#297 The CCS Fight Is Not Over & the Week Ahead w/ Danny McCormick

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

 ”My dear brothers and sisters, it’s obvious that our ministry among you has proven to be fruitful. And though we had already suffered greatly in Philippi, where we were shamefully mistreated, we were emboldened by faith in our God to fearlessly preach his wonderful gospel to you in spite of incredible opposition.“

We learn in Acts 16 that Philippi is where Paul and Silas were severely beaten and imprisoned without due process. It’s where they were praying and worshipping in prison at midnight and in response to their worship, the Lord brought an earthquake that opened the prison doors. That is just one instance of how the disciples suffered so much at the hands of the angry and controlling religious elites. Yet because they knew and were consumed with passion for the truth and for making the truth of Jesus and His Kingdom known to those who did not know Him, they persevered. And they were emboldened by their faith in God to fearlessly preach His gospel despite incredible opposition. We should take so much inspiration and courage from their example. The Lord has called us to live out our faith fearlessly and boldly -- walking in love and in communion with Him. As Hebrews 10 says, we are not those who are held back by fear and perish; we are among those who have faith and experience true life! So take courage today. encourage yourself in the Lord and ask Him for the boldness to speak about your faith and to speak the truth in the places he has called you to serve.