If you saw me in the back of a police car, for what crime would you think I was arrested? In some countries, it could be for just what I’m doing now – sharing the Bible with others.
I met a man who was convicted of such, and sentenced to death. Fortunately it was in absentia and he lives to carry on Christ’s command:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)
Could you be convicted in such a country? Are you recognized anywhere as a follower of Christ? What does it take to gain that reputation?
Good deeds? Lots of people do really good deeds.
Lack of bad deeds? Again, many people can make it through the day without a single bad deed..
Saying you believe in Jesus? People say that but don’t display that.
The word Christian occurs only twice in the Bible, and Christians only once:
And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26b KJV)
They were called Christian because someone recognized their time and effort was spent in His work. Assembling together and teaching.
Where would you mostly likely be recognized as a Christian? And, where least likely?
If Christianity was against the law, as it is in many countries, could you be convicted? Who would testify truthfully that you knew Christ? Who would testify truthfully that you had assembled together with Christians and were involved in teaching?
Would you want them to?
As Paul before Agrippa, I pray you consider all of these question quite seriously:
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. (Acts 26:28-29 KJV)
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Thank you for taking time to read and comment on the blog. Comments should take into consideration this verse: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)