If arrested for practicing Christianity, what will be your defense?
What do you do when your faith is on trial?
One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Jesus did not promise our life will be a bed of roses because we became Christians, but Jesus said be of good courage. He said; "am sending you like sheep among wolves" (Matthew 10:16).
In Acts 21-23 we read Apostle Paul's persecution in Jerusalem. He was arrested, imprisoned, convicted and at various stages called to defend his faith.
Its no surprise that Paul was arrested, because Jesus said He is sending us as sheep in the midst of wolves, which implies that we will be treated the way wolves treat sheep. We may be dragged to court, flogged, challenged by governors, have parents and children put to death and strongly despised by many but Jesus assures us - 'I have overcome the world'.
I cannot help but admire Apostle Paul's dedication to the great commission, the bible states in Act 21:1- 15 that though by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he was warned by the believers at Tyre and at Caesarea by Prophet Agabus of the persecution in Jerusalem, nevertheless Apostle Paul was not frightened. He said "I am ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die there for the sake of the Lord Jesus."
Though he was arrested, persecuted and beaten up yet anytime he was called to defend his faith, he will use the opportunity to evangelise. He will speak on the need to be a christian or follow Jesus Christ.
The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children, and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). This must therefore mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. As a believer, we should accept that all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose. After all the Lord told us to walk by faith and not by sight so in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). It is part of the process of sanctification, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory.
However, its not pretense that it is not easy to face tribulations and smile. But let the words in Mat. 5:10 be your comfort; "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for their is the kingdom of Heaven."
Believers are commanded to go into the world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ whether it is comfortable or not, whether there is a societal acceptance or not. The great commission is to spread the Goodnews of Jesus Christ. But how can you preach a message you are not proud of? How can you win souls by the power of the Holy Spirit if you do not know your identity in Christ Jesus? Many Christians do not know why they are Christians. Are you a christian because you were born that way or because your parents take you to Church?
To be continued.
Part 2 soon.
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