Commands of Christ Repent – how to restore fellowship with God and become qualified to enter His kingdom. Repent – how to restore fellowship with God and become qualified to enter His kingdom. Follow Me – calls for a total change in goals and priorities so that we can become “fishers of men”. Follow Me – calls for a total change in goals and priorities so that we can become “fishers of men”. ??? - Reveals the secret of becoming bright lights so that people will be attracted to our love and God’s truth. ??? - Reveals the secret of becoming bright lights so that people will be attracted to our love and God’s truth.

Rejoice When men shall say all evil against you falsely Matthew 5:10-12

To Rejoice… Is to have an excitement in our spirits for what God is going to do through the trials that He allows in our lives even though our souls are sorrowful because of them. Is to have an excitement in our spirits for what God is going to do through the trials that He allows in our lives even though our souls are sorrowful because of them. Is to be confident that God is in control of all the things that happen in our lives. Is to be confident that God is in control of all the things that happen in our lives. Is to be confident that God takes us through troubles, He is preparing us for the rewards of character and achievement that far outweigh the the temporary pain of suffering. Is to be confident that God takes us through troubles, He is preparing us for the rewards of character and achievement that far outweigh the the temporary pain of suffering.

Study Question… Why did Job attribute the destructive deeds of Satan to the Lord by stating: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord”? (Job 1:21)

When do we need to rejoice the most? Under persecution Under persecution In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (1 Tim 3:12) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (1 Tim 3:12) Satan will leave us alone until he sees us being successful in advancing God’s kingdom. Satan will leave us alone until he sees us being successful in advancing God’s kingdom.

Who will persecute the followers of Jesus? Religious leaders Religious leaders But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, "You must die!” (Jeremiah 26:8) But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, "You must die!” (Jeremiah 26:8) Jesus was persecuted by the religious rulers. Jesus was persecuted by the religious rulers.

Who will persecute the followers of Jesus? Religious leaders Religious leaders Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. (John 15:20) Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. (John 15:20) Rejoicing in the face of persecution and reproach is a powerful way to disarm our adversaries. Rejoicing in the face of persecution and reproach is a powerful way to disarm our adversaries.

How do we pass the tests of persecution and reviling? 1. Thank God for them All things come from the hand of God. All things come from the hand of God. All things are for our good. All things are for our good. All things build character. All things build character. (1 Thess. 5:18) (job 1:21, 2:10) (Romans 8:28) (Romans 8:29)

How do we pass the tests of persecution and reviling? 2. Finds reasons to rejoice I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) 3. Finds related rhemas

How do we pass the tests of persecution and reviling? 4. Cry out when necessary Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. (Psalm 142:6) Is there time that we should avoid persecution? When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. … (Matt 10:23) When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. … (Matt 10:23) Paul (Acts 9:25, 2 Cor. 11:33) Paul (Acts 9:25, 2 Cor. 11:33)

How do we pass the tests of persecution and reviling? Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) 5. Overcome evil with good

Name of God Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord Is My Banner Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. (Exodus 17:15)

Joyfulness Joyfulness vs. Self-Pity Joyfulness is the bright spirit and radiant countenance that come by being in full fellowship with with the Lord.

Joyfulness Joy is proof to the world that God can fully satisfy the human heart. “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” – Psalm 16:11 Joy is the component that, when added to a trial, provides the strength to endure it. “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10