is obvious.  Our enemy is the devil. Our enemy is Satan.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Be careful.  Satan is extremely clever. “…for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. …. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ESV)  Satan makes himself look good and he makes his servants look good.  Satan and his demons, disguised as angels of light or servants of righteousness, will try every trick in the book to convince you to submit to Satan’s ways.  Satan cannot take away our relationship with Christ, but he can make us an  ineffective ambassador for our Lord and Savior.

Read the following scripture passages to see who it was that persecuted Christ and the early Christian church.

Individuals or groups who persecuted Jesus:

• The high priest, chief priests, elders, scribes, and the council (The religious leaders)

 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. (Mark 14:53 ESV)

 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. (Mark 15:1 ESV)

•  Religious leaders in conjunction with supporters of Herod

 The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. (Mark 3:6 ESV)

Individuals or groups who persecuted the early Christian church:

•  The high priest, priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees (The religious leaders)

 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:1-2 ESV)

 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. (Acts 5:17-18 ESV)

•  A scholar of the Old Testament

 (Saul) circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;  as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. (Philippians 3:5-6 ESV)

 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. (Acts 8:3 ESV) 

• Saul supported by the High Priest

 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2 ESV)

• The government

 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. [2] He killed James the brother of John with the sword, [3] and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. …. (Acts 12:1-3 ESV)

Who did the persecution?  The “religious” leaders, the government, and “religious” zealots were responsible for initiating persecution against the early church.

What was their goal?  Suppress or eliminate Christianity.

ARE THINGS ANY DIFFERENT TODAY?

Challenge:

Be strong in the Lord.

Know the truth.

Know the enemy.

Put on the whole armor of God.

Stand firm.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+5

Christians throughout the world are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  Many Christians are being mistreated, tortured, and killed because of their faith in Jesus.

Is it possible, for those of us who have not experienced persecution of any significance, to prepare in advance for persecution in the future?

If you have not read Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 1) or Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 2), you may want to read those posts before proceeding with this current post.

Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 3)

I doubt that anyone can really be fully prepared ahead of time for the unknown.  Scripture does, however, give us words of encouragement as we anticipate the future.  Reflect on the following points:

• Do not be anxious.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34 ESV)

… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

• Reflect on what God is doing in your life.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

• Know that God will never leave or forsake you.

… he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. … Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1 & 4 ESV)

• Know that God can provide you with the armor that you will need.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)

• Pray and persevere

 … praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, … (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)

• Know that suffering for Christ is a privilege, not a penalty.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)

• Don’t lose heart if you are being persecuted for Christ’s sake.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 ESV)

• Know that those persecuted for Christ’s sake will be rewarded in heaven.

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23 ESV)

• Know that, in the end, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus will spend eternity in heaven.

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3 ESV)

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+6

Most of us see individuals standing along the road, with handmade signs, asking for money (“Will work for money”).  Many of us also receive numerous mailings or emails from good, legitimate organizations asking for donations.  Our churches often make us aware of needs locally and worldwide.

Should we respond to these requests?  If yes, which requests should we respond to and how much should we give?

The Bible supports the idea of “giving alms to the poor.”  Simply stated, giving alms to the poor means giving money or goods to the poor and needy. The Bible says that when we give to the poor it is like we are giving to God.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.   For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…. (Matthew 25:34-35 ESV)

My understanding is that giving money or goods to the poor is something that is done in addition to giving our tithes to the church.  This post will only address giving to the poor and needy.  This post is not a discussion of tithes.

What does the Bible say about giving to the poor and needy?

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 ESV)

• Look for opportunities to do good to others (believers and unbelievers).
• Doing good to “those who are of the household of faith” appears to take priority over doing good to an unbeliever.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church he is challenging the Corinthian church to help the church in Jerusalem, that is struggling due to a famine in the area, when he says, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV)

• Plan ahead. Put something aside for the poor and needy.  Budget the amount you are going to give.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.    The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:5-7 ESV)  (The Corinthian church giving to the Christians in Jerusalem.)

• Give willingly.
• Give generously.
• Give voluntarily.
• The amount and the recipient of your gifts are decisions that “you have decided in your heart”.
• Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion.
• Give cheerfully.

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,  while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. (2 Corinthians 9:11-14 ESV)

• Give for the glory of God.

The church in Antioch also gave to the church in Jerusalem.

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. (Acts 11:29 ESV)

• Give what you are able to give.

And they did so (gave gifts), sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:30 ESV)

• When your gifts are handled by other individuals or organizations, be sure to use people or organizations with a good reputation.

… your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. (2 Corinthians 8:14 ESV)

• Allow others to be blessed by giving to you when you are in need.

Summary

• Look for opportunities to do good to others (believers and unbelievers).
• Doing good to “those who are of the household of faith” appears to take priority over doing good to an unbeliever.
• Plan ahead. Put something aside for the poor and needy.  Budget the amount you are going to give.
• Give willingly.
• Give generously.
• Give voluntarily.
• The amount and the recipient of your gifts are decisions that “you have decided in your heart”.
• Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion.
• Give cheerfully.
• Give for the glory of God.
• Give what you are able to give.
• When your gifts are handled by other individuals or organizations, be sure to use people or organizations with a good reputation.
• Allow others to be blessed by giving to you when you are in need.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+4

I am not sure that it would be my choice to be mistreated, tortured, or killed because of my faith in Jesus Christ.  In my mind, persecution, in any form, would not be a pleasant experience. My first response it that persecution is something to avoid.

Most people would agree that persecution is cruel and distressing.  However, persecution frequently is the stimulus for something good to occur.

There is a story in the Bible about a man named Stephen who was martyred for his faith in Jesus.  As bad as the story may seem, much good happened as a result of Stephen’s death.

This story of Stephen begins when he was chosen by fellow believers to serve the church.

… they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, …. (Acts 6: 5 ESV)

Stephen took his responsibilities seriously and became a powerful speaker and a bold witness for the Lord.

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8 ESV)

The religious authorities were so upset at Stephen’s teaching that, “…they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” (Acts 7:58 ESV)

The impact of Stephen’s ministry did not end with his death.

 And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1 ESV)

As a result of persecution, the church was scattered throughout the region.  When this happened, the believers, who were being scattered, shared their faith wherever they went.

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, …, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21 ESV)

Persecution of the church in Jerusalem resulted in the Gospel being spread throughout the region.

 … the church in Jerusalem … sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,  … And a great many people were added to the Lord. … And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:22-26 ESV)

Persecution, a bad thing, resulted in good. “A great many people were added to the Lord.”

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. …If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28 & 31 ESV)

 Persecuted For Your Faith will be continued in future posts.

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+5