Sermon on Acts 9:1-6

Pastor Steve gave a sermon on Acts 9:1-6 this past Sunday (apparently, we are going to look at the persecuted church). Here is my summary (any errors & ambiguities are mine):

Today, there are lots of threats, even murder, against disciples of the Lord, against Christians worldwide. There is something we can, should & must do about this. The striking thing in Acts 9:1-6 was Saul’s persecution of Christians. Jesus considers those who touch Christians as touching Him. Jesus questioned Saul as to the reason he was persecuting Him. Saul, it seems, did not even know who he was persecuting.

A lot of God’s people out there are suffering incredibly. This affects Jesus. And Jesus is the most scarred person in human history. That is why Jesus, in the passage, questioned Saul as to why he was persecuting Him & Christians. With every Christian who was mocked & persecuted, Jesus took it as if it was done to Him. The things that happen in the world today are atrocious. And Saul did not know that he was persecuting God. He would then later transform into apostle Paul. A lot of people today do not like Jesus because they not like the idea of having a King over their lives.

How are we to respond to persecution?

• Expect persecution; it is the Biblical reality. We are not to be shocked, for persecution is a reality. See John 15:20.
• Remember those who are in prison (Hebrews 13:3). It is hard for Christians elsewhere. We must always remember & always think of those Christians who are persecuted. Do not forget them.
• Love & prayer for “our” persecutors. Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-45). It is not for us to judge those who persecute Christians. Pastor also referred to the St James Church in South Africa which was attacked one day in 1993 by some attackers who threw detonators to all corners of the church before spraying the church with machine gun bullets. A number of people were killed & many were seriously injured. In April 1996, the St James Church massacre victims forgave the attackers. The forgiveness shown is remarkable.
  
• Pray for the persecuted Christians, that they will be able to stand firm in the face of the persecution.
• Pray for the saints & gospel opportunities (that they will be able to proclaim the gospel boldly). Refer Ephesians 6:18-20. The persecuted church wants us to pray for them.
• God’s enemies can become His friends (Romans 5:8).
• Remember that victory belongs to God.