FRIDAY March 24, 2023
Persecution Spreads the Gospel
Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:4-8
Do you remember what Jesus said to His disciples before He ascended into heaven in Acts 1:8? The Lord told them: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now, at this time in Church history, we see the fulfillment as through persecution the Gospel was spreading everywhere.
I believe the Church has grown way too comfortable. No longer do we see any evangelism happening. Christians enjoy going to church to worship and hear the Word of God, but there is a lack of urgency in inviting those who do not know Christ to come to church.
When persecution comes, I believe that is when we see true believers make a stand. The Gospel is spread to hundreds and thousands of people. Revival breaks out. In the near future, in America, it is possible that we could experience persecution. Believers who are not rooted and grounded in the Word of God can easily fall away. To endure persecution, a believer has to know God intimately.
Imagine if someone held a gun to your head, and asked you to answer this one important question, “Are you a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ?” At that point what are you going to say? You are either going to deny Christ or make a stand and suffer death. Know this: you will be in the presence of the Lord immediately. Never be afraid to die for your faith.
Martyrdom does not consist only in dying for one’s faith. Martyrdom also consists in serving God with love and purity of heart every day of one’s life.
~Saint Jerome~
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