The Church Cannot be Stopped

Persecution is ugly stuff. It’s usually inflamed by fear that the targeted person or group will spread their beliefs, will undermine the establishment and may eventually take over. The threat is perceived to be so great that any method is justified – including deception, personal attacks and violence.
Stephen, one of the most promising young Christians in the early church was murdered by a mob. Leaders of the religious establishment pressed charges against the leaders of the church and a rising protagonist named Saul became the primary persecutor of those who believed in Jesus. The Bible tells us that on the day Stephen was martyred, “Saul began to destroy the church.” Saul went house to house looking for Christians. He had authority from the religious establishment and warrants to arrest and imprison. And it wasn't just the leaders he was after, Saul seized anyone he could get his hands on, men and women alike, and threw them into prison. He was out to stop the church of Jesus Christ no matter what it took.
But, let me tell you, the church cannot be stopped. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” The Sanhedrin, the religious court of the day, couldn’t stop the church. The critics couldn’t stop the church. Saul couldn’t stop the church. Satan himself cannot stop the church.
Wherever the Christians went in those early years, the results were amazing. In spite of persecution, people believed the message of Jesus, felt the power of the Spirit, and experienced the joy of God.
Related Scripture: Acts 8:1-3 & Matthew 16:18
© 2007 Leith Anderson