Tides are changing. You have read my thoughts recently that I believe that the days we are living in are more and more like the days of the New Testament. Now I realize technology is different, that social norms are different, and that lifestyles are different. I get all of that. But our moral and religious backgrounds are more like New Testament times. Why do I say that? Because more people in our society are not followers of Christ. There are also more people following the pagan religious practices of the day. Whether it is Buddhism, Hinduism, Wicca, or even Islam, more people are leaving the traditional church to fall in lines with these faiths. Not only do we see that, but we see the beginning of persecution on all religions, but even more so on Christianity. Now we are not to the point were we cannot meet together in our church houses and worship, but we are experiencing some persecution. Image above borrowed from Majikalwishes.com.
So, if we are returning to the times like the days of the New Testament, what then can we expect? I think something like we saw in today’s reading (Acts 17) might be at hand. Paul was visiting the city of Thessalonica and staying in the home of Jason. Just because Paul stayed in his home, Jason was arrested and questioned. As we have read the book of Acts we have seen, and will continue to see, people being persecuted just because they are associated with Paul, who is preaching the gospel message. People knew that following Christ and spreading his message could possibly bring the persecution, and they were willing to do it. They were willing to live dangerously.
My question for you is this … are you willing to live dangerously for your Lord if the call arises? Where is your faith at? Would you be able to stand there and accept persecution, or would you cower and retreat? I hope and prayer that does not happen. I am not trying to be a deliver of bad news, or even a modern day prophet. I am just simply looking at the times, and looking at what I know the first century was like for Christians, and am seeing a lot of similarities.
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