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Persecution & the Christian (Part ii)
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Preparing For Persecution
“It is my firm conviction that the modern Evangelical church will soon face direct persecution in America… Though no one prays for martyrdom [,] physical persecution in this country would rejuvenate the witness of the body of Christ… Looking at the New Testament and the history of the early church, we see that persecution was normative and not unusual. Mal Couch Mal Couch, “Preparing for Persecution,” Conservative Theological Journal, CTJ 03:10 (Dec 1999).
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Review 4 Characteristics of Persecution
Persecution is a characteristic of this world Satan is the arch-persecutor of God’s people Agencies of persecution a) The World (kosmos) b) Earthly Governments c) Religious Authorities/Other Religions d) Family & Friends 4. Believers Should Expect Persecution
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2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
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Persecution & the Christian (Part II)
Our Attitude towards Persecution Our Response towards Persecution
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I. Our Attitude towards persecution
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Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
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1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you…
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I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it
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I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it See it as a blessing
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I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it See it as a blessing Do not fear it
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I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it See it as a blessing Do not fear it Do not be ashamed
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II. Our Response towards persecution
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II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it
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II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it Endure in it
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II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it Endure in it Flee from it
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II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it Endure in it Flee from it Be selfless in it
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II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it Endure in it Flee from it Be selfless in it Be rooted in God’s Word and Prayer
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Crowns found in the Bible
Reference Description The Incorruptible Crown 1 Cor. 9:24,25 For the one who masters the old nature The crown of rejoicing 1 Thess. 2:19 – 20; Dan 12:3 For the one who leads people to Christ The crown of life (or crown of Martyrs – Rev 2:8-11) James 1:12 For those who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering, even unto death The crown of righteousness 2 Tim. 4:8 For those who love and anxiously wait and look forward to the day of His return at the Rapture. The crown of glory 1 Pet. 5:1 – 4 For those who faithfully teach the flock.
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I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it See it as a blessing Do not fear it Do not be ashamed
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II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it Endure in it Flee from it Be selfless in it Be rooted in God’s Word and Prayer
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