What does your faith mean to you?

Over the past few weeks I have been reading through the book of Acts. I have been reading Acts as the ministry needed a burst of renewed energy, and what better place to find God sent inspiration, than the beginning of the Church itself.

While reading through Acts, it struck me how the early Christians suffered persecution, beatings, and even being banished by their own families, for their beliefs. It got me thinking about my faith and what it means to me. I have to say I hope and pray, that if put in their position, I would be able to stand firm, and I pray the Holy Spirits strength takes over, as I am unsure of my flesh, but I am reassured of my born again spirit. 

None of us can answer as Christians in America as we have never had to worry about our religious freedom, but in countries all around the world Christians are being persecuted as they were in the beginning of the church.

But what if a decree was filed, and effective immediately, speaking the name of Jesus Christ was a punishable offense, or anyone caught with a bible would be subject to persecution? Would you be at church on Sunday? Would you still carry your bible where ever you go, or do you now?

So what does your faith mean to you? Is it something you take for granted? Is it something you would suffer for? If it meant being imprisoned would you still proclaim the name of Jesus Christ, or do you now?

Tough questions aren't they, but ones worth thinking about. This week ask these tough questions, and don't be judgmental on yourself, as even Peter himself denied Christ before being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:13-21
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.