Be Bold And Courageous!
"Now when [the religious leaders] saw the
boldness of Peter and John, and
perceived
that they were uneducated and
untrained
men, they marveled. And they realized
that
they had been with Jesus."
Acts 4:13
Open Doors, a ministry to the persecuted Church worldwide,
says that on average every month 255 Christians are killed,
104 are abducted, 180 Christian women are
raped, harassed,
or forced into marriage, 66 churches are attacked, and
160 Christians are imprisoned without trial.
How is it that those who persecute Christians know whom to target?
It is because the Christians are living lives that testify to their faith in
Jesus Christ. They're not afraid of persecution. Instead, they manifest
courage and boldness in their walk with the Lord. And When they are
persecuted, they do what Jesus did: “[He] committed Himself to
Him
who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Peter and John,
first-century
Jerusalem, did the same thing. When persecuted by religious
leaders,
they stood firm. It was their boldness and courage that caused the
leaders to “marvel” and recognize their connection to
Jesus.
In faith and practice, always imitate Jesus—
especially when your faith is opposed by others.
"Persecution is like the goldsmith’s hallmark
on real silver and gold; it is one of the marks
of a converted man."
J. C. Ryle
