INSULTS AND PERSECUTION

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all manner of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Mt 5:11-12). It is expected when any man faithfully preaches the true gospel of Christ, that he will encounter cruel, hateful opposition. 1. You might be the target of unbelievers who reject the truth of Jesus and his church. They, like the American Civil Liberties Union, make war against you and the Bible. A wide assortment of atheists, false religionists, muslim extremists and skeptics are now quite bold in attacks against things sacred to Christians. 2. If you speak out against immorality and challenge their lifestyles, you will be reviled and falsely accused. Especially is this true of leaders of the homosexual community, pornography, abortion, liquor, illegal drugs and gambling. 3. The deepest hurt is reviling that comes from fellow-Christians whose immorality, false teaching, hypocrisy or unbiblical worship practices are being exposed and rebuked (read II John 9-10). There is an unceasing cycle of liberal and legalistic movements that trouble churches (Phil 1:15). Even family members may revile or shun you when you speak up for Jesus (cf. Job 2:9; Mt 10:34-39).

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