Ever wonder what it feels like for the persecuted church? Christians throughout history have been persecuted and forced to meet underground and in fear of political retribution. Christians in China, Iran, Egypt, Sudan, and Southeast Asia have dealt with persecution and marginalization for generations. What is it like to be afraid to meet together? What creative measures must be taken to ensure that the church can worship together, disciple each other, and stay encouraged in a hostile environment?
We are beginning to know what it feels like. The Coronavirus crisis is causing the church in America to face unprecedented challenges. We may not experiencing political or ideological persecution, but this is still a serious situation of physical and spiritual adversity. Just yesterday, I talked with another pastor who needs to hold a funeral at his church but isn't sure how to do it with the restrictions on gatherings (especially of older people!). What is the church to do when faced with significant challenges to gospel ministry? What do we do when we feel a sense of upheaval and uncertainty?
The book of Acts gives us two answers:
We need to pray. When Peter and John are dragged before the Sanhedrin and threatened because they were preaching about Jesus, the believers began to pray. Acts 4:23-24, 29-30 says, "On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them…Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
We need to preach the word wherever we go. Later, the church in Jerusalem is scattered due to intense persecution. Acts 8:1-4 says, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
A church that faces opposition needs to be a church of prayer and a church of bold proclamation. Even when we are scattered and not able to be together, we must join together in prayer and in speaking about Christ with whoever will listen. If we face upheaval, let us press deeper into dependence on the Lord.