Life in America is rapidly changing. The Supreme court decision on June 26, 2015, recognizing same-sex marriage, was one such change. Some of the court justices in their minority reports warned of the impact this decision might have on religious freedom. Many Christian leaders see the ruling as the precursor to persecution in the days ahead. This sermon examines the behavior of the Early Church as she experienced persecution. Those Christians not only survived the ordeal, but actually thrived in an atmosphere of persecution. How did they do it? That’s the question this sermon seeks to answer.
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OUTLINE
> Matt. 5:10-15
> Acts 2 & 3 leading up to text
> Six Principles for Thriving in Persecution
I. Stay Filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:1-8)
> Not a time to lean upon our own understanding
> Jesus’ instruction in Matt. 10:16-20
II. Stay Truthful in Your Testimony (Acts 4:8-12)
> Do not adapt the message to please the hearer
> Two Characteristics of Peter’s answer
1. He used the occasion to preach the gospel (verse 12)
2. He did not tone down the message to their likes and dislikes (verse 10)
> Result Acts 6:7
First step toward salvation is recognizing sin and need for repentance By the Law is the knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:20; 7:7; 1Tim. 1:8-11)
III. Stay Faithful to Your Mission and Message (Acts 4:13-22)
> The name of Jesus (Acts 5:28)
> The Great Commission
> Matt. 5:13-16 (Two metaphors)
IV. Stay United with Godly People (Acts 4:23)
V. Stay Prayerful (Acts 4:24-31)
> June 26th is wake-up call for the Church (2Chron. 7:14) > 2Chron. 20:3-4
> Church’s Response in Past
1962 Supreme Court ruled against prayer in schools
1963 Supreme Court ruled against Bible reading in schools
1973 Roe v Wade legalizing abortion
> The Prayer in Acts 4:24-31
1. Passionate and fervent (vs 24)
2. Public and united (vs 24)
3. Declared faith in Sovereignty of God
4. Specific request for boldness and empowerment of Holy Spirit
5. Answered in this way: Acts 4:31.
VI. Stay Committed to the Eternal Kingdom (Acts 4:32-37)
> For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt. 6:21)
> Heb. 10:32-34
Conclusion:
> Back to Matt. 5:10-1 > Acts 5:41
QUESTIONS
- Do you think staying filled with the Holy Spirit is the most important key to thriving in persecution? Why or why not?
- Do you think it is effective to speak so forthrightly as Peter did in Acts 4:10 or should we tone it down? Are people more likely to get saved if we minimize their sin or should we confront it as disobedience to the will of God? If so, how should we do that?
- Is there a temptation to withdraw and compromise the Great Commission when persecution comes? If so, how do we deal with that?
- How important is the support of other godly people in thriving in persecution?
- How important is prayer in dealing with America’s current challenges? In the days ahead?
- Do you think the initial wave of persecution against Christians will be financial? Why or why not? What can we do now to prepare for such a contingency?
- Do you think it is possible to rejoice and thrive in persecution? What principles do you think must be in play for us to do that?
