The risen Christ presented Himself alive to His disciples and to more than 500 at one time! Over forty days, He showed them many proofs and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God. After giving commands to them, He ascended to heaven. (Acts 1:3; 1 Cor 15:6).
After Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. They dispersed to many places to share the gospel and planted many churches in the Roman Empire.
Many early Christians were martyred by the Romans for their faith. Hebrews chapter 11 gives an account of the martyrdom of ordinary Christians.
Despite the extreme persecution by many tyrants throughout history, the gospel of the coming Kingdom of Christ continues to be proclaimed.
Today, the most persecuted religious people in the world are Christians. They are harassed in about 150 countries. The battle for lost souls is not carnal but spiritual. Let us:
1) Put on the whole armour of God and be in solidarity with persecuted Christians by praying for them.
2) Practise hospitality and have compassion for our colleagues. Outside of the intense work pressures, these same people need peace with God and the love of God.
3) Proclaim the gospel of salvation and the peace of Christ. The unbelievers among us will listen (Acts 28:28).
People need to see the light of Christ shining in our conduct, speech and service at home, at work and after work.
Let us invite them to believe in Christ Jesus. He is the Way into the eternal city of God.
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo
