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1015 S. Ebenezer Rd. • PO Box 3865Florence, SC 29502 • 843.665.8022
March 16 , 2008
Notes from James Sinsel’s sermon on March 16, 2008
I want to thank you for allowing me the freedom to “Throw down the notes” the other week. Sometimes we get so stiff with our preparation that we can sometimes come across as scripted teachers. I know Bryan, Perry, Terry and others that have shared from our pulpit are not just reading words, but the words that they share are from the heart of God. So, with that being said, I do want you to read what I have studied over the past weeks about Matthew 5:10-12.
Jesus lets them know that the journey that they are beginning will not be easy.
He knew that following Him and teaching people what he was revealing to them could cost them everything.
I want to be careful here. We, as believers, do suffer persecution for our beliefs and for the stand that we take on different issues in our live
(James 1:2-3)
(Jas 1:2) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
(Jas 1:3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
(Jas 1:4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
(1 Peter 1:6-7) (1Pe 1:6) In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
(1Pe 1:7) so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I am not saying that the church does not suffer. I think I would challenge the persecution of the church on the level that most people in other countries experience.
Our country has given its people a legal right to practice whatever religion or
Follow whatever faith practice we want. We have the freedom to say what we want. We might be called a name or threatened, but I cannot say that we really understand what persecution is.
The gospel message that Jesus preached and the disciples accepted was a radical change in teaching. Jesus was making statements about being for the “Father”, a son of God! How could this be? Jesus performed many miraculous things in order to bring Glory to God the Father through Jesus his Son.
So, why suffering; why persecution? I do not have the answer for that. The only thing I know is that Jesus says that it is worth it and there will be a reward for those who persevere. He also says that he will never leave us or forsake us. To me that is good news. I do not have to go through this world on my own, with no help and no direction.
If I really believe His word and begin to live believing what He says is true, then I have the assurance He will speak to my heart and continually remind me that He loves me and will never leave me.
So, I find that the scripture says:
- Followers of Jesus, be glad when you are living in right relationship with God. He has made you right through Jesus. Living this way will bring about trials of all kinds, so keep living for him and you will find the Kingdom alive in you right now.
- Those of you who are taking the Kingdom into this would, you will suffer at the hands of people who do not want this message to go forth. Know that when you are suffering, that you are doing it on my (Jesus’) behalf. Just like the prophets before you suffered, Rejoice because you have the same reward in heaven as they do.
There is another question we have to address here. Because this has gone on since the Father sent the Holy Spirit; what do we do about the persecuted church?
I believe that we have a vital part in the ministry that happens around the world. Right now as we sit here in our nice building, with our cars in the parking lot, and seeing scripture displayed on screens and can leave here after our time together and go to a restaurant; There are Pastor’s hiding in caves, congregations being dragged into the streets of the city and beaten. Church buildings being destroyed, children are being thrown into fires because they will not deny the name of Jesus.
What can we do?
Thank God for our freedom to worship
Pray for the persecuted church (Hebrew 13:3)
Encourage our missionaries that we send
Ask God what he wants you to do
How can I respond today?
Remember-Jesus entered into Jerusalem knowing what was about to take place. People crowded the way of his entry into the city waving Palm branches singing Hosanna.
The message of the Kingdom is a glorious message. The message of Jesus Christ is a message of eternal promise and freedom from a life of separation to a life of acceptance and forgiveness.
Ask yourself the question…When have I really been persecuted for my faith and if the time comes, would I be ashamed of the gospel and back down because of fear?
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