Oasis Church at The Wharf
The Persecuted Church - "From pastors imprisoned in China to the outright slaughter of religious minority groups in Iraq, religious persecution is a global problem." (Focus on the Family) Jesus knew the church would be persecuted; He taught his disciples this fact over and over again. In Revelation, when Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna, He acknowledges their suffering and yet encourages them to stay strong.
Revelation 2:8-11 NKJV
I) The Place of the church
Revelation 2:8 NKJV
II) The Power of the Lord
Revelation 2:8 NKJV
Matthew 10:28 NKJV
III) The Persecution of the church
Revelation 2:9-10 NKJV
Matthew 5:10 NKJV
John 15:18 NKJV
John 15:20 NKJV
John 16:33 NKJV
II Timothy 3:12 NKJV
I Peter 5:8-11 NKJV
Today's Statistics - Every Month
· 255 Christians are killed
· 104 are abducted
· 180 Christian women are raped, sexually harassed or forced into marriage
· 66 churches are attacked
· 160 Christians are detained without trial and imprisoned
· 215 million Christians experience high levels of persecution in the countries on the World
IV) The Promise of the Lord
Revelation 2:10-11 NKJV
Romans 8:31-39 NKJV
V) Applications
1) Be aware of Christian persecution
2) Be in prayer for and encourage our Christian family around the world
3) Be strong and stand when it comes into our lives