Despite persecution

https://odb.org/2024/11/20/speak-to-the-people

When we read the book of the Acts of the Apostles, it is quite commonplace to see the Apostles being persecuted for their faith, particularly Paul. One example is in today’s ODB article on Acts 21:17 to 22:1. Paul was falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the inner courts of the Temple where only Jewish men were allowed in. After being beaten, bruised, and bloodied when the crowd turned against him due to the agitators, he requested from the commander of the Roman soldiers (who intervened and bound and took him away and thus saved his life), the opportunity to speak to the people. When Paul spoke, he shared Christ.

There would have been many contemporary situations during those times of the Apostles sharing Christ despite facing persecution. There are many similar happenings in modern times, too, especially those in prisons or growing up in rough neighbourhoods. The point is that our faith must remain intact notwithstanding persecution or hard times as the world will get increasingly hostile towards believers. Conformity to the prevailing standards of the world is expected, and we may be singled out if we do not conform.

However, Paul has already exhorted us in Romans 12:2 that we are not to conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we may be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect. For example, if we watch Netflix, we will see more and more same-sex characters or couple scenes introduced, not so much in the main storyline, but subtly in the background. In some societies now, stating the biblical position on homosexuality is considered insensitive and politically incorrect, although that’s God’s word.

There will come a time when our faith may be tested and our stand elicited. Is Jesus Christ the Son of God? Or is He a mere human being? Do we believe in the resurrection of Christ? In some circles, our core beliefs in the deity and in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ are regarded as heresy. Or we may be asked to denounce our faith to continue to enjoy the prosperity and comforts life brings? It may be blatant or subtle, we do not know. But will we dare suffer the consequences, or will we compromise and comform in order to live? Will we keep our faith in our hearts instead?

Romans 10: 9-10 NIV – 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

As much as there is the heart, there is also the public declaration with our lips and mouth. Don’t ever forget this principle of our faith.