Bow Valley Christian Church
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12
TYPES of persecution:
1. Physical
2. Verbal
3. Emotional
SOURCES of persecution:
1. Because of righteousness
2. Because of our connection to Jesus
JOY of persecution:
1. Great is your reward in heaven
2. You are united with past believers
How to prepare for persecution together:
1. Remember that we are exiles
2. Fix our allegiance to Jesus alone
3. Cultivate love for those who persecute us
“This the call of the Gospel is for the church to implement the victory of God in the world, through suffering love.”
- NT Wright