“When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them,
“We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him. When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.” Acts of the Apostles 5:27-33
Why is it Christians and especially Catholics are attacked so often? I read about a US representative who attacked a group of people for singing Christian praise on a private charter plane. A Catholic priest attacked in church by a man who stabbed him multiple times. A coach condemned for praying at the 50-yard line – while satanists having a ‘worship’ ceremony against him are exalted.
It is a simple fact that Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus and to all. People don’t accept the true testimony of Christ and the men and women who speak this truth today. The truth hurts when you are against it. Those who live outside the truth, reveling in their sin, can’t stand the Light, they hate the truth being exposed to the world. Because, they fear that others will see the truth and call them out. So, they attack us and try to shut us up.
We hold on to this truth and stand in the face of a hateful crowd who desires to ‘stone’ us. The reason is simple. We who accept the truth and testimony of Jesus know God is trustworthy. We believe and know that His Word is true. His Will be done.
“He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.” John 3:32-33
Will you stand for God when others come against you to shut you up or punish you for speaking the Name of Jesus? Will you kneel in prayer even if the world starts throwing stones? Will you be scorned and spit upon outside an abortion mill to stand for life?