*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*FROM BREAKDOWN TO BREAKTHROUGH.*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Acts 8:1 *And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
There are opportunities in obstacles.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
Jesus, before His ascension promised the disciples in Acts 1:8, that they would receive power and that they *".....shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.*
The promise came to pass in Acts 2, but there seemed to be no widespread of the gospel. Everything remained at Jerusalem until Saul unleashed terror.
It was on the wings of persecution that Christians were scattered with the gospel to *.....Judea and Samaria,....* the same regions Christ had mentioned to them in them in Acts 1:8.
The persecution by Saul would prove a turning point for the advancement of the word of God and a fulfillment to the widespread of the gospel.
It teaches us that for every adverse issue that happens to the Christian, there is an advancement.
The persecution did not look right at first (and persecution never does), but it became and remained a major wake-up call for the Church to pray, Acts 12.
Every place and region where the word of God goes, persecution awaits it.
In life, we trip and fall, but we must rise again and never remain down.
Paul encourages us in Phil 1:29 *For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;*
One may want to ask why would Christ want His gospel spread to *".....all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth"* with much persecution to His followers?
Why did He not warn them of the persecutions?
Christ warned, and there was nothing in His word that came to us unawares.
First, He gave them power in Acts 2, and power is not given if there is no reason to exercise it.
Second, Christ had warned them of the coming attack and apostacy against the Church.
About persecution, He said in Matthew 5:1 *Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.*
Luke 6:22 - *Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.*
1 John 3:13 *Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.*
God is carefully watching His gospel and those who are faithful to it.
He knew there would be enemies within and outside the Church.
Oftentimes, He uses their bad intents to fulfill His goodwill.
The righteous must know that as long as they are serving God with all their hearts, they shall not be moved or shaken?
Are you on the verge of losing hope?
Do not!
God is working, and He will come through for you.
*Remorse Corner.*
In every persecution against the Church, there will be an end, but there is no end for the Church but to grow and multiply.
*Call to Word action.*
When Herod died, *......the word of God grew and multiplied*, Acts 12:24.
*The Christian clarion duty.*
The Christian must know that in everything that looks as a breakdown for the Church, there is a breakthrough from God to His Church.
*Prayer.*
Lord, come through for me in the midst of my challenges and attacks against the Church, in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and have a blessed day today.
God bless you.