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Δ Interact Okolona Christian Church Blessed Life: Persecuted Andrew "Fitz" Fitzgibbon March 3, 2024 View This Week’s Note View All Past Notes View This Note w/ Blanks Blessed Life: Persecuted March 3, 2024 / Andrew "Fitz" Fitzgibbon Good Friday Easter March 29 | 7:00 pm March 30 | 4:00 pm March 31 | 9:30 & 11:15 am A BLESSING? Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV) 10-12 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. Is Jesus worth it? AN OPPORTUNITY Acts 9:3-6 (NLT) 3-6 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:13-16 (NLT) 13-16 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Suffering from God is not a punishment from God, but an opportunity to draw nearer to God. A PRIVILEGE Philippians 1:12-14 (NLT) 12-14 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:27-29 (NLT) 27-29 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Matthew 5:10-11 (NIV) 10-11 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. THE THREAT OF AND RESPONSE TO The greatest threat to the church is not on the outside, it’s on the inside. If you’re going to fight, fight on your knees. Remember which Kingdom you’re living for. Remember the real enemy. A BLESSING! Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV) 10-12 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. Philippians 1:21 (NLT) 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. Romans 8:18 (NLT) 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Galatians 2:20 (NLT) 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NLT) 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The blessing of persecution is that it refines us. HE IS WORTH IT!! Extra Notes: Help Everyone Find & Follow Jesus Save PDF Locally Click to save a copy of the filled-in notes to a PDF file on your device Generate File Click to View PDF Save PDF to Google Drive (Android & PC Only) Click to save a copy of the filled-in notes to a PDF file on your Google Drive account Save File Send to Email Enter your email address below to receive a copy of your filled in notes Send