Persecution and disciples

Acts 8:1~8 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah 

there. (3~5) So there was great joy in that city. (8)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #545 Down in the Valley Where the Mists of Doubt Arise (#344 in previous version)

Starting with the persecution of Stephen, great persecution came to the Early Church. Although everyone was scattered because of persecution, Phillip was not discouraged amidst the difficult environment and shared the Word of the Gospel to a city in Samaria. As a result, there was great joy in that city. What was the reason why he did not shake or get discouraged amidst persecution and was able to share the Gospel? We must find the mystery to this answer. If we begin to enjoy all the things we see with our eyes and see with our hearts through prayer, we will discover the amazing things God has given us.

1. Persecution is for my sake

Although persecution seems like hardship is being given to me, on the contrary, God has given it to me to fill my lacking.James 1:14 Persecution is what prepares me so that I am not destroyed,1 Corinthians 1:18 and it is for the sake of knowing that I can only win with the answer of Mark’s upper room.Acts 1 Also, it is for the sake of letting those who are scattered know that they will save the entire world.Acts 8:4 What is more important is that persecution is given to us so that we can escape from the spiritual problems of our past. Thus, even if persecution comes to a child of God, it does not matter.

2. Persecution is finding the true disciples

We find the true disciples when persecution arises. If people knew that the meeting at Mark’s upper room was an amazing blessing, they would have all gathered there. Therefore, God allowed persecution so only the true disciples would know. True disciples arose through persecution. The seed that falls on fertile soil bears fruit 30-fold, 60-fold and 100-fold, and just like a small mustard seed grows and becomes a large tree, the moment you meet a true disciple, all problems can be solved.

3. Persecution solves the spiritual problems of the future

When Philip proclaimed Christ in the city of Samaria, the evil spirits came out of many and many paralytics and cripples were healed. Age by age, God allowed persecution for the sake of the true evangelism movement. It was for the sake of revealing what was hidden for long ages past. Persecution has been permitted so that you can overcome any kind of world and you can prepare for the future.

Forum Topic

God has permitted persecution and hardship. Try meditating on what God’s plan is in the hardship you are facing now.

Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2013.6.30