They Weren't So Different?

Greg Laurie

Everywhere the first-century Christians went, they were ridiculed, opposed, persecuted, and physically assaulted for their beliefs. Some were even put to death. Yet within a period of about 30 years, this original group of 120 Christians and their converts came to be known as those who turned their world upside down (see Acts 17:6).

Their world was not too different from the world in which we are living right now. In fact, in some ways it might even have been worse. They were living under the jurisdiction of the godless Roman Empire. Immorality was rampant. The religious establishment was corrupt. Idolatry, spiritism, and demon worship were openly practiced. In their time, they did not have the liberties and freedoms that we have today in our nation.

When we read through the Book of Acts, these Christians almost seem radical with their fearless preaching, their expectant prayer, and their willingness to obey. But they weren’t radical. What we see in the Book of Acts is normal, New Testament Christianity. It is the standard that God has set. If we feel it is radical, then it only shows that we are living a watered-down version of it.

I am not saying that a miracle should happen every day in the life of the believer. I am not saying that each time we walk out the door, we will preach the gospel and thousands of people will be saved. But I am saying that as Christians today, we should seek to live at the same level of commitment as these first-century believers did. So how are you living? What are you doing? After all, the church is made up of individuals like you and me.