Standing Up

Standing Up!Acts 5:28 “…saying,’Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!’ 29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:"We ought to obey God rather than men.” NKJVFor many years, the people of our country have been silent about many things that really concern all of us. Lately I have noticed that average citizens have been speaking out. They have been standing up for the things they believe. In my daily activities, I have witnessed more people demonstrating courage in expressing their opinions and beliefs. Even though I don’t agree with everyone on every issue I applaud them for taking a stand. A zinger states, “It takes courage to stand up and be counted, but it takes more courage to keep standing.”The early church faced great opposition and persecution. The Jewish leaders gave the Apostles orders not to speak out about Christ. The Apostles knew that standing up for Christ would cost them their freedom and possibly their lives. Yet they stood firm. Their courage blossomed through their victory in Christ. His power authorized their freedom. Believers today live in the same freedom. Our great privilege is to stand up for Christ and His teachings.Are you courageous? Do you run away from discussions when they infringe on your belief system? Many Christians are learning not to fear the politically correct crowd. What about you; will you speak up? Ask God to give you holy boldness in expressing your faith. Speak up when God’s commandments are under attack. You will find your courage is contagious. Others will begin to express their beliefs.Thanks to all who bought our freedom with their blood!think on these thingsDr. David Hammonds, PastorSardis Baptist ChurchPalmetto, Georgia