Devotion:
Peter and the apostles had been preaching the Gospel with great boldness and had gained respect wherever they went. However, they were not free from hatred and persecution. The religious leaders were jealous and had the apostles arrested, put in jail, and beaten with rods and whips. After an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the jail, the faithful apostles began preaching again. Once again they were arrested. After the Pharisee named Gamaliel persuaded the council not to kill them, the apostles were beaten and released. Instead of running away in fear for their lives, these men of God rejoiced that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for his name. They felt blessed and considered the scars as marks that connected them to Jesus. Then they continued to teach and preach. Have you ever thought of persecution as a blessing? Do you consider it an honor to suffer for Christ? While most of us will not experience the kind of suffering the apostles did, our faith is tested when we have to make a stand based on Christian principles. Will you consider it a blessing to stand up for Christ?
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on the lyrics to the song, “I’m Not Ashamed of the Gospel” as you commit to be bold in sharing God’s message of hope and faith.
We're an anchor for those who are hurting
We're a harbor for those who are lost
Sometimes it's not always easy bearing Calvary's crossWe've been ridiculed by those who don't know Him
And mocked by those who don't believe
Still I love standing up for my Jesus
'Cause of all that He's done for me
That's why I am not ashamed of the Gospel
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
No, I am not afraid to be counted
And I'm willing to give my life
See I'm ready to be all He wants me to be
Give up the wrong for the right
No, I am not ashamed of the Gospel
No, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
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