Persecution: A Powerful Tool for Evangelism! Don’t Fear!
Persecution of the early Christians after the Day of Pentecost was dreadful and bloody. But, the deadly encounter did not discourage the disciples from evangelism. I want to use this medium to share with you the significance of persecution in evangelism:
Is Persecution a Sin?
The meaning of persecution is to pursue Christian in a manner to afflict or put to death for proclaiming Jesus Christ as the savior of humanity. Jesus Christ was persecuted when on earth and He told us it was a Blessing.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness ' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
Jesus knew the pains and grief involved in persecution. So, He warned us to be courageous and faithful in Him when we go through such circumstances. He says: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Thus, persecution is not a sin, but it is a strong formidable “tool” for evangelism.
The Advantage of Persecution
My careful study of the Bible showed that the Lord wants the New Testament generation to be active on the ‘field for harvest’ (church evangelism). And, He did not promote the passive mode of the Old Testament ‘synagogue’ (church building).
The Lord wants the Christians to be Gospel Broadcasters and not ‘Bench Warmers’.
“Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few;