Dealing with persecutions in the preaching of the gospel

We are all called to be missionary Christians. Wherever we find ourselves, we ought to be messengers of the gospel. Jesus instructs his disciples to go into the world and teach all nations; by implication, that same instruction applies to everyone who becomes his disciples. This singular instruction becomes the life purpose of every believer.

Mathew 28:18-20;
18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost.
20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. Amen.

A disciple is someone who you teach God’s word, Jesus taught them. We can’t overemphasize teaching in the local church. Both the unsaved and saved are taught. The believer who isn’t about making disciples of all nations is either ignorant or an irresponsible believer.
That’s purpose for us. See Jesus with his disciples:

Mathew 4:19
And he said unto them, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.

They were fishermen, but Jesus said he would make them fishers of men.

In Acts 8, they were scattered everywhere, yet they were preaching, you can test if you are in God’s will if you are preaching, there is nothing 100% the will of God than preaching.

One of the things the believer will face in the preaching of the gospel is persecution, and he must know how to deal with them lest they affect his work. Jesus Christ said we will be persecuted: (Jn. 15:19-20; Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 10:29-30; Matt. 10:16-18)

How then do we deal with persecution?

Read Acts 4:15-31;

That’s the response to persecution – Prayer. Irrespective of whatever is happening, pray more, pray the prayer of boldness. Our immediate response to persecution is prayer, not complaint or murmur. The disciples prayed for boldness to stay in the fight, and see the result of their prayer – more boldness to speak, accompanied by signs and wonders.

See Paul and Silas in the face of persecution:

Acts 16:25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them.

They prayed and sang praises all night, right in the prison. The time of persecution is not the time to murmur or shed tears but to pray. It’s time to pray about what God alone can give, Paul says in Phil. 2:8 “In nothing terrified, unmoved”. Sometimes the persecution doesn’t come to individuals, it comes collectively to the church. If the devil wants to do that, he just singles out the one who gives instruction, and he attacks. You must know that God uses men when he wants to do something on earth. You must learn to pray for your pastor, and you do so well, in praying for your pastor you are praying for yourself too.

Mathew 26:31
Then saith Jesus unto them, all ye shall be offended because of me this night, for it is written I will smite the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

Whether for the pastor or individual, we are not ignorant of the device of the enemy, you might think he is attacking the man, but he is attacking the word, and the growth of the community. Keep praying for your pastor, we are not ignorant, we will stay in the place of prayer and make power available. We are a praying church, and we will stay with that, we will raise men, men who will raise other men. Take time to pray for your ministry.

Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Ephesians 1-3

TEACHING OF THE DAY
The Influence of the Spirit