|
What took place then is really no different than what is happening in our nation and world now. Pay attention to the season we are in and then consider your own response.
What will you do if faced with a similar backlash? Cower? Or stand strong and stay longer?
Paul and Barnabas didn’t let the attacks scare them away or shut them up. In fact, they saw it as an invitation to stay longer to share about Christ.
THEY weren’t the ones causing division. It was the jealous Jews who were going around gossiping and intentionally trying to enrage people at Paul & Barnabas.
Scripture says, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you (I Cor 11:18-19).
The Bible warns that there will be divisions or factions among us, but for a purpose. They ultimately show who is approved by God. Don’t buy into the “we must unify at all cost” argument. Light does not unify with darkness.
Think about Charlie Kirk and the uproar against him. His talks always caused division. Why? Because he was boldly sharing truth.
There are divisions in the Church with some sticking to their belief that we shouldn’t be involved in “politics.” But that is like saying, the Church should be silent and make no impact in the world around it. We know that wasn’t God’s plan!
We see factions in the Republican Party right now where we work. Why? Because we are speaking truth.
There are many trying to turn the Republican Party into the UniParty. They are out creating divisions and like the jealous Jews, work to stir division because they don’t want to see the Party be strong in conservative, biblical values, but to be a watered-down system where liberal voices fit right in.
Don’t let it confuse you when you hear arguments of division. Those causing them will always point the finger. Pay attention to fruit.
As I was pondering all of this recently, the Lord spoke this word to me: “Take courage and be courageous!”
I’ve heard Him say that before, but this time it was different. It is a word for you as well.
We can “take courage” which is an action.
The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.
To “be courageous” means a decision to do what is right even if it put’s us in harm’s way. But it doesn’t necessarily involve the possibility of physical danger. It can mean moral courage to take an unpopular stand, such as Atticus Finch did in the classic, “To Kill a Mockingbird” where as a white lawyer he stood up to defend a black man.
Being courageous means we take a stand for what is right because we know it’s the right thing to do!
These are two different actions. We must TAKE COURAGE, but then BE COURAGEOUS. The first provides the ability to do the second. You can’t do one without the other.
All through Acts, Peter, Paul and the disciples faced opposition. That took courage and they were courageous. Their obedience invited the opposition.
Obedience invites opposition when we begin to step out to do what God has called us to do. The question is, will we be courageous to continue?
Take courage and be courageous!
Kevin & Karen
PS - If this ministry is a blessing to you and you are not already supporting us in prayer and giving, please consider planting a gift of $50, $100, $500, or $1000.
|
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is urging Georgia law enforcement officials not to release an illegal alien charged with sexual crimes against a child, according to a Department of Homeland Security press release exclusively obtained by Blaze News.Juan Carlos Salvador Diaz,[…] 
The NFL may be touting Super Bowl LX as another ratings success, but BlazeTV host Jason Whitlock believes the fine print tells a very different story.“The ratings dropped for the Super Bowl and for Bad Bunny, and they got to[…] 
The Department of Homeland Security has been rapidly growing its footprint across the country, but California is high on the list of new and expanded ICE offices. 
Just like the last time Democrats threw the government into a shutdown, they have no leverage but are now withholding votes to fund the Department of Homeland Security while making ridiculous demands that the Trump administration is entertaining. If Congress[…] 
