Sermons About Persecution
We Study to Assist the Working of God - Part 2
Please note this is a two part sermon... Paul brought a great deal of comfort to the Christians in Thessalonica with this letter. Yet one way in which comfort was brought to the Thessalonians (their lives proved it, as did their suffering) should startle us in America. We don't suffer for being Christians here (outside of extremely isolated instances). What has the church throughout the history of the world endured? What do many endure today? We ignore the plight of our brothers and sisters in Christ to the detriment of the Kingdom.
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David West - Beating the Odds
Nehemiah 11:1-2 Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
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We Study to Remember
What goes through the mind of an apostle? We can never know for certain - aside aside from what is written in the Bible that is. Yet what we have in the Bible is only "half" of the conversation. In other words, we think so much more than we speak or write. Yet by looking at the text of 1 Thessalonians, taking insights from the historical background of the first century, and considering information contained in the book of Acts, we can deduce some concerns Paul may have had about the young "church" in Thessalonica.
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Suffering for the Sake of the Gospel
Acts 14:1-28 A powerful example of what it means to suffer for the sake of the gospel was lived out during WWII by a man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian who participated in the German Resistance movement against Nazism and was a founding member of the Confessing Church. His involvement in plans by members of the German Military Intelligence Office to assassinate Adolf Hitler resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent execution by hanging in April 1945, shortly before the war's end. Bonhoeffer's willingness to die in the service of the Lord was exhibited by the peacefulness he extolled during his suffering in the concentration camps and his fervent and expectant prayer to God as he was taken to be executed. He died as a bold and brave servant to the Lord. This is a powerful example of discipleship, which is to joyfully suffer for the gospel of Christ. Like the story of Bonhoeffer, the passage in Acts 14:1-28 should encourage and motivate us to courageously share the gospel everywhere we go no matter what opposition, rejection, or persecution we may face. From the verses in this passage, we learn about four stopping points for Paul and Barnabas as they finished up their first missionary journey. They 1. Relied and Retreated from Iconium (vv. 1-7) 2. Were Revered and Rejected in Lystra (vv. 8-20) 3. Revisited and Refreshed the Churches (vv. 21-23) 4. Reported and Recuperated in Antioch (vv. 24-28) We have been called to suffer for Christ and to suffer for the gospel. If we are being faithful to share the gospel, it is not a question of "if", but "when" persecution will come. We may never be stoned for the gospel's sake as the apostle Paul was, but no matter what form our persecution comes in, the suffering will be worth it because we know that our lives are in the hands of a loving God, who promises His protection. We should take joy in the privilege and honor of serving our Lord. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said about his suffering: "It is a badge of discipleship".
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Courage!!!
1) Courage is required of us 2) Hearts that are brave 3) The Kingdom of God 4) When life is easy 5) When life is hard 6) Because of righteousness 7) A picture of our calling
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Coming up next
Week 53 in the Vintage Jesus series. Preached by Lead Pastor Paul Vroom on September 13, 2009 at Missio Dei Church in Mokena, Illinois (www.mdchurch.us). Scripture from Mark 13.
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We Study To Be An Example
Context is King. If we ignore context we can make the Bible say anything we want. For example, I can command you to do something most think is an "un-Christian" thing to do - all by using Scripture...“Judas went out and hanged himself; do likewise, and what you do, do quickly” (Matt27:5b; Lk3:11; Jn13:27b). All from Scripture; obviously not godly activity - context is vital. How does context impact what Paul writes in the opening chapter of 1 Thessalonians?
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Building a Firm Foundation on The Basics
Developing a firm foundation in the fundamentals of the faith is key to a successful Christian walk and life. We will not move away from, but build upon the doctrinal foundations of the faith. °God is immutable, unchangeable. His nature and promise will not change. °God promises to be with Christians and guide them through the deep waters of life's challenges. °God will be with us through the fiery trials of persecution.
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Blessed Persecution, Pt. 2 (Matthew 5:10-12)
Persecution, in all its forms and various degrees, is and has been the experience of the righteous ever since the blood of Abel was shed by his brother Cain. We often respond to ridicule, harassment, and other forms of persecution with anger, resentment, retaliation, and judgment. However, this is sin and we need to come to grips with the Lord's commands in Matthew 5:10-12 and respond with rejoicing, gladness, and graciousness. It is not easy and it certainly is not something we do in our own strength; it is a fruit of grace in the heart. The Christian, however, has a hope in heaven and a reward from the Lord for humble obedience that is our true hope and encouragement as we live out our faith in the midst of a hostile world.
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1 Peter 1:1-2 We Belong to Him
An exposition of 1 Peter 1:1-2, this sermon seeks to encourage those on mission with Jesus who are facing opposition. We're reminded in the midst of our hardships that we are simply temporary residents in this world and, better yet, chosen by God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We belong to God!
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