"Both religious intolerance and political indignation came
against the early Church. The plan of Satan, the Sadducees and Sanhedrin was to
intimidate and silence the Apostles so as to weaken and eventually destroy the
Church. These religious leaders who had crucified Jesus were angered by the
preaching of His resurrection. Their doctrine, dogma, tradition, position and
authority were being challenged and threatened by the Name of the risen,
glorified Christ. The power and authority of ignorant and uneducated fishermen
were gaining more public recognition than their dead orthodoxy. Their hypocrisy
had suffered irrecoverable crash and they were not willing to repent. Since
their religion did not have the weapon of prayer and appeal to God, they
resorted to fighting with threats, force and intimidation. The Apostles stood
on higher ground and overcame all opposition with prayer, power, preaching,
perseverance, prevailing purpose, passion and purity of heart and life."
"Perseverance
in persecution, steadfastness in suffering, courage in crisis, fearlessness
before fierce, formidable foes, devotion and dedication in times of danger
characterized the Apostles. Indeed, steadfast perseverance during severe
persecution was the distinguishing mark of all true Christians.
Everything
around them should have overwhelmed and crushed the spirit of these ministers
of the gospel but they stood courageously before the intimidating council as unconquerable ambassadors from the courts of heaven."-from outline
Please be sure to listen to the Bible Study this week. May God bless you.
-Charity
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