I’m reading through Acts, and I can’t help but wonder why we don’t experience miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit that the early church experienced?? I bet you’ve asked the same question.
In Acts 16, Paul boldly confronted an evil spirit in a woman who had been taunting them for days. The spirit had empowered her to tell the future, and when her owners realized her ability was gone, they were ticked off, to say the least. They dragged Paul and Silas in front of the magistrates who ordered them stripped, beaten with rods, flogged, and thrown into prison. Talk about a clash with culture. When darkness is confronted by light, persecution often follows.
One of my favorite pastors said something last week that I can’t stop thinking about. He’s currently working with lawyers to ensure his family will be cared for should he end up in jail sometime in the next four years. Why does he think he may go to jail? Because he recognizes the increasing clash with culture yet, he refuses to stop speaking and preaching the Truth of God’s word.
You may think he’s overreacting, but I don’t. Persecution against Christians in America will dramatically increase through legislation. My point isn’t to debate whether persecution will increase or not; my point is to ask you – do you know where you stand?
Here’s the deal. The Bible says in the last days, there will be “terrible times.” If you read the passage for yourself in 2 Timothy 3, it won’t take you long to figure out that it’s an accurate description of our culture. But wait, there’s more. The Bible gives us another description of what will happen in the last days. In Acts 2:17-18, Peter quotes the Old Testament prophet Joel -
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people, your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women I will pour out my Spirit in those days and THEY WILL PROPHESY (my emphasis).
Did you catch the clash with culture that we will see in the last days?
In the last days there will be terrible times, so get ready. Things will get worse. If you are a professing follower of Jesus, you won’t escape being hated – and lest you think I’m being dramatic, I’m actually quoting Jesus (Matthew 10:22). However, this shouldn’t discourage us – in fact – it should encourage us. Why? Because in the last days, there will also be an outpouring of God’s Spirit on his sons and daughters! And y’all! THAT’S our cue – when there’s a clash with culture – it’s our cue to PROPHESY.
You know the story didn’t end with Paul and Silas sitting in prison, right? Sitting chained up in prison for the Gospel, what did they do? They sang! And you better believe the other prisoners were listening to their song.
When there’s a clash with culture and persecution comes, girl, prophesy! Speak the Truth of God’s word with some passion and boldness! Now’s the time to stand firm, not shrink back!
So I need to ask you a question – do you know what you believe? Do you know why you believe it? Fellow believer in Jesus, I plead with you - GET IN THE WORD OF GOD. We need to grow in our love for Jesus. I’m telling you, our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the most essential thing in our lives. The clash with culture will increase more and more and it’s an opportunity for us to see and experience a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit.
One more thing. Now isn’t the time to freak out or be overcome with anxiety or worry. Are you kidding me? Now is the time when we should be shinning the brightest and, quite frankly, prophesying the loudest. Do we trust the Lord or not?
Stand firm.
Be bold.
Be kind.
Prophesy.
And whatever happens, remember, Jesus is worth it.