Acts 8:1
“And Saul approved of his execution. 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.”
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples that they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, to Judea, through out Samaria and to the ends of the world. As the persecution is getting worse, the early church has began to hunker down and hold on to what they have, instead of boldly being a witness for Jesus, in Jesus name. Verse one of chapter eight is a hinge verse, and opens the flood gates to persecution, which moves the early church from Jerusalem into Judea, out to Samaria and the ends of the world
Persecution is often
The catalyst for
Followers of Jesus
To actually obey Jesus
The great commission can become the great omission if we continue to focus on our own life, our own protection, and our own sorrow. The cross is the way to victory, and death the road to life, not just in salvation, but daily sanctification. Father God, this is tough to live out daily for me. I push against this naturally, and want things to be easy, and comfortable. Help Your servant to see this as Your will, and way towards becoming more like You, and less of me. Grant Your servant eyes of understanding, a guarded heart, and a girded mind, so You guide my words and my way, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACTION: Walk the road to Calvary