“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22

What is it about the good news of the Gospel that threatens some people to the point where they break out in violence? And why is this a common response in the book of Acts and in our world? As we will see in our time together this week, while some people believe in Jesus, others decide to pick up stones to try to kill Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, and their companions.

Yet what we believe is that violence does not have the last word – life does! Not only is Paul raised back up again, but he goes right back into the city! And the message of the Gospel is that the violence of the cross doesn’t get the last word either! Jesus’ resurrection and ascension assure those of us who are in Christ that we have victory over sin and death.

But still...Why such strong reactions?

I believe the good news Jesus presents is a threat to lives, to systems, and to governments. It calls us to repentance, to peace, to grace, to love, and to live according to the truth of Scripture. But for many, that is a threat to our usual way of living – one that is self-centered. And when people feel threatened, they often turn to hatred and violence. What is the result? Those who follow after the things of God often get knocked down and beat up (physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally).

But as we will discover together this week, Christ calls us to something different. We are to be a people of peace and proclaim peace with God through Jesus. And even when we are attacked and feel like we are “down for the count,” God picks us back up again and sends us back in His grace and strength. We may experience hardships, but they are not the end of the story. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Aaron