“I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.”
Psalm 3:6
“Foxe’s Book of Martyrs”
“Tortured for Christ”
I read these two books as a young man and their true stories of Christian persecution are seared into my mind.
Physical torture, violence, death…these books chronicle the assault on Christians just because they were Christians.
As a young man those stories unnerved me and plagued my thoughts…
How could people hunt down and assault Christians?
Why would anyone want to be so cruel to those who identify with (non-violent) Jesus Christ and His (non-violent) teachings?
Of course, as you get older and lose your naivety about the world, it all starts to make sense.
Most people (in their sinful and selfish state) NEVER want to be told that their sin has eternal consequences and there is ONLY ONE person who can forgive their sin and pay their debt in full.
Jesus Christ.
That name alone draws more ire and attention than any other.
That name can draw thousands into worship, and also stir thousands to riot in protest.
So how many people will it take to shut YOU up about Jesus Christ?
When I preached one of my first messages in a pulpit, God taught me something specific.
As I was preaching I looked at the back door and asked the congregation a question…
“Here in church we walk the walk, talk the talk, and look our best. Our speech is right and spiritual, and our conversation is guarded against foolishness.
But what would change in your demeanor if your boss walked in? What about your co-workers? Your landlord?
Any one of your cousins?
“Would you be embarrassed?
Would you change your demeanor, speech, and mannerisms?
Would your heart rate rise?
Would you share your Bible with them?”
Your answers reveal your heart, your witness, and your testimony. God was revealing to me, at that moment, that there were areas of timidity in my own Christian walk.
If you’re timid about a few people (who aren’t enemies) watching you “play Christian” at your church, then you’re going to have a serious problem when dozens, hundreds, and thousands of real enemies rise up against you just for being a Christian.
Vow to stand strong for Christ no matter how many rise against you. A bold daily witness will build a strong Christian. A strong Christian can stand in the face of a Christ-hating mob.
You never have to fear. Never.
dailyarmor.blog 