JOHN SHIRK – From Acts 8, verses 1 and 4.

Following the stoning of Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr of the early church, “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria……

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”

Jesus said that the Gospel would start in Jerusalem, and then spread to Judea and Samaria. Here in Acts 8, we learn that He actually worked through persecution to spread the word beyond Jerusalem.

There was freedom of movement for the early disciples to go from place and place and an unwavering commitment to Christ that would not be moved. Those were the ingredients that led to the spread of the Gospel.

While persecution is painful, it also a powerful witness of someone who is so convinced of the testimony of Christ, and so dedicated to Him, that the purity of their witness shines through the sacrifices they make for Him.

Perseverance through persecution is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com