Sunday 30 April 2023

The Stone Rejected

 The Stone Rejected?

The Apostle Peter speaking of Jesus said,

"He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

People throughout the centuries have rejected Jesus. As a group we Christians. We who chose to follow Jesus have been persecuted by individuals and governments who simply disagree with us. Men and women, political and religious leaders who want to see an end to Christianity. Today thousands of Christians are in prison for simply believing in Christ. But no matter what they do Christianity continues. 

Napoleon Bonaparte, former Emperor of France said,

"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? 

My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power."

"I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him."

"I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel.  Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary."                                                                                                                      Napoleon Bonaparte,

In the early days of the apostles not long after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Two of His disciples were put on trial and witnessed to their persecutors. The men presiding over their case wanted to put them to death. The Book of Acts however records what a Pharisee named Gamaliel said,

“A Pharisee named Gamaliel a teacher of the Law an honoured man, standing before the Sanhedrin as they were presiding over the trial of two of Christ's apostles said,

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38,39.

I put before you that Christianity is of God for it has lasted for over two thousand years despite people trying to destroy it.

Please think about it.

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