Lessons from the First Christians
Tuesday - April 9, 2024
Faithful Amid Persecution - Fidelity in the Pursuit - Faithfulness in the Persecution
Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4; Acts 4:17; Acts 4:31; Acts 5:17-18; Acts 5:42; Acts 8:1-8; Acts 7:59; Acts 9:31; Acts 12:2; Acts 9:31; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:23.
“But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:3)
Amidst Darkness and Persecution There have always been True and Faithful Ones
The will of God, so plainly revealed in His Word, was covered up with errors and traditions, which have been taught as the commandments of God. Although this heaven-daring deception will be suffered to be carried on until the second appearing of Jesus, yet through all this time of error and deception, God has not been left without witnesses. Amid the darkness and persecution of the church there have always been true and faithful ones who kept all of God's commandments. {EW 216.1}
Why there's no Persecution? One Reason is the Church Conformed to the World's Standard
There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul declares that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” [2 Timothy 3:12.] Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber?—The only reason is, that the church has conformed to the world's standard, and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and his apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the Word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled. {GC88 48.2}
The Destruction Comes to Those Who Are Not Pressing Together
True faith and sanctified work are greatly needed at this time. God says to His people, "Press together, press together; that you may not be destroyed as were the inhabitants of Jerusalem." "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee, hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Persecution is coming, and God calls upon all to stand firm in Christian love, their hearts knit together, of one mind and one judgment. His people are to cleave to Him, and they are to love one another as He has loved them. Christ's life is to be their example. In love, in meekness, in humility, they are to follow Him. Mrs. E. G. White.{ST, October 31, 1900 par. 13}
Persecution Surely Comes because of Bitter Opposition
All who have genuine faith will be tested and tried. They may have to forsake houses and lands, and even their own relatives, because of bitter opposition. But "when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another," Christ said, "Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, til the Son of man be come" (Matthew 10:23).--Ms. 9, 1900, p. 4. ("Our Duty Under Persecution," Jan. 26, 1900.) {12MR 149.2}
God Wants His People to Be Ready to Meet Him in Peace
God is deferring the bringing of His judgment upon the earth in order that those who are supposed to be His people, but who have been bringing in the very things He has condemned in ancient Israel, working according to methods He will not accept, may get ready to meet Him in peace. Those who have been devising and bringing in selfish, covetous principles, and taking credit to themselves for their sharpness, will never see the kingdom of God unless they are decidedly changed in character; for selfishness is an abomination in the sight of the Lord, and is a dishonor to Christ, their Creator and Redeemer, whose name they claim. God says, "I will thoroughly purge My floor of all chaff. I will sift My people as in a sieve. Those who name My name must be thoroughly cleansed from all false and corrupting principles. Those whom I claim as My heritage will even now be wondered at as a peculiar people, cleansed from all fraud, all injustice. Those who enter the city of God will here have worked righteousness revealing to the world the principles of heaven."--Ms. 15, 1901, pp. 3-4. (Diary, Feb. 21, 1901.) White Estate Washington, D. C. October 27, 1982 {12MR 150.1}
Consider the Following
Fidelity in the Pursuits
The beginnings were truly hopeful: conversions numbered in the thousands (Acts 2:41; 4:4); the believers preached with power (Acts 4:31; 5:42).
But the enemy was restless. First threats (Acts 4:17-18); then, punishments (Acts 5:40); finally, death (Acts 7:59).
Because of the persecution raised by Saul, the disciples were scattered (Acts 8:1). But, far from the light going out, thanks to the faithfulness of the believers, it shone with much more brilliance throughout the entire known world (Acts 8:4; 11:19-21; Rom. 15:19; Col. 1:23).
Jesus had given his Church a commission and the power to carry it forward (Acts 1:8). No power, physical or spiritual, can stop the advance of the gospel (Mt. 16:18; Rom. 8:31).
