Opposition

I am reading in the book of Acts and it is obvious that the early church was growing-often by thousands in a single day. It is also obvious that as they grew they faced serious opposition-sometimes to the point of death and imprisonment.

The formula is still true today: a growing church will face opposition. Sometimes this will come from the community around it and unfortunately it will sometimes come from within.

Understanding this principle of spiritual warfare leaves leadership with a decision to make. A church can desire to avoid conflict so much that it refuses to grow and instead becomes a dried out husk of a building that is more social club than a thriving, active extension of Christ. Leaders can also choose to accept the trials that will face God's true church and look to the strength and vision that comes from the Holy Spirit to persevere and fulfill our calling here as centers of hope, grace, repentance and redemption.

Not really a difficult decision when you think about it.