Have you ever spoken something, only to immediately wish you could take your words back?

Maybe this is how the government officials felt as they ordered Peter and the apostles to never speak of Jesus again. They flogged them and let them go. Oops.

“The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”” Acts 5:41-42 NLT

Their plan backfired. Instead of silencing the apostles, their rebuke gave them more boldness to be Christ’s witnesses. Yes, every day in every way they proclaimed to the Jewish people, “Jesus is our long-awaited Messiah!”

It’s how persecution works. When Christians are told to share their faith, they often hesitate.

But when others tell us not to share our faith, the Spirit rises up within us. We count the cost of not sharing. And we decide right then and there to not be timid anymore. We decide to listen to the Spirit, and become His witnesses! Persecution brings a holy boldness!

The grey area in our culture is disappearing. Things are becoming much more black and white. You either follow Jesus whole-heartedly, or you don’t. This is a good thing.

The believers are the true church, and they need to hold tightly to God’s word. There are many false doctrines being taught on YouTube and in local churches. We must be those who strongly fear the Lord, and humbly follow His word.

Then, and only then, will God bless us!

“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2 NLT