Monday – Gospels and Acts

Reading – Acts 12

Highlight Verses:

“About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This was a tumultuous time of tragedy and miracles.

James had been one of the first disciples and brother to John, one of the closest friends of Jesus.

Peter was arrested and expected to meet the same fate.

There were many martyrs in the early church including many who knew Jesus personally.

Think about that. They believed in Jesus and the Gospel so completely that they were willing to die.

The very eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life testified with their lives to the integrity of Jesus’ life and message.

If that’s not enough to convince you of the truth of the Gospel, realize that there are many today who peacefully lay down their lives for the Gospel in areas where it is persecuted.

Do not confuse that with the suicide bombers who kill themselves in an act of war against all others. They act out of anger and promises of personal gain.

While I have never been asked to lay down my life for Jesus,

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that nothing could pry my faith from me.

Would your faith stand up to persecution?
What is it that first convinced you of the truth of the Gospel?