Acts 8:1 "And at that time there was a great persecution against the church"... "and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
This passage of scripture teaches us that as Christians, we are a people on the move, not because we want to be moved from place to place, but because of the increasing intolerance of Biblical truth, we must of necessity carry the gospel to other places where the truths that are pertinent to our time are more welcome. Now while it is true that we are to sow beside all waters, yet in the same breath we are cautioned not to cast our pearls before swine, lest they turn again and rend us, as we are now seeing taking place with our own eyes. Let's read:
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
As social beings, we generally prefer to be associated into large conglomerates and corporate bodies with thousands of members attending church in one place. Now, while there may not be anything wrong with this concept, yet it does have the tendency to make some Christians laid back, and nonchalant in service, and so, The Lord sometimes permits persecution to arise in certain places, so that we can get off our lees, and begin working in earnest for the salvation of souls, and the building up of God's kingdom. This is what took place when serious trouble came after the day of Pentecost, and as a result, many people in distant lands and other places were able to hear the gospel for the first time. Let's read:
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Today in our world, there is no difference, for we are still a people on the move, and as the persecution of Christians increases to the point of intolerance and outright rejection of the scriptures, then we must look for other places, and other people who will be more receptive to God's salvation through Christ, for we are not to expend our energies and resources on those who have no desire to listen to the Bible, but instead want to be left alone to their own system of beliefs and philosophies. This is not merely a good idea, it is the instruction coming down to us from The All-Wise God who always knows best. Let's read:
Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils".... 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them".... 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another".... "till the Son of man be come.
Let us therefore ask The Lord for wisdom to keep on working for His cause, in an increasingly hostile environment, and let us take courage from the fact that Jesus has already conquered principalities and powers, so that the victory of good over evil, and truth over error is virtually assured to every believer. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to press the battle to the gates of hell, for we are more than conquerors through Christ. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!