In Acts 17 we see Paul in Thessalonica. As was his custom, he would share Christ in the synagogues and with the people in the city... “explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ” (Acts 17:3).
Usually some would believe and some wouldn’t and even get angry about it...
“When they did not find them, they began dragging… brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also;” (Acts 17:6)
It seemed like every place the Apostle Paul went he upset the status quo. The devil hates it when his kingdom is being ripped apart by the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Man, influenced by the powers of darkness, has tried to slow down or stop the spread of the gospel…
I wonder, should the church give up her liberty and freedoms at the beckoning calls of man...?
If the world says don’t preach Christ... should we give in to their demands of silence...?
Unfortunately the church at times has given in to what is politically correct… or to what is less offensive… But the gospel is offensive. The name of Jesus does offend every lying, divisive force. Unfortunately many have become ashamed to share the full gospel of Jesus Christ in fear of how people will respond or what man will say and do…
Paul says in Romans 1:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Our nation is in great turmoil... there is a move to do away with our Judeo Christian
values (which by the way has been going on for years) But what should be our response…? Let them have their way? Fight them? Or is God calling His church to get on her face and seek Him and that we His church would stand up for righteousness, truth and the power that comes in a relationship with the Son of God. Yes, we need a fresh baptism of Pentecost! God is in control even when everything seems out of control. He is looking for His church to trust in Him and put our unwavering faith in Him.
The world is trying to upset the church with evil intentions… fear, no church services, limited capacity, no singing, distance yourselves, mask, no mask… you get the point. But we as believers need to upset the world with Jesus... which results in healing, freedom, deliverance, the tearing down of strongholds...
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
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