Cnr Alice and Edward Sts Mittagong | Sundays at 10.30am

GOSPEL RESISTANCE

Nehemiah 4          Acts 6: 7-15

Gospel Resistance

There is no such thing as an easy christian life because it is set in a different direction to the normal ways of the world.

It can also put us at loggerheads with traditional religion. To follow Christ and His message of death and resurrection is to be set on a collision course. It was religious leaders who vehemently opposed Stephen in Acts 6,7 in particular for his propagation of Jesus Lordship, especially the teaching on resurrection from the dead.

Because resistance to the Gospel message is expected it does not make it easier. However we can at least settle our thinking that it is inevitable.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Jesus Christ will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3.12). Thus we are reminded “fight the good fight of faith.Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6.12) “Join with me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2.2)

On every side then we face struggles, inwardly and outwardly. Stephen in Acts 6,7, is a good case in point.

Look at his life. He was one of the first deacons devoted to care of widows. He was full of grace and power, performing signs among the apostles. Yet in spite of his life,  this message about Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord brought trouble on his head for no other reason than it was life-bringing in a world that discounted the good news.

It is astonishing to note that in all this his face was like that of an angel (Acts 6.15) He rejoiced even  when he was stoned to death. Full of the Holy Spirit, he looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God . “Look”, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of  Man standing at the right hand of God.”