There isn't anyone that I hold in higher esteem then those who have suffered physical persecution--torture--for their stance for Christ. I have met a few of these dear saints who lived under oppressive communist regimes. The stories they tell are horrific. Could you imagine if this happened to you, and you were actually glad about it? I mean, who gets glad about being physically beaten? Well, Peter and the apostles did in Acts 5--because it meant they were "worthy to suffer shame for His name" (v41). They were glad because they were worthy--worthy to be counted with Christ. We see in this chapter the seriousness of the apostles and early Christians. They weren't playing church. No games here. They were committed to live for Christ and proclaim His message. We see their commitment to purity when they held Ananias and Sapphira accountable for their lying and selfish motives (vv1-11). We see their commitment to persevere in their message even when faced with impending persecution (vv17-32). We see their commitment to identify with Christ by viewing a negative situation--being beaten--as a positive one. Do we do what is right only when it is easy? Or are we committed to live for Christ no matter what?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.
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