A Scary Thought

Actually there are two frightening thoughts I'd like to share, in the form of questions.  The two questions are interrelated and simply will not go away.  With this past week being one of the most oppressive and stressful weeks I've endured for some time now, I have to share this.

I first came upon this ugly fact back in 1999.  There are places in this country that forbid people to share their faith, to maintain employment.  Of course, the medical community is one place, public school another, but there are others, as well.  Has this had a detrimental effect on our economy?  I can't imagine it's helped at all!

So, on to my questions.  Aren't we in America facing the same thing the apostles were in the 4th chapter of Acts?  Aren't we being told not to talk about our Messiah to maintain employment?  I'm certainly not suggesting that we take advantage of company time, or force Bible studies in the break room; but to be forbidden seems very much like what as spoken to Peter and John, yet they refused to be complicit in this.

The other question involves the Name of Messiah.  There are many theories about the changes and the acceptability, but what if the pure simple truth is, much is lost in translation?  I don't know if it was changed to avoid persecution, maintain public position, or simply by error of translation, but it is clear to see, we are not walking in the power and authority the early church did.

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Y'hshuwah [Jesus.]  Acts 4:17-18

The last statement of Messiah before ascending, was:  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.   Acts 1:8

These were His last words spoken on this earth!  Yet, to receive a pay check, we accept the mandate to be silenced . . .