Challenges

Acts 19:28-34

“28 When they heard this, they were enraged and shouted, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 The city was filled with the confusion; and people rushed together to the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s travel companions. 30 Paul wished to go into the crowd, but the disciples would not let him; 31 even some officials of the province of Asia, who were friendly to him, sent him a message urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd gave instructions to Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward. And Alexander motioned for silence and tried to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours all of them shouted in unison, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

The struggles, conflicts and persecutions of the early church were monumental.  According to Luke, Christianity was “spoken against everywhere” (Acts 28:22).  Yet the faith continued to spread and grow in number.   

People like Paul, Barnabas, and Silas who, grounded in the teachings of Christ, allowed themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit in the founding of churches across the known world, were the vessels that God used in His plan for the redemption of the world.

The Church has faced challenges throughout its history.  During each struggle, God prevailed through people of faith, who incorporated the teachings of Christ into their lives, who heard the voice of God and responded.  

The challenge the Church faces today is no different.  The solution lies with people of faith who are filled with the Holy Spirit, living out the teachings of Christ, who allow themselves to be used by God to do His will.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)