Sermons on The Persecuted Church
What Jesus Says About Persecution
Are you surprised by persecution Christians face around the world? What does Jesus teach about persecution? What are various types of persecutions and how are we to face persecution? Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” “ Matthew 5:10-11 (NIV)
The Beatitudes – Portrait of a Christian
The Beatitudes are a portrait of what a Christian should look like. Each quality listed should apply to every believer, and each leads to the approval of God. Although righteousness leads to persecution it also allow us to be blessed in persecution.
Praying for the Persecuted Church
Hebrews 3:3 reminds us to pray for out persecuted brothers and sisters. Continue to remember those in prison, as if you were together with them prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Here are a few ways we can pray:
Pray that the persecuted church (and we as well) will be unafraid and faithful (Revelation 2:8-11).
Pray for God to fill them with the Holy Spirit and enable them to speak and act boldly with clarity, wisdom, and courage (Acts 4:31).
Pray that they will be joyful, rejoicing that Jesus and His name are worthy of any cost (Acts 5:41).