One of the most difficult crosses a Christian is called to bear is unjust suffering! There are few things that try our faith and test our trust in God more than being falsely accused and then suffering in spite of the fact that we are innocent of the charges against us.

It should not surprise us when this happens. Jesus warned us in John 15:20a “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you…” A lost world that hated and crucified Jesus is not going to love – or even tolerate – those of us who follow Him.

Some of us may have already experienced some level of that in our life.

Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing that today. In the future, many of us – and certainly most of the next generation of Christ-followers – will experience levels of persecution in this Country that could not have been imagined fifty years ago.

As you read through and pray about these verses, think about the following questions:

1) Does changing Politicians always solve the problem of religious persecution?

2) How did unsaved religious people react of Jesus?

3) How did unsaved religious people react to Jesus in Paul’s day?

4) How do unsaved religious people react to those of us who follow Jesus in our day?

5) Why is it important for a culture to hold their leaders accountable to the law?

6) Should Christ-followers always merely suffer patiently, or is there an appropriate time for us to demand our legal rights?

7) What does the actions of Governor Festus in this passage tell us about whose interests our leaders really have at heart?

8) Do you think the future will bring more or less persecution  of Christ-followers in America?

Finally, regardless of who is leading our Nation – God is in charge! Think about the implications of His divine sovereignty in our life today and the life of our children and grandchildren in the future.

I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, your Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!