Peace and Prosperity

The persecution of Christians ultimately brings about the advance of the gospel. This is God's will, and it reveals his grace and his glory. The words of Ray Bolts' song I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb echo this truth saying, "but the church kept right on growing, watered by the blood of those precious saints."

But, what happens when things seem to be going well for the church? What about the times of peace and prosperity? Can the church grow in the absence of persecution? Has the church grown in the absence of persecution? Yes, the answer is yes, which is good news for the western church which, as a whole, experiences very little persecution and enjoys much peace and prosperity.

Persecution can serve as a very natural and physical way of raising the stakes. It shakes people of the fence, and it causes them to know were they stand and why they are standing there. Simply put, persecution serves as a catalyst for authenticity and drowns out the moaning of half-hearted, uncommitted, lukewarm believers.

However, the presence of persecution is not the key to the spiritual growth and commitment of the church. Acts 9:31 says, "The church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."

Based on this text we know that the church enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity and grew significantly. But, what was the reason they grew? Was it a prosperity gospel? Absolutely not!! You do not have to read much of the new testament to figure out that the disciples did not preach a message of if you follow Jesus Christ you'll have a great life, and all your problems will disappear. No, the key to their growth and commitment was not some prosperity message, but the blessings of the Holy Spirit and a healthy fear of the Lord.

The growth came because the believers joined the work of the Holy Spirit. They were strengthened and encouraged that the Holy Spirit was drawing men and women to Jesus by convicting them of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come. The catalyst for the deepening and strengthening of their commitment was not persecution, but the fear of the Lord.

Today, as an act of worship, join me in praying for a healthy fear of the Lord. Pray that God will strengthen and deepen our commitment to him and his church. Pray that in the absence of persecution we will remain fully committed to Christ. Also, pray that God will open our eyes to the work of the Holy Spirit around us.

On a side note: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

I'd like to take a quick moment to wish all of you Dads who may read this a very Happy Father's Day! Besides my own father, I have had several other men serve as mentors, role models, spiritual leaders, and friends of whom I am eternally grateful. I would not be the man I am today without your prayers, support, and encouragement. Thank you Andrew, Brandall, Brian, David, Gary, Greg, Joey, Larry, Mark, Mike, Randy, Russ, Torrie, Walt... and the list goes on and on. God is so good! Mungu Yu Mwama! (Swahili)