The Persecuted Church - Just Shut Up

Many years ago, a very opinionated young man came out with a fairly controversial set of beliefs and set out to change a nation. In the early days, he carefully communicated his views and slowly set out to spread his beliefs. One turned into ten which soon became hundreds and then thousands. Soon the beliefs had conquered nations but it did come at a cost.

As the authorities found out, they came to pay more attention to him and decided that he needed to be silenced so they sent brute squads after him. When it was found that physical violence did not work, they sent spies and intelligence officers to test him, trip him up and discredit him. They made a mockery of him, his family and his friends making it very difficult for anyone to want to join up.

In the end, the only way to shut him up was to kill him but the grave would not stop the movement and the message continued to grow. You may think this is the life of Christ but I would suggest that this is also the life of thousands of Christian Missionaries around the world working in countries and regions where it is illegal to preach the gospel. They preach a message of peace and joy through Jesus Christ and yet they are persecuted because the powers that be do not like what they hear. This was very prevalent in Christ’s time and is very relevant today.

This Sunday, we are going to look at the underground church where the threat of death is real but the love of God is more powerful. We invite you to join us either in person or on FaceBook Live ( htttp://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 ) at 10:30 MST or watch the service at a later date by visiting our website and go to the Live Stream Upload page ( www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca )

Shalom
Pastor Todd