Queen's Road Cell

Before you begin this lesson, read Luke 12:8-12 and 21:12-19. Then read Acts 23:11–26:32 prayerfully, observing how Paul acted before governors and kings and imagining yourself in his place.  For Thought and Discussion: How do Luke 12:8-12 and Luke 21:12-19 resemble Paul’s experiences and actions?       cf. Acts 9:15 " a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israe l"   Luke 12:8-12 speaks of Jesus acknowledging us if we acknowledge Him, and of being taught of the Spirit what to say in the hour of trial. 21:12-19  There would be betrayal and arrest, but an  opportunity to bear witness. Words and wisdom would be given. We will be preserved to the end. cf. 2 Ti 4:18 " The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."   Paul was likely not fearful. He welcomed the opportunity to witness (21:39-40, 23:1,...

6. Why is it important for us to think about the early Christians’ willingness to suffer for Jesus’ name (see 5:40-42; 7:59-60; 9:15-16,23-30)? 5:40-42  " they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" They rejoiced.  7:59-60   "stoning... he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them" -They forgave 9:15-16 " For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." The saw the necessity of testimony, acceptance  9:23-30 " the Jews plotted to kill him ... took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall" They helped one another. They escaped Suffering is normative. Jesus suffered to leave us an example  Their message was true. Their suffering authenticated their message We suffer because of persecution, active and passive We suffer because because of ou...

We had rather unusual questions about standing up for our faith should the occasion come when we are asked to worship something or someone other than the God of the Bible. In the first scenario - would it be ever right to do this? In the  second scenario - would it  be ever right to do this if our loved ones are threatened in front of us. Here, there is the testament of history when Christians were persecuted (e.g. in Roman times, or in medieval  Japan). They chose death rather than denial. There is also the present day experience of many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world who have to make precisely these choices as a real experience. They also choose their own death (and that of their loved ones) We know that Jesus told his disciples in no uncertain terms that loyalty to Him must take precedence over all other things " If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his ow...