“When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
“Children are particularly persecuted. Persecutors know the way to win – is to win the new generation. Persecutors are terrified of the Bible.” (Quoting Cole Richards) So, is it any wonder why in America the Bible has been outlawed in the public education system. Is it any wonder that most Christian millennials (raising their own children) have accepted ‘false’ biblical interpretation? Is it any wonder children in the public education system are learning ‘false’ American history; truth replaced with slander and boldface lies about our ‘Christian’ founders?
When anyone spends time “with Jesus,” getting ‘intimate’ with Him in His Word, to know Him, and only listens to His Voice (the Holy Spirit) who gives only truthful testimony of Jesus Christ, they not only HEAR the truth but empowered by the Holy Spirit to LIVE out the truth. “Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” Correct “hearing” comes only by the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of God Almighty – the FATHER of all peoples.
We will be hated and persecuted for “living out” the Word of God for sure but we will be LOVED by those seeking truth and intimacy with God their Father. Jesus Christ instructed His disciples to spread His Gospel of forgiveness, healing and life everlasting. Persecution is certain, but let’s NOT forget that in obedience to our Savior and Lord – there is perfect PEACE, JOY and FULFILLMENT!
They (persecutors) were astonished at their boldness in speaking truth as they shared Christ’s gospel; for Peter and John had been with Jesus Christ every day, intimately, up until Jesus was crucified. Even after the Savior’s death on the cross for the sins of the world, He returned to His disciples to show them the resurrection of the Holy Spirit; that those who walk with Him in truth and Spirit will be with Him in glory – forever. This was the JOY set before our Savior as He was persecuted and hung on the cross for no crime or sin of His own.
The first generation church grew rapidly because of their love for their Savior and for one another in a time of great persecution (love in action) and because they taught their children ‘the truth’ according to their teacher/interpretor of God’s written Words: the Holy Spirit. So be ready and prepared for the Lord.
The persecutors of “the BODY of Jesus Christ” (His disciples) are after OUR children without a doubt. We better do the right thing by them, for God will hold us responsible.
There is NO persecution towards “religion.” Religion is of the devil; man-made ways to serve false gods. The devil is the supreme persecutor of Jesus Christ: the only Faithful and True. Only Jesus Christ is hated and persecuted; for HE IS the only TRUE GOD in whom to trust and obey. Those who walk with Jesus Christ are also hated and persecuted, but will ‘also’ see Him face to face and reign with Him forever! Hallelujah to the Lamb of God and King Eternal!