New Life Church | Digital Service

Welcome everyone. I'm Nate. Thank you Welcome everyone. I'm Nate. Thank you for being here today. You picked a great for being here today. You picked a great for being here today. You picked a great weekend to tune in because today we're weekend to tune in because today we're weekend to tune in because today we're continuing in our series called Kingdom continuing in our series called Kingdom continuing in our series called Kingdom Culture. All throughout this series, Culture. All throughout this series, Culture. All throughout this series, we've been looking at the biatitudes, we've been looking at the biatitudes, we've been looking at the biatitudes, [music] [music] [music] which are Jesus's description of what which are Jesus's description of what which are Jesus's description of what life looks like when the values of life looks like when the values of life looks like when the values of heaven begin shaping the way that we heaven begin shaping the way that we heaven begin shaping the way that we live here on earth. When most people live here on earth. When most people live here on earth. When most people think about being blessed, they [music] think about being blessed, they [music] think about being blessed, they [music] think about comfort, success, think about comfort, success, think about comfort, success, opportunity, or maybe life going opportunity, or maybe life going opportunity, or maybe life going according to some kind of plan. [music] according to some kind of plan. [music] according to some kind of plan. [music] But Jesus often defined blessing very But Jesus often defined blessing very But Jesus often defined blessing very differently than you and I do. And in differently than you and I do. And in differently than you and I do. And in today's message, Pastor Seth Tomoly is today's message, Pastor Seth Tomoly is today's message, Pastor Seth Tomoly is going to be talking about one of the going to be talking about one of the going to be talking about one of the most difficult biatitudes. Blessed are most difficult biatitudes. Blessed are most difficult biatitudes. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of those who are persecuted because of those who are persecuted because of righteousness. Following Jesus doesn't righteousness. Following Jesus doesn't righteousness. Following Jesus doesn't mean we will never face difficulty, mean we will never face difficulty, mean we will never face difficulty, opposition, [music] or loss. Sometimes opposition, [music] or loss. Sometimes opposition, [music] or loss. Sometimes resistance is not a sign that we're resistance is not a sign that we're resistance is not a sign that we're doing something wrong. Sometimes we doing something wrong. Sometimes we doing something wrong. Sometimes we experience resistance [music] because experience resistance [music] because experience resistance [music] because we're faithfully doing what is right. we're faithfully doing what is right. we're faithfully doing what is right. And today, Pastor Seth is going to And today, Pastor Seth is going to And today, Pastor Seth is going to challenge [music] us to consider what challenge [music] us to consider what challenge [music] us to consider what comes out of us when the pressure is on, comes out of us when the pressure is on, comes out of us when the pressure is on, how we respond when people oppose us, how we respond when people oppose us, how we respond when people oppose us, and whether or not we are willing to and whether or not we are willing to and whether or not we are willing to follow Jesus even when it costs us follow Jesus even when it costs us follow Jesus even when it costs us something. So before we hear from Pastor something. So before we hear from Pastor something. So before we hear from Pastor Seth, we would love the chance to Seth, we would love the chance to Seth, we would love the chance to connect with you. Please take a moment, connect with you. Please take a moment, connect with you. Please take a moment, say hello in the comments, and you'll say hello in the comments, and you'll say hello in the comments, and you'll also find a link down below to our also find a link down below to our also find a link down below to our digital connect form. If you fill that digital connect form. If you fill that digital connect form. If you fill that form out, somebody from our team is

form out, somebody from our team is form out, somebody from our team is going to follow up with you soon because going to follow up with you soon because going to follow up with you soon because at New Life Church, we are passionate at New Life Church, we are passionate at New Life Church, we are passionate about helping people take their next about helping people take their next about helping people take their next steps [music] in their walk with God. steps [music] in their walk with God. steps [music] in their walk with God. And if you live in Arkansas or if you're And if you live in Arkansas or if you're And if you live in Arkansas or if you're anywhere near one of our campuses, we anywhere near one of our campuses, we anywhere near one of our campuses, we would love the opportunity to meet with would love the opportunity to meet with would love the opportunity to meet with you face to face soon. Now, let's lean you face to face soon. Now, let's lean you face to face soon. Now, let's lean in and hear today's message [music] from in and hear today's message [music] from in and hear today's message [music] from Pastor Seth. Pastor Seth. Pastor Seth. Welcome and good morning. Let's [music] Welcome and good morning. Let's [music] Welcome and good morning. Let's [music] stand together. stand together. stand together. Let's sing out to our king this morning. Let's sing out to our king this morning. Let's sing out to our king this morning. Amen. Sing, "You're so good. [music] Amen. Sing, "You're so good. [music] Amen. Sing, "You're so good. [music] You've been good. Good for all You've been good. Good for all You've been good. Good for all [singing and music] my life. [singing and music] my life. [singing and music] my life. Nothing could ever change my mind. Nothing could ever change my mind. Nothing could ever change my mind. And you never break your promise. And you never break your promise. And you never break your promise. You're constant in all you do. You're constant in all you do. You're constant in all you do. Yours is the way, the truth, the life Yours is the way, the truth, the life Yours is the way, the truth, the life [music] that I will choose.

[music] that I will choose. [music] that I will choose. Oh, I know [music] Oh, I know [music] Oh, I know [music] that. [singing] I know you won't ever that. [singing] I know you won't ever that. [singing] I know you won't ever let me go. Every low and every high, let me go. Every low and every high, let me go. Every low and every high, [music] you are faithful all [singing] [music] you are faithful all [singing] [music] you are faithful all [singing] the time. the time. the time. I've tasted and I've [music] seen you've I've tasted and I've [music] seen you've I've tasted and I've [music] seen you've been so so good to me. Oh, I been so so good to me. Oh, I been so so good to me. Oh, I [music and singing] know that. I know. [music and singing] know that. I know. [music and singing] know that. I know. See now faithful all the time. I won't look to the left or right. I won't look to the left or right. [music] And I will keep heaven in my And I will keep heaven in my [music and singing] side. [music and singing] side. [music and singing] side. No, I will not be shaken. No, I will not be shaken. No, I will not be shaken. Nothing [music] is moving me.

Nothing [music] is moving me. Nothing [music] is moving me. I've got a faith of things I cannot I've got a faith of things I cannot I've got a faith of things I cannot [music] [music] [music] say. say. say. Oh, I know that. I know you won't ever Oh, I know that. I know you won't ever Oh, I know that. I know you won't ever [music] let me go. Every low and every [music] let me go. Every low and every [music] let me go. Every low and every high, you are faithful all high, you are faithful all high, you are faithful all [music and singing] the time. [music and singing] the time. [music and singing] the time. I've tasted and I've seen you've been so I've tasted and I've seen you've been so I've tasted and I've seen you've been so so good to me. God, I [music] know that so good to me. God, I [music] know that so good to me. God, I [music] know that I know you're faithful all the time. you're faithful all the time. Oh, [music] I won't stand on words of men. God, I I won't stand on words of men. God, I [music] stand on yours instead. And all [music] stand on yours instead. And all [music] stand on yours instead. And all of my hope, all of my [music] faith, all of my hope, all of my [music] faith, all of my hope, all of my [music] faith, all of it in your name. And the world of it in your name. And the world of it in your name. And the world [music] cannot deny [singing] [music] cannot deny [singing] [music] cannot deny [singing] all that you've done in my life. All of all that you've done in my life. All of all that you've done in my life. All of [music and singing] my days, all of my [music and singing] my days, all of my [music and singing] my days, all of my praise, all to lift Jesus praise, all to lift Jesus praise, all to lift Jesus [music and singing] name. And I won't [music and singing] name. And I won't [music and singing] name. And I won't stand on words of men. God, I stand on stand on words of men. God, I stand on stand on words of men. God, I stand on yours instead. [music] yours instead. [music] yours instead. [music] Calling my hope, calling my faith, Calling my hope, calling my faith, Calling my hope, calling my faith, calling it in your [music] name. And the calling it in your [music] name. And the calling it in your [music] name. And the world cannot deny all that you've done

world cannot deny all that you've done world cannot deny all that you've done in [music] my life. All of my days, all in [music] my life. All of my days, all in [music] my life. All of my days, all of my praise, ought to live Jesus of my praise, ought to live Jesus of my praise, ought to live Jesus [singing] name. And all [music] of my [singing] name. And all [music] of my [singing] name. And all [music] of my days, all of my praise, ought to live days, all of my praise, ought to live days, all of my praise, ought to live Jesus name. Jesus name. Jesus name. Know that I know you won't ever let me Know that I know you won't ever let me Know that I know you won't ever let me go. [music] go. [music] go. [music] Every low and every high, you are Every low and every high, you are Every low and every high, you are faithful [music] faithful [music] faithful [music] all the time. Oh, I know that. I all the time. Oh, I know that. I all the time. Oh, I know that. I [music and singing] know you won't ever [music and singing] know you won't ever [music and singing] know you won't ever let me go. Every low and every high, you let me go. Every low and every high, you let me go. Every low and every high, you are faithful all [music] the time. are faithful all [music] the time. are faithful all [music] the time. I taste it and I've seen you've been so I taste it and I've seen you've been so I taste it and I've seen you've been so so good to me. God, I know that I so good to me. God, I know that I so good to me. God, I know that I [music] know You're faithful all the You're faithful all the [music and singing] time. Oh, [music and singing] time. Oh, [music and singing] time. Oh, sing. You're faithful all the time. Oh, you're faithful all the time. [music] you're faithful all the time. [music] Oh, you're faithful all the [singing] time.

you're faithful all the [singing] time. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. We have tasted and seen [music] Amen. We have tasted and seen [music] Amen. We have tasted and seen [music] that God has been so good to us. And that God has been so good to us. And that God has been so good to us. And nowhere do we see his goodness more nowhere do we see his goodness more nowhere do we see his goodness more clearly than at the cross where the clearly than at the cross where the clearly than at the cross where the father gave his son [music] father gave his son [music] father gave his son [music] to bring us life. So come on church, to bring us life. So come on church, to bring us life. So come on church, let's sing of his love this morning. How [music and singing] deep the How [music and singing] deep the father's love for. father's love for. father's love for. How [singing and music] vast beyond all How [singing and music] vast beyond all How [singing and music] vast beyond all measure measure measure that he [singing] that he [singing] that he [singing] would give his [music] only son would give his [music] only son would give his [music] only son to make a wretched treure. to make a wretched treure. to make a wretched treure. How great [singing] the pain of searing How great [singing] the pain of searing How great [singing] the pain of searing loss. loss. loss. The father turns his face [singing] away The father turns his face [singing] away The father turns his face [singing] away as wounds which are [singing] the chosen as wounds which are [singing] the chosen as wounds which are [singing] the chosen one.

one. one. Bring many [music] Bring many [music] Bring many [music] [singing] sons to glory. Behold [singing] Behold [singing] the man upon the [music] cross. the man upon the [music] cross. the man upon the [music] cross. My sin upon [singing] My sin upon [singing] My sin upon [singing] his shoulders. Ashamed [singing and music] Ashamed [singing and music] I hear my mocking voice. I hear my mocking voice. I hear my mocking voice. Call [singing] out among the scoffers. Call [singing] out among the scoffers. Call [singing] out among the scoffers. [music] It [singing] was my sin that [music] It [singing] was my sin that [music] It [singing] was my sin that held him there. held him there. held him there. until [singing] until [singing] until [singing] it was a coldish. [music] it was a coldish. [music] it was a coldish. [music] His dying breath has brought me His dying breath has brought me His dying breath has brought me [singing] life [singing] life [singing] life and I [music] know that it is [singing] and I [music] know that it is [singing] and I [music] know that it is [singing] finished.

No gifts, no power, no wisdom, No gifts, no power, no wisdom, but I will boast in Jesus but I will boast in Jesus but I will boast in Jesus [singing and music] Christ, [singing and music] Christ, [singing and music] Christ, his death and resurrection. Oh, Oh, why should I gain [music and singing] why should I gain [music and singing] why should I gain [music and singing] from his reward? from his reward? from his reward? I cannot give it, but this I know [music and singing] with but this I know [music and singing] with all my heart. all my heart. all my heart. His wounds [music] His wounds [music] His wounds [music] have paid [singing] my ransom. Oh, Oh, and why should I [music] gain from his and why should I [music] gain from his and why should I [music] gain from his reward? reward? reward? I cannot [singing and music] I cannot [singing and music] I cannot [singing and music] give it. But this [singing and music] I know with But this [singing and music] I know with all my heart. all my heart. all my heart. His [singing] words [music] have paid my His [singing] words [music] have paid my His [singing] words [music] have paid my rent.

>> Good morning, church. Y'all doing all >> Good morning, church. Y'all doing all right today? right today? right today? >> All right. I think a few people over >> All right. I think a few people over >> All right. I think a few people over here are. Let's try it over here. Y'all here are. Let's try it over here. Y'all here are. Let's try it over here. Y'all doing okay today? This morning? doing okay today? This morning? doing okay today? This morning? >> Awesome. It is good to be in the house >> Awesome. It is good to be in the house >> Awesome. It is good to be in the house of God. And if you love Jesus, say, of God. And if you love Jesus, say, of God. And if you love Jesus, say, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. I can't speak for you, but I I can >> Amen. I can't speak for you, but I I can >> Amen. I can't speak for you, but I I can tell you for me, God changed my life at tell you for me, God changed my life at tell you for me, God changed my life at New Life Church. Stumbled in in college New Life Church. Stumbled in in college New Life Church. Stumbled in in college and got radically saved. I got baptized and got radically saved. I got baptized and got radically saved. I got baptized at New Life Church. I got called to at New Life Church. I got called to at New Life Church. I got called to ministry here. I met my wife at New Life ministry here. I met my wife at New Life ministry here. I met my wife at New Life Church. Come on. I know some of you are Church. Come on. I know some of you are Church. Come on. I know some of you are hoping and scoping this morning. Um, and hoping and scoping this morning. Um, and hoping and scoping this morning. Um, and I'm just praying, you know, that you'll I'm just praying, you know, that you'll I'm just praying, you know, that you'll be blessed and highly favored. Just be blessed and highly favored. Just be blessed and highly favored. Just don't be weird, you know, and good luck. don't be weird, you know, and good luck. don't be weird, you know, and good luck. Happy hunting. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Happy hunting. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Happy hunting. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. All right. I'm so thankful for this All right. I'm so thankful for this All right. I'm so thankful for this church. I love your pastors. Uh, so church. I love your pastors. Uh, so church. I love your pastors. Uh, so thankful for Marcus and Brooke. And I thankful for Marcus and Brooke. And I thankful for Marcus and Brooke. And I spoke with him uh yesterday. He said he spoke with him uh yesterday. He said he spoke with him uh yesterday. He said he is so excited to be back uh next is so excited to be back uh next is so excited to be back uh next weekend. And so I I don't know if you weekend. And so I I don't know if you weekend. And so I I don't know if you guys know how good you've got it here in guys know how good you've got it here in guys know how good you've got it here in in uh North Little Rock, but man, I God in uh North Little Rock, but man, I God in uh North Little Rock, but man, I God is so faithful. Your pastors are is so faithful. Your pastors are is so faithful. Your pastors are amazing. the team here, the staff. Uh it amazing. the team here, the staff. Uh it amazing. the team here, the staff. Uh it just feels like we're at home and um just feels like we're at home and um just feels like we're at home and um it's it's a good good time to be here.

it's it's a good good time to be here. it's it's a good good time to be here. And I bring uh greetings from Northwest And I bring uh greetings from Northwest And I bring uh greetings from Northwest Arkansas. Anybody like the Razerbacks in Arkansas. Anybody like the Razerbacks in Arkansas. Anybody like the Razerbacks in here? here? here? >> Yeah. Y'all need to pray for them. Um >> Yeah. Y'all need to pray for them. Um >> Yeah. Y'all need to pray for them. Um let's do that. Let's I'm just kidding. let's do that. Let's I'm just kidding. let's do that. Let's I'm just kidding. Uh but I I bring some love from NLC Uh but I I bring some love from NLC Uh but I I bring some love from NLC Fagville. We we moved about 5 years ago Fagville. We we moved about 5 years ago Fagville. We we moved about 5 years ago from here. We were uh we pastored youth from here. We were uh we pastored youth from here. We were uh we pastored youth here. I They let us do that for five here. I They let us do that for five here. I They let us do that for five years. I can't figure that out. But um years. I can't figure that out. But um years. I can't figure that out. But um we loved our time here and uh man we we loved our time here and uh man we we loved our time here and uh man we were so blessed to be a part of GLR and were so blessed to be a part of GLR and were so blessed to be a part of GLR and uh also we're launching uh the 20th uh also we're launching uh the 20th uh also we're launching uh the 20th location NLC Bentonville in a few location NLC Bentonville in a few location NLC Bentonville in a few months. Come on. God is good. And uh I'm months. Come on. God is good. And uh I'm months. Come on. God is good. And uh I'm so excited for Sherwood and the the so excited for Sherwood and the the so excited for Sherwood and the the Howards and all that God is going to do Howards and all that God is going to do Howards and all that God is going to do there. I came with my family and uh will there. I came with my family and uh will there. I came with my family and uh will y'all throw that picture up there of my y'all throw that picture up there of my y'all throw that picture up there of my family? family? family? That's me. All right. There they are. Uh That's me. All right. There they are. Uh That's me. All right. There they are. Uh that's my family. Everybody say a Yeah, that's my family. Everybody say a Yeah, that's my family. Everybody say a Yeah, I know. Uh that's Kendra. And then we've I know. Uh that's Kendra. And then we've I know. Uh that's Kendra. And then we've got four kids, seven and under, Zayn and got four kids, seven and under, Zayn and got four kids, seven and under, Zayn and Haven, Wonder and Gabriel. And we are Haven, Wonder and Gabriel. And we are Haven, Wonder and Gabriel. And we are very blessed. That's the cute picture.

very blessed. That's the cute picture. very blessed. That's the cute picture. Throw the other one up there. Uh this is Throw the other one up there. Uh this is Throw the other one up there. Uh this is reality. And and so right before, this reality. And and so right before, this reality. And and so right before, this was like a minute or two later, the deer was like a minute or two later, the deer was like a minute or two later, the deer feeder went off in the front yard and feeder went off in the front yard and feeder went off in the front yard and started pelting my whole family in the started pelting my whole family in the started pelting my whole family in the face with corn. And I had a moment when face with corn. And I had a moment when face with corn. And I had a moment when I walked outside, I was like, should I I walked outside, I was like, should I I walked outside, I was like, should I turn that thing off? I was like, nah. turn that thing off? I was like, nah. turn that thing off? I was like, nah. And then here we are. So the the And then here we are. So the the And then here we are. So the the photographer captured it. You don't see photographer captured it. You don't see photographer captured it. You don't see my son because he ran straight for the my son because he ran straight for the my son because he ran straight for the deer feeder and was letting it hit him deer feeder and was letting it hit him deer feeder and was letting it hit him and he was having a good time. But you and he was having a good time. But you and he was having a good time. But you know, I don't know if you've ever know, I don't know if you've ever know, I don't know if you've ever realized this, but realized this, but realized this, but people will post like pictures on social people will post like pictures on social people will post like pictures on social media. They look all cute and media. They look all cute and media. They look all cute and [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] perfect and it's like God is so good and perfect and it's like God is so good and perfect and it's like God is so good and underneath it'll be like hashtag bless underneath it'll be like hashtag bless underneath it'll be like hashtag bless like this. Like y'all excuse my AI like this. Like y'all excuse my AI like this. Like y'all excuse my AI generated photos. Uh woke up to this generated photos. Uh woke up to this generated photos. Uh woke up to this view. God is so good. Too blessed to be view. God is so good. Too blessed to be view. God is so good. Too blessed to be stressed, right? Hashtag blessed. The stressed, right? Hashtag blessed. The stressed, right? Hashtag blessed. The other one up there, uh, you know, like other one up there, uh, you know, like other one up there, uh, you know, like someone's like, "Got a new house, a new someone's like, "Got a new house, a new someone's like, "Got a new house, a new car." And, uh, really, it's a subtle car." And, uh, really, it's a subtle car." And, uh, really, it's a subtle flex, you know? I'm just saying. Uh, flex, you know? I'm just saying. Uh, flex, you know? I'm just saying. Uh, hashtag blessed. The last one, uh, this hashtag blessed. The last one, uh, this hashtag blessed. The last one, uh, this is the newly married couple or engaged, is the newly married couple or engaged, is the newly married couple or engaged, and it's like, I get to wake up next to and it's like, I get to wake up next to and it's like, I get to wake up next to you forever. We'll see if you keep you forever. We'll see if you keep you forever. We'll see if you keep saying that. Hashtag bless. You can pull saying that. Hashtag bless. You can pull saying that. Hashtag bless. You can pull that down. I I I love that. And no knock that down. I I I love that. And no knock that down. I I I love that. And no knock to that, but I have never, and I mean to that, but I have never, and I mean to that, but I have never, and I mean never, seen someone post a picture after never, seen someone post a picture after never, seen someone post a picture after like losing a job like losing a job like losing a job or not getting the promotion because of or not getting the promotion because of or not getting the promotion because of like what you believe in.

like what you believe in. like what you believe in. And they're like fired for my faith. And they're like fired for my faith. And they're like fired for my faith. Hash blessed. Hash blessed. Hash blessed. You ever seen that? I've never really You ever seen that? I've never really You ever seen that? I've never really seen that. And I believe often times we seen that. And I believe often times we seen that. And I believe often times we do not associate do not associate do not associate opposition and persecution with this opposition and persecution with this opposition and persecution with this idea of what it means to be blessed. idea of what it means to be blessed. idea of what it means to be blessed. But I want to tell you confidently this But I want to tell you confidently this But I want to tell you confidently this morning, morning, morning, Jesus does. Jesus does. Jesus does. Jesus does. Jesus does. Jesus does. Persecution is the exclamation point at Persecution is the exclamation point at Persecution is the exclamation point at the end of the biatitudes. We've spent the end of the biatitudes. We've spent the end of the biatitudes. We've spent all summer. Today we conclude the all summer. Today we conclude the all summer. Today we conclude the biatitudes uh talking about what it biatitudes uh talking about what it biatitudes uh talking about what it looks like to be blessed. And we find looks like to be blessed. And we find looks like to be blessed. And we find ourselves in Matthew 5:3. Blessed are ourselves in Matthew 5:3. Blessed are ourselves in Matthew 5:3. Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are those the poor in spirit. Blessed are those the poor in spirit. Blessed are those who mourn, the the meek and those who who mourn, the the meek and those who who mourn, the the meek and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the hunger and thirst for righteousness, the hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the merciful, the pure in heart, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers. Uh one theologian said that peacemakers. Uh one theologian said that peacemakers. Uh one theologian said that the biatitudes are much like a a surgeon the biatitudes are much like a a surgeon the biatitudes are much like a a surgeon that's getting ready uh to prepare that's getting ready uh to prepare that's getting ready uh to prepare someone for heart surgery. that every someone for heart surgery. that every someone for heart surgery. that every single cut, every single beatitude gets single cut, every single beatitude gets single cut, every single beatitude gets closer and closer to the heart. And this closer and closer to the heart. And this closer and closer to the heart. And this is the final cut this morning in verse is the final cut this morning in verse is the final cut this morning in verse 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.

because of righteousness. because of righteousness. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when you when people Blessed are you when you when people Blessed are you when you when people insult you, insult you, insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds persecute you, and falsely say all kinds persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. of evil against you because of me. of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is Rejoice and be glad because great is Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven. For in the same your reward in heaven. For in the same your reward in heaven. For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who way they persecuted the prophets who way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. I find it very were before you. I find it very were before you. I find it very interesting that Jesus spent one verse interesting that Jesus spent one verse interesting that Jesus spent one verse on all of the others 1 through seven on all of the others 1 through seven on all of the others 1 through seven those biatitudes and he took three those biatitudes and he took three those biatitudes and he took three verses to teach us about the eighth one. verses to teach us about the eighth one. verses to teach us about the eighth one. A lie that many people have submitted to A lie that many people have submitted to A lie that many people have submitted to in the church is that a life without in the church is that a life without in the church is that a life without adversity, a life without opposition, a adversity, a life without opposition, a adversity, a life without opposition, a life without persecution, it must mean life without persecution, it must mean life without persecution, it must mean that you're on the right track. that you're on the right track. that you're on the right track. Listen, there's entire belief systems. Listen, there's entire belief systems. Listen, there's entire belief systems. There's entire doctrines and There's entire doctrines and There's entire doctrines and denominations that believe this lie that denominations that believe this lie that denominations that believe this lie that if you're sick or if you're persecuted, if you're sick or if you're persecuted, if you're sick or if you're persecuted, if you're in pain or or you're suffering if you're in pain or or you're suffering if you're in pain or or you're suffering or having a trial of any kind, well, you or having a trial of any kind, well, you or having a trial of any kind, well, you must like have hidden sin in your life must like have hidden sin in your life must like have hidden sin in your life or you must be praying wrong. You you or you must be praying wrong. You you or you must be praying wrong. You you must be doing something wrong. But I must be doing something wrong. But I must be doing something wrong. But I want to submit to you this morning, what want to submit to you this morning, what want to submit to you this morning, what if you're doing something right?

if you're doing something right? if you're doing something right? What if the opposition that you're What if the opposition that you're What if the opposition that you're enduring is because you are faithfully enduring is because you are faithfully enduring is because you are faithfully following uh Jesus? Look at the word of following uh Jesus? Look at the word of following uh Jesus? Look at the word of God in John 16:33. This is Jesus God in John 16:33. This is Jesus God in John 16:33. This is Jesus speaking. He says, "In the world you speaking. He says, "In the world you speaking. He says, "In the world you will," everybody say, will," everybody say, will," everybody say, >> "Will, >> "Will, >> "Will, you will have trouble, you will have trouble, you will have trouble, but take heart. I've overcome the but take heart. I've overcome the but take heart. I've overcome the world." Psalm 34:19, "Many are the world." Psalm 34:19, "Many are the world." Psalm 34:19, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the afflictions of the righteous, but the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all." Lord delivers them out of them all." Lord delivers them out of them all." James 1:2-3, "Count it all joy, my James 1:2-3, "Count it all joy, my James 1:2-3, "Count it all joy, my brothers and and sisters, when you meet brothers and and sisters, when you meet brothers and and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know trials of various kinds, for you know trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces that the testing of your faith produces that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Listen, I believe some of perseverance." Listen, I believe some of perseverance." Listen, I believe some of you this morning need to be reminded you this morning need to be reminded you this morning need to be reminded that God is so much bigger than the that God is so much bigger than the that God is so much bigger than the circumstance in your life that you're circumstance in your life that you're circumstance in your life that you're staring at in the moment. That God is staring at in the moment. That God is staring at in the moment. That God is his His grace is far much greater than his His grace is far much greater than his His grace is far much greater than the thing that you think is holding you the thing that you think is holding you the thing that you think is holding you back. back. back. I want you to jot this down. If you're I want you to jot this down. If you're I want you to jot this down. If you're taking notes, you can write it on the taking notes, you can write it on the taking notes, you can write it on the paper, write it on your neighbor, paper, write it on your neighbor, paper, write it on your neighbor, whichever is best for you. Opposition is whichever is best for you. Opposition is whichever is best for you. Opposition is an opportunity to trust God more. Can I an opportunity to trust God more. Can I an opportunity to trust God more. Can I have an amen?

have an amen? have an amen? Opposition is an opportunity to trust Opposition is an opportunity to trust Opposition is an opportunity to trust God more. A prayer of gratitude in the God more. A prayer of gratitude in the God more. A prayer of gratitude in the moment of affliction and pain is like moment of affliction and pain is like moment of affliction and pain is like this. God, thank you for an opportunity this. God, thank you for an opportunity this. God, thank you for an opportunity to trust you more. I love Romans 8:28. to trust you more. I love Romans 8:28. to trust you more. I love Romans 8:28. And we know that for those who love God, And we know that for those who love God, And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for all things work together for good for all things work together for good for those who are called according to his those who are called according to his those who are called according to his purpose. So when Jesus in Matthew purpose. So when Jesus in Matthew purpose. So when Jesus in Matthew chapter 5 says that blessed are the chapter 5 says that blessed are the chapter 5 says that blessed are the persecuted persecuted persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is because of righteousness, for theirs is because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. LISTEN, I CAN the kingdom of heaven. LISTEN, I CAN the kingdom of heaven. LISTEN, I CAN GUARANTEE you ain't nobody got that on GUARANTEE you ain't nobody got that on GUARANTEE you ain't nobody got that on the fridge at their house. It most the fridge at their house. It most the fridge at their house. It most definitely is not on the tea towels. You definitely is not on the tea towels. You definitely is not on the tea towels. You don't have this in your kids' memory don't have this in your kids' memory don't have this in your kids' memory verses. I know that we don't, verses. I know that we don't, verses. I know that we don't, right? You're not getting it tattooed right? You're not getting it tattooed right? You're not getting it tattooed with the barb wire. It's like blessed with the barb wire. It's like blessed with the barb wire. It's like blessed are the persecuted. Like, no one's doing are the persecuted. Like, no one's doing are the persecuted. Like, no one's doing that. But the longer that I've sat with that. But the longer that I've sat with that. But the longer that I've sat with this this verse, this beatitude, and the this this verse, this beatitude, and the this this verse, this beatitude, and the longer that I follow Jesus, the more longer that I follow Jesus, the more longer that I follow Jesus, the more that I've realized you do not reap the that I've realized you do not reap the that I've realized you do not reap the fruit of the eighth biatitude unless you fruit of the eighth biatitude unless you fruit of the eighth biatitude unless you faithfully follow one through seven.

faithfully follow one through seven. faithfully follow one through seven. that when you live a life that is that when you live a life that is that when you live a life that is countercultural to the world that we countercultural to the world that we countercultural to the world that we live in and you submit to what Jesus live in and you submit to what Jesus live in and you submit to what Jesus teaches in this chapter of scripture teaches in this chapter of scripture teaches in this chapter of scripture that we're going to face persecution that we're going to face persecution that we're going to face persecution because when you're poor in spirit, you because when you're poor in spirit, you because when you're poor in spirit, you stopped living for people's approval. stopped living for people's approval. stopped living for people's approval. Can I have an amen? Like when you mourn Can I have an amen? Like when you mourn Can I have an amen? Like when you mourn over your sin, you no longer laugh at over your sin, you no longer laugh at over your sin, you no longer laugh at everything that the world is laughing at everything that the world is laughing at everything that the world is laughing at and celebrating. When you're meek, you and celebrating. When you're meek, you and celebrating. When you're meek, you refuse to fight using the world's refuse to fight using the world's refuse to fight using the world's weapons. When you hunger and thirst for weapons. When you hunger and thirst for weapons. When you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you will make choices righteousness, you will make choices righteousness, you will make choices that other people simply do not that other people simply do not that other people simply do not understand. When you show mercy, you understand. When you show mercy, you understand. When you show mercy, you will disrupt a culture of revenge that's will disrupt a culture of revenge that's will disrupt a culture of revenge that's shouting get even, but you will show shouting get even, but you will show shouting get even, but you will show grace. When you're pure in heart, you grace. When you're pure in heart, you grace. When you're pure in heart, you refuse what other people will accept. refuse what other people will accept. refuse what other people will accept. And when you are a peacemaker, when you And when you are a peacemaker, when you And when you are a peacemaker, when you become a peacemaker, you will walk into become a peacemaker, you will walk into become a peacemaker, you will walk into rooms where there is conflict and you rooms where there is conflict and you rooms where there is conflict and you will face them head on because the Lord will face them head on because the Lord will face them head on because the Lord your God is your strength. while the your God is your strength. while the your God is your strength. while the world passively sits and watches.

world passively sits and watches. world passively sits and watches. That type of life one through seven of That type of life one through seven of That type of life one through seven of the biatitudes will cause the fruits of the biatitudes will cause the fruits of the biatitudes will cause the fruits of the eighth biatitude. You will be the eighth biatitude. You will be the eighth biatitude. You will be persecuted. I came to bring really good persecuted. I came to bring really good persecuted. I came to bring really good news from Northwest Arkansas. this guy Stephen, who we're going to this guy Stephen, who we're going to address his life here in a moment, I address his life here in a moment, I address his life here in a moment, I believe is one of the best pictures of believe is one of the best pictures of believe is one of the best pictures of of persecution. of persecution. of persecution. We're going to visit his story here in a We're going to visit his story here in a We're going to visit his story here in a moment, but at this point in the sermon, moment, but at this point in the sermon, moment, but at this point in the sermon, I'm fully aware that you may be like, I'm fully aware that you may be like, I'm fully aware that you may be like, "Well, Seth, none of that really sounds "Well, Seth, none of that really sounds "Well, Seth, none of that really sounds appealing." And I get it, right? It's appealing." And I get it, right? It's appealing." And I get it, right? It's like like I don't I don't want to sign like like I don't I don't want to sign like like I don't I don't want to sign up for trials and tribulations and up for trials and tribulations and up for trials and tribulations and PERSECUTION AND OPPOSITION. NONE OF THAT PERSECUTION AND OPPOSITION. NONE OF THAT PERSECUTION AND OPPOSITION. NONE OF THAT sounds appealing. I've got really bad sounds appealing. I've got really bad sounds appealing. I've got really bad news for you. Don't clip this, by the news for you. Don't clip this, by the news for you. Don't clip this, by the way. Live a lukewarm life. way. Live a lukewarm life. way. Live a lukewarm life. Like, be casual about your sin. Ride the Like, be casual about your sin. Ride the Like, be casual about your sin. Ride the fence of Christianity. Don't like really fence of Christianity. Don't like really fence of Christianity. Don't like really stand for anything. Have a liquid stand for anything. Have a liquid stand for anything. Have a liquid backbone. In other word, you could be a backbone. In other word, you could be a backbone. In other word, you could be a coward, right? Because here's the truth.

coward, right? Because here's the truth. coward, right? Because here's the truth. THE WORLD DOES NOT PERSECUTE THOSE THAT THE WORLD DOES NOT PERSECUTE THOSE THAT THE WORLD DOES NOT PERSECUTE THOSE THAT LOOK LIKE ITSELF. But if you decide this LOOK LIKE ITSELF. But if you decide this LOOK LIKE ITSELF. But if you decide this morning, I'm going to stand up for what morning, I'm going to stand up for what morning, I'm going to stand up for what the Bible says. I'm going to stand on the Bible says. I'm going to stand on the Bible says. I'm going to stand on scripture. I'm going to be a person that scripture. I'm going to be a person that scripture. I'm going to be a person that lives with CONVICTION IN MY LIFE. I lives with CONVICTION IN MY LIFE. I lives with CONVICTION IN MY LIFE. I DON'T CARE WHAT EVERYBODY else is doing. DON'T CARE WHAT EVERYBODY else is doing. DON'T CARE WHAT EVERYBODY else is doing. THI FROM ME IN MY HOUSE. WHAT? We will THI FROM ME IN MY HOUSE. WHAT? We will THI FROM ME IN MY HOUSE. WHAT? We will serve the Lord. Like, yeah, you can do serve the Lord. Like, yeah, you can do serve the Lord. Like, yeah, you can do all that, but but this is WHAT WE'RE all that, but but this is WHAT WE'RE all that, but but this is WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO. Y'ALL, YOU GOT to remember GOING TO DO. Y'ALL, YOU GOT to remember GOING TO DO. Y'ALL, YOU GOT to remember we worship a guy who was crucified, unlawfully beaten and tried, unlawfully beaten and tried, mocked and humiliated, spit on, and they mocked and humiliated, spit on, and they mocked and humiliated, spit on, and they hung him on a cross. But we know that hung him on a cross. But we know that hung him on a cross. But we know that three days later, he did not stay in three days later, he did not stay in three days later, he did not stay in that tomb that he rose again. And that that tomb that he rose again. And that that tomb that he rose again. And that power lives inside of us as a believer power lives inside of us as a believer power lives inside of us as a believer and a follower of Jesus. Amen. and a follower of Jesus. Amen. and a follower of Jesus. Amen. So, if we're going to live for Jesus, So, if we're going to live for Jesus, So, if we're going to live for Jesus, there's going to be some hard things there's going to be some hard things there's going to be some hard things that come our way. Paul tells Timothy in that come our way. Paul tells Timothy in that come our way. Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire, 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire, 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire, even if you just desire to live a godly even if you just desire to live a godly even if you just desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, you will be life in Christ Jesus, you will be life in Christ Jesus, you will be persecuted." So what is persecution? It persecuted." So what is persecution? It persecuted." So what is persecution? It is in its most simplest form, it is is in its most simplest form, it is is in its most simplest form, it is opposition due to following Jesus.

opposition due to following Jesus. opposition due to following Jesus. It is true that in many places in the It is true that in many places in the It is true that in many places in the world following Jesus publicly like world following Jesus publicly like world following Jesus publicly like boldly and publicly living out your boldly and publicly living out your boldly and publicly living out your faith it'll cost you your life. faith it'll cost you your life. faith it'll cost you your life. Few stats about persecution. One in Few stats about persecution. One in Few stats about persecution. One in every se seven Christians are persecuted every se seven Christians are persecuted every se seven Christians are persecuted worldwide. In 2025 approximately 6,000 worldwide. In 2025 approximately 6,000 worldwide. In 2025 approximately 6,000 Christians were killed for their faith. Christians were killed for their faith. Christians were killed for their faith. In North Korea it's dangerous and In North Korea it's dangerous and In North Korea it's dangerous and life-threatening for your family to even life-threatening for your family to even life-threatening for your family to even own a physical Bible. 70 million own a physical Bible. 70 million own a physical Bible. 70 million Christians in China worship in their Christians in China worship in their Christians in China worship in their homes, hidden in underground churches homes, hidden in underground churches homes, hidden in underground churches worldwide. Following Jesus and worldwide. Following Jesus and worldwide. Following Jesus and surrendering your life to Jesus, surrendering your life to Jesus, surrendering your life to Jesus, submitting to the word of Jesus, it submitting to the word of Jesus, it submitting to the word of Jesus, it means I'm willing to be forced to means I'm willing to be forced to means I'm willing to be forced to potentially flee my home. I may never potentially flee my home. I may never potentially flee my home. I may never see my family again. I could be see my family again. I could be see my family again. I could be kidnapped, arrested, abused. There could kidnapped, arrested, abused. There could kidnapped, arrested, abused. There could be violence and even death. Hear me. be violence and even death. Hear me. be violence and even death. Hear me. These are real people, real families, These are real people, real families, These are real people, real families, real communities that are that are being real communities that are that are being real communities that are that are being torn apart torn apart torn apart because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

because of their faith in Jesus Christ. because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Listen, and here's I share all that Listen, and here's I share all that Listen, and here's I share all that because there I I could never look in because there I I could never look in because there I I could never look in the eyes of a Christian martyr or a the eyes of a Christian martyr or a the eyes of a Christian martyr or a future person that is being persecuted future person that is being persecuted future person that is being persecuted willing to die for their faith and be willing to die for their faith and be willing to die for their faith and be like, you know what? I totally get it. like, you know what? I totally get it. like, you know what? I totally get it. Yeah, I totally understand where you're Yeah, I totally understand where you're Yeah, I totally understand where you're coming from. The truth, church, is we coming from. The truth, church, is we coming from. The truth, church, is we simply do not. And we're blessed. Are simply do not. And we're blessed. Are simply do not. And we're blessed. Are you thankful that we live in a country you thankful that we live in a country you thankful that we live in a country where we can worship Jesus? Are you where we can worship Jesus? Are you where we can worship Jesus? Are you thankful for that church? I I tell the thankful for that church? I I tell the thankful for that church? I I tell the church all the time in Fyville, I saw church all the time in Fyville, I saw church all the time in Fyville, I saw you on Saturday. You were painted. You you on Saturday. You were painted. You you on Saturday. You were painted. You stomped your feet. You raised your stomped your feet. You raised your stomped your feet. You raised your hands. And you LOST YOUR VOICE. DON'T hands. And you LOST YOUR VOICE. DON'T hands. And you LOST YOUR VOICE. DON'T ACT SHY IN CHURCH. Are you thankful for ACT SHY IN CHURCH. Are you thankful for ACT SHY IN CHURCH. Are you thankful for Jesus this morning, church, okay? Jesus this morning, church, okay? Jesus this morning, church, okay? [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] CUZ YOU WAS ACTING A FOOL ON SATURDAY. CUZ YOU WAS ACTING A FOOL ON SATURDAY. CUZ YOU WAS ACTING A FOOL ON SATURDAY. OKAY? I'M JUST SAYING. Hear me, guys. We OKAY? I'M JUST SAYING. Hear me, guys. We OKAY? I'M JUST SAYING. Hear me, guys. We worship the same God. We worship the worship the same God. We worship the worship the same God. We worship the same Jesus. When these people submit to same Jesus. When these people submit to same Jesus. When these people submit to the authority of scripture, they are the authority of scripture, they are the authority of scripture, they are okay with their life being persecuted. I okay with their life being persecuted. I okay with their life being persecuted. I want you to make note of this that when want you to make note of this that when want you to make note of this that when you follow Jesus, it will cost you you follow Jesus, it will cost you you follow Jesus, it will cost you something.

something. something. It It'll cost you something. It It'll cost you something. It It'll cost you something. Here in the West, where we live in this Here in the West, where we live in this Here in the West, where we live in this country that we live in, I'm so thankful country that we live in, I'm so thankful country that we live in, I'm so thankful that we get to worship freely. It may that we get to worship freely. It may that we get to worship freely. It may cost you your comfort. It may cost you cost you your comfort. It may cost you cost you your comfort. It may cost you an opportunity at work. It may cost you an opportunity at work. It may cost you an opportunity at work. It may cost you a relationship or a raise or what a relationship or a raise or what a relationship or a raise or what whatever it may look like. Or maybe whatever it may look like. Or maybe whatever it may look like. Or maybe you're here this morning, you're like, you're here this morning, you're like, you're here this morning, you're like, Seth, like I hear you, man, but I've Seth, like I hear you, man, but I've Seth, like I hear you, man, but I've been I've been following Jesus. I've been I've been following Jesus. I've been I've been following Jesus. I've been a Christian for years. I've never been a Christian for years. I've never been a Christian for years. I've never really endured any of these things that really endured any of these things that really endured any of these things that you're talking about. No opposition. you're talking about. No opposition. you're talking about. No opposition. Hear me, boo boo. You may not be following Jesus. You may You may not be following Jesus. You may be cheering him on from the sidelines. be cheering him on from the sidelines. be cheering him on from the sidelines. And there is a difference. [snorts] And there is a difference. [snorts] And there is a difference. [snorts] There's a difference. There's a difference. There's a difference. So, we know what persecution is. So, we know what persecution is. So, we know what persecution is. In a moment, we're going to talk about In a moment, we're going to talk about In a moment, we're going to talk about how to respond to it. But I do want to how to respond to it. But I do want to how to respond to it. But I do want to tell you what persecution is not. tell you what persecution is not. tell you what persecution is not. Persecution is not when somebody took Persecution is not when somebody took Persecution is not when somebody took your parking spot at church. Uh-oh. your parking spot at church. Uh-oh. your parking spot at church. Uh-oh. They're like, "They know that's my They're like, "They know that's my They're like, "They know that's my spot." Ain't nobody got a spot. It's not spot." Ain't nobody got a spot. It's not spot." Ain't nobody got a spot. It's not when somebody took your seats that you when somebody took your seats that you when somebody took your seats that you got here and you reserve. Y'all know got here and you reserve. Y'all know got here and you reserve. Y'all know when you lay everything out, you're when you lay everything out, you're when you lay everything out, you're like, "Lay it out on the seats, reserve like, "Lay it out on the seats, reserve like, "Lay it out on the seats, reserve it." It's not when somebody took your it." It's not when somebody took your it." It's not when somebody took your seat. It's not when you go to seat. It's not when you go to seat. It's not when you go to Chick-fil-A and they forgot to tell you Chick-fil-A and they forgot to tell you Chick-fil-A and they forgot to tell you my pleasure. You're like, "Oh, that my pleasure. You're like, "Oh, that my pleasure. You're like, "Oh, that ain't persecution.

ain't persecution. ain't persecution. It's not when Starbucks gives you three It's not when Starbucks gives you three It's not when Starbucks gives you three pumps of caramel instead of seven." pumps of caramel instead of seven." pumps of caramel instead of seven." That's what we call first world That's what we call first world That's what we call first world problems. Can I have an amen? That's problems. Can I have an amen? That's problems. Can I have an amen? That's That's not persecution. Recently, I got That's not persecution. Recently, I got That's not persecution. Recently, I got my driver's license suspended. Yeah. The my driver's license suspended. Yeah. The my driver's license suspended. Yeah. The pastor in Favville is a felon. Okay. pastor in Favville is a felon. Okay. pastor in Favville is a felon. Okay. Okay. Here, I'm going to explain. I was Okay. Here, I'm going to explain. I was Okay. Here, I'm going to explain. I was on my way uh from a hospital visit on my way uh from a hospital visit on my way uh from a hospital visit coming south and was on 49 and I was coming south and was on 49 and I was coming south and was on 49 and I was telling uh Dustin this this morning I telling uh Dustin this this morning I telling uh Dustin this this morning I was like man I don't mean to give away was like man I don't mean to give away was like man I don't mean to give away all the police secrets but you know here all the police secrets but you know here all the police secrets but you know here you go and so I I was coming south over you go and so I I was coming south over you go and so I I was coming south over MLK as you go into Fagatville and uh MLK as you go into Fagatville and uh MLK as you go into Fagatville and uh they got those little AI cameras by the they got those little AI cameras by the they got those little AI cameras by the way just don't do anything dumb there. way just don't do anything dumb there. way just don't do anything dumb there. All right. And so I was trying to figure All right. And so I was trying to figure All right. And so I was trying to figure out how fast I needed to drive to get to out how fast I needed to drive to get to out how fast I needed to drive to get to central Arkansas for meetings. And uh central Arkansas for meetings. And uh central Arkansas for meetings. And uh and so I'm on GPS putting in and so I'm on GPS putting in and so I'm on GPS putting in coordinates, figuring out the time and coordinates, figuring out the time and coordinates, figuring out the time and doing the math, doing all that stuff. doing the math, doing all that stuff. doing the math, doing all that stuff. And uh I get a picture taken on the And uh I get a picture taken on the And uh I get a picture taken on the camera and later up the road [laughter] camera and later up the road [laughter] camera and later up the road [laughter] I go a little further. I get pulled I go a little further. I get pulled I go a little further. I get pulled over. The officer was so kind. He's over. The officer was so kind. He's over. The officer was so kind. He's like, "Hey man, I got to write you a like, "Hey man, I got to write you a like, "Hey man, I got to write you a ticket. You're a distracted driver and ticket. You're a distracted driver and ticket. You're a distracted driver and you're going to have to go to court."

you're going to have to go to court." you're going to have to go to court." I'm thinking, "Oh man." So, you know, I I'm thinking, "Oh man." So, you know, I I'm thinking, "Oh man." So, you know, I grew up I was in a lot of trouble, but grew up I was in a lot of trouble, but grew up I was in a lot of trouble, but I've been clean for a long time. Okay. I've been clean for a long time. Okay. I've been clean for a long time. Okay. And uh I I called my wife. I said, And uh I I called my wife. I said, And uh I I called my wife. I said, "Babe, I'm so nervous that I'm going TO "Babe, I'm so nervous that I'm going TO "Babe, I'm so nervous that I'm going TO GO TO JAIL. WE JUST ANNOUNCED NOC GO TO JAIL. WE JUST ANNOUNCED NOC GO TO JAIL. WE JUST ANNOUNCED NOC BIDDENVILLE'S COMING SOON AND THE PASTOR BIDDENVILLE'S COMING SOON AND THE PASTOR BIDDENVILLE'S COMING SOON AND THE PASTOR IS ALSO IN JAIL." You know, it's like IS ALSO IN JAIL." You know, it's like IS ALSO IN JAIL." You know, it's like And I She said, "Well, BABE, IF YOU GO And I She said, "Well, BABE, IF YOU GO And I She said, "Well, BABE, IF YOU GO TO JAIL, you can write letters just like TO JAIL, you can write letters just like TO JAIL, you can write letters just like PAUL DID." SHE SAID THAT. SHE I WAS PAUL DID." SHE SAID THAT. SHE I WAS PAUL DID." SHE SAID THAT. SHE I WAS LIKE, "THAT WAS FUNNY. That's pretty LIKE, "THAT WAS FUNNY. That's pretty LIKE, "THAT WAS FUNNY. That's pretty funny, right?" [laughter] funny, right?" [laughter] funny, right?" [laughter] And so I'm thinking, "This is And so I'm thinking, "This is And so I'm thinking, "This is persecution." persecution." persecution." And so I go to I go to court. I walk in. And so I go to I go to court. I walk in. And so I go to I go to court. I walk in. I see three people from the church. like I see three people from the church. like I see three people from the church. like they're there for the same reason. they're there for the same reason. they're there for the same reason. They're like, "What's up, Pastor Seth?" They're like, "What's up, Pastor Seth?" They're like, "What's up, Pastor Seth?" I said, "Today, my name is Marcus I said, "Today, my name is Marcus I said, "Today, my name is Marcus BROWN." YOU KNOW, I'M JUST KIDDING. I'm BROWN." YOU KNOW, I'M JUST KIDDING. I'm BROWN." YOU KNOW, I'M JUST KIDDING. I'm kidding. I didn't say that. But I'm kidding. I didn't say that. But I'm kidding. I didn't say that. But I'm like, man, I get up, they they give me like, man, I get up, they they give me like, man, I get up, they they give me the fine, and and I get my license the fine, and and I get my license the fine, and and I get my license suspended for 30 days. Guys, I was suspended for 30 days. Guys, I was suspended for 30 days. Guys, I was humiliated. I was so embarrassed because humiliated. I was so embarrassed because humiliated. I was so embarrassed because the next day we left for family the next day we left for family the next day we left for family vacation. There's three things that my f vacation. There's three things that my f vacation. There's three things that my f me and my wife, we we there's tension in me and my wife, we we there's tension in me and my wife, we we there's tension in marriage. Some of you relate with this. marriage. Some of you relate with this. marriage. Some of you relate with this. It's sexual intimacy, it's finances, and It's sexual intimacy, it's finances, and It's sexual intimacy, it's finances, and it's when the other one drives. Can I it's when the other one drives. Can I it's when the other one drives. Can I have an amen? All right. [laughter] have an amen? All right. [laughter] have an amen? All right. [laughter] And uh and so I'm like, "THIS MUST BE And uh and so I'm like, "THIS MUST BE And uh and so I'm like, "THIS MUST BE PERSECUTION." IT GETS WORSE. The next PERSECUTION." IT GETS WORSE. The next PERSECUTION." IT GETS WORSE. The next day, we I'm coaching my my son's day, we I'm coaching my my son's day, we I'm coaching my my son's baseball team all year and and I can't baseball team all year and and I can't baseball team all year and and I can't even drive to drive him to his own game.

even drive to drive him to his own game. even drive to drive him to his own game. He's seven. All right. And uh I called He's seven. All right. And uh I called He's seven. All right. And uh I called our youth pastor who used to be a our youth pastor who used to be a our youth pastor who used to be a student here. I was like, "Pastor Mason, student here. I was like, "Pastor Mason, student here. I was like, "Pastor Mason, you know, hey, man, don't tell anybody, you know, hey, man, don't tell anybody, you know, hey, man, don't tell anybody, but can you pick me and Zayn up at the but can you pick me and Zayn up at the but can you pick me and Zayn up at the house and take us to his baseball game?" house and take us to his baseball game?" house and take us to his baseball game?" He's like, "Dude, I got so much dirt on He's like, "Dude, I got so much dirt on He's like, "Dude, I got so much dirt on you now." And uh [laughter] you now." And uh [laughter] you now." And uh [laughter] and uh and so he gets there, get in the and uh and so he gets there, get in the and uh and so he gets there, get in the car, and and I'm like, Zayn, my son, car, and and I'm like, Zayn, my son, car, and and I'm like, Zayn, my son, SAYS, "DAD, WHY IS PASTOR MASON, he SAYS, "DAD, WHY IS PASTOR MASON, he SAYS, "DAD, WHY IS PASTOR MASON, he calls him Uncle Mason, why is Uncle calls him Uncle Mason, why is Uncle calls him Uncle Mason, why is Uncle Mason driving us around?" I said, "Dad, Mason driving us around?" I said, "Dad, Mason driving us around?" I said, "Dad, he's got to send some work texts while he's got to send some work texts while he's got to send some work texts while he's driving." And Mason looks at me, he's driving." And Mason looks at me, he's driving." And Mason looks at me, he's like, "That's what got you into he's like, "That's what got you into he's like, "That's what got you into this predicament." Okay, so hear me. I this predicament." Okay, so hear me. I this predicament." Okay, so hear me. I share ALL THAT BECAUSE HOW SILLY WOULD share ALL THAT BECAUSE HOW SILLY WOULD share ALL THAT BECAUSE HOW SILLY WOULD IT BE FOR me to be like, you know, the IT BE FOR me to be like, you know, the IT BE FOR me to be like, you know, the devil's really out trying to get me. devil's really out trying to get me. devil's really out trying to get me. You know, like the enemy really is a You know, like the enemy really is a You know, like the enemy really is a liar. I feel this opposition and this or liar. I feel this opposition and this or liar. I feel this opposition and this or perhaps you need to get off your phone perhaps you need to get off your phone perhaps you need to get off your phone while you're driving and all the church while you're driving and all the church while you're driving and all the church said amen. Okay. Or hear me, hear me. said amen. Okay. Or hear me, hear me. said amen. Okay. Or hear me, hear me. I'm going to take the filter off. Pastor I'm going to take the filter off. Pastor I'm going to take the filter off. Pastor filter is off. Hear me. Stop blaming the filter is off. Hear me. Stop blaming the filter is off. Hear me. Stop blaming the devil for your own bad decisions. All devil for your own bad decisions. All devil for your own bad decisions. All right. I'll put it back on. All right. right. I'll put it back on. All right. right. I'll put it back on. All right. All right. Y'all chill out. Chill out.

All right. Y'all chill out. Chill out. All right. Y'all chill out. Chill out. All right. All right. All right. Listen. The Bible tells us that Stephen Listen. The Bible tells us that Stephen Listen. The Bible tells us that Stephen was a man who was full of faith. In the was a man who was full of faith. In the was a man who was full of faith. In the book of Acts, we see he's full of faith. book of Acts, we see he's full of faith. book of Acts, we see he's full of faith. The Holy Spirit, he's got wisdom and and The Holy Spirit, he's got wisdom and and The Holy Spirit, he's got wisdom and and grace and power. And his life presents grace and power. And his life presents grace and power. And his life presents us with a powerful question that I want us with a powerful question that I want us with a powerful question that I want you to take personal and ask yourself you to take personal and ask yourself you to take personal and ask yourself today. What is really on the inside of today. What is really on the inside of today. What is really on the inside of me? Like what if we really dig down deep me? Like what if we really dig down deep me? Like what if we really dig down deep in there, what is on the inside of me? in there, what is on the inside of me? in there, what is on the inside of me? Y'all heard the old phrase like, you Y'all heard the old phrase like, you Y'all heard the old phrase like, you know, when you get squeezed, what's in know, when you get squeezed, what's in know, when you get squeezed, what's in you will what? It'll come out. You you will what? It'll come out. You you will what? It'll come out. You squeeze a lemon, you get lemon juice. squeeze a lemon, you get lemon juice. squeeze a lemon, you get lemon juice. [snorts] Squeeze an orange, you get [snorts] Squeeze an orange, you get [snorts] Squeeze an orange, you get orange juice. And my prayer is that when orange juice. And my prayer is that when orange juice. And my prayer is that when a follower of Jesus from New Life Church a follower of Jesus from New Life Church a follower of Jesus from New Life Church gets squeezed, that somebody sees more gets squeezed, that somebody sees more gets squeezed, that somebody sees more of Jesus and less of us. That that Jesus of Jesus and less of us. That that Jesus of Jesus and less of us. That that Jesus would increase and we would decrease. would increase and we would decrease. would increase and we would decrease. That they would see the fruit of the That they would see the fruit of the That they would see the fruit of the spirit in our life. Why? Because we're spirit in our life. Why? Because we're spirit in our life. Why? Because we're different. different. different. We've got a different set of values and We've got a different set of values and We've got a different set of values and standards. We submit to the word of God.

standards. We submit to the word of God. standards. We submit to the word of God. I I want to remind you this morning that I I want to remind you this morning that I I want to remind you this morning that persecution does not define your persecution does not define your persecution does not define your character. But it what it will do is it character. But it what it will do is it character. But it what it will do is it will reveal it. Like what you do in will reveal it. Like what you do in will reveal it. Like what you do in private when no one else is watching, private when no one else is watching, private when no one else is watching, what you are filling yourself with and what you are filling yourself with and what you are filling yourself with and taking in, it will come out of you in taking in, it will come out of you in taking in, it will come out of you in public when you get squeezed. public when you get squeezed. public when you get squeezed. When life throws you a curveball, when When life throws you a curveball, when When life throws you a curveball, when adversity comes your way, I want you to adversity comes your way, I want you to adversity comes your way, I want you to take note of this that persecution often take note of this that persecution often take note of this that persecution often meets us on the road of obedience. meets us on the road of obedience. meets us on the road of obedience. Acts chapter 6 is where we'll uh spend Acts chapter 6 is where we'll uh spend Acts chapter 6 is where we'll uh spend the rest of our time. Now, Stephen, a the rest of our time. Now, Stephen, a the rest of our time. Now, Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, man full of God's grace and power, man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among performed great wonders and signs among performed great wonders and signs among the people, and opposition arose. the people, and opposition arose. the people, and opposition arose. But they could not stand up against the But they could not stand up against the But they could not stand up against the wisdom that the spirit gave him as he wisdom that the spirit gave him as he wisdom that the spirit gave him as he spoke. They secretly persuaded some men spoke. They secretly persuaded some men spoke. They secretly persuaded some men to say, "We've heard Steven speak to say, "We've heard Steven speak to say, "We've heard Steven speak blasphemous words against Moses and blasphemous words against Moses and blasphemous words against Moses and against God." Pause. Have y'all ever had against God." Pause. Have y'all ever had against God." Pause. Have y'all ever had somebody lie about you? Like they somebody lie about you? Like they somebody lie about you? Like they slandered your family's name? They they slandered your family's name? They they slandered your family's name? They they they lied. They told rumors about you.

they lied. They told rumors about you. they lied. They told rumors about you. It's not fun. So they stirred up the It's not fun. So they stirred up the It's not fun. So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers people and the elders and the teachers people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and they of the law. They seized Stephen and they of the law. They seized Stephen and they brought him before the Sanhedrin. They brought him before the Sanhedrin. They brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses who testified. produced false witnesses who testified. produced false witnesses who testified. This guy, this fellow never stopped This guy, this fellow never stopped This guy, this fellow never stopped speaking against this holy place and speaking against this holy place and speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him against the law. For we have heard him against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will say that this Jesus of Nazareth will say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the destroy this place and change the destroy this place and change the customs that Moses has handed down to customs that Moses has handed down to customs that Moses has handed down to us. Hear me. Stephen did not encounter us. Hear me. Stephen did not encounter us. Hear me. Stephen did not encounter persecution persecution persecution and resistance because he had abandoned and resistance because he had abandoned and resistance because he had abandoned his assignment. his assignment. his assignment. He encountered persecution and He encountered persecution and He encountered persecution and opposition because he was following opposition because he was following opposition because he was following Jesus in his words. Jesus in his words. Jesus in his words. Many people assume, well, this is hard, Many people assume, well, this is hard, Many people assume, well, this is hard, so God must not be in it. I don't know so God must not be in it. I don't know so God must not be in it. I don't know if you've ever been there before. Like, if you've ever been there before. Like, if you've ever been there before. Like, this is really hard. This is really this is really hard. This is really this is really hard. This is really difficult. This is really challenging. difficult. This is really challenging. difficult. This is really challenging. I'm starting to question if God is I'm starting to question if God is I'm starting to question if God is really in it. Can I submit to you this really in it. Can I submit to you this really in it. Can I submit to you this morning that difficulty is not evidence morning that difficulty is not evidence morning that difficulty is not evidence of God's absence. Difficulty is the very of God's absence. Difficulty is the very of God's absence. Difficulty is the very environment in which God develops us the environment in which God develops us the environment in which God develops us the most.

most. most. So in that moment, it's God, thank you So in that moment, it's God, thank you So in that moment, it's God, thank you for an opportunity to trust you more. for an opportunity to trust you more. for an opportunity to trust you more. The truth is this, church. Many people, The truth is this, church. Many people, The truth is this, church. Many people, many believers, Christ followers have many believers, Christ followers have many believers, Christ followers have their scoreboards loaded up with the their scoreboards loaded up with the their scoreboards loaded up with the wrong kind of points. wrong kind of points. wrong kind of points. And many people don't realize they're And many people don't realize they're And many people don't realize they're loaded up with the wrong points until loaded up with the wrong points until loaded up with the wrong points until it's too late. The world keeps score it's too late. The world keeps score it's too late. The world keeps score like this. More money, points. like this. More money, points. like this. More money, points. Notoriety, points. Notoriety, points. Notoriety, points. A bigger platform, points. A bigger platform, points. A bigger platform, points. The faster car points. The faster car points. The faster car points. Bigger, faster, better, stronger, more Bigger, faster, better, stronger, more Bigger, faster, better, stronger, more more points. Points, points. Listen, more points. Points, points. Listen, more points. Points, points. Listen, Jesus keeps score differently. Jesus keeps score differently. Jesus keeps score differently. He says, "Lay down your life." Points. He says, "Lay down your life." Points. He says, "Lay down your life." Points. Pick up your cross and follow me. Pick up your cross and follow me. Pick up your cross and follow me. Points. Deny yourself. Points. Serve and Points. Deny yourself. Points. Serve and Points. Deny yourself. Points. Serve and be BE LOVE YOUR ENEMY. POINTS. be BE LOVE YOUR ENEMY. POINTS. be BE LOVE YOUR ENEMY. POINTS. WASH YOUR ENEMY'S FEET. POINTS.

WASH YOUR ENEMY'S FEET. POINTS. WASH YOUR ENEMY'S FEET. POINTS. SHOW GRACE EVEN WHEN THEY DON'T DESERVE SHOW GRACE EVEN WHEN THEY DON'T DESERVE SHOW GRACE EVEN WHEN THEY DON'T DESERVE IT. POINTS. ENDURE OPPOSITION. POINTS. IT. POINTS. ENDURE OPPOSITION. POINTS. IT. POINTS. ENDURE OPPOSITION. POINTS. Endure persecution. Points. Points. Endure persecution. Points. Points. Endure persecution. Points. Points. Points. Do you see how the world keeps Points. Do you see how the world keeps Points. Do you see how the world keeps score differently than Jesus does? And score differently than Jesus does? And score differently than Jesus does? And what is alarming to me is that we can what is alarming to me is that we can what is alarming to me is that we can spend our whole life keeping score of spend our whole life keeping score of spend our whole life keeping score of the wrong things, getting to the end of the wrong things, getting to the end of the wrong things, getting to the end of our life and realizing, I'VE DONE our life and realizing, I'VE DONE our life and realizing, I'VE DONE NOTHING THAT GOD has really empowered me NOTHING THAT GOD has really empowered me NOTHING THAT GOD has really empowered me to do. to do. to do. Would you write this down? Do not Would you write this down? Do not Would you write this down? Do not abandon truth or grace. abandon truth or grace. abandon truth or grace. Stephen shows us that we are not to Stephen shows us that we are not to Stephen shows us that we are not to abandon truth or grace. We we show both. abandon truth or grace. We we show both. abandon truth or grace. We we show both. This is I'm going to give you two This is I'm going to give you two This is I'm going to give you two incorrect approaches with this. Over incorrect approaches with this. Over incorrect approaches with this. Over here is truth only. Y'all ever somebody here is truth only. Y'all ever somebody here is truth only. Y'all ever somebody that's like, "I just I just tell it how that's like, "I just I just tell it how that's like, "I just I just tell it how it is." Y'all ever Some of y'all like it is." Y'all ever Some of y'all like it is." Y'all ever Some of y'all like that. You just keep doing that. All that. You just keep doing that. All that. You just keep doing that. All right. You just keep doing that. But you right. You just keep doing that. But you right. You just keep doing that. But you don't add grace in there, you're going don't add grace in there, you're going don't add grace in there, you're going to end up in a bad situation. I just let to end up in a bad situation. I just let to end up in a bad situation. I just let it rip. I just say it like I feel it. it rip. I just say it like I feel it. it rip. I just say it like I feel it. Okay. You ever seen somebody stand on a Okay. You ever seen somebody stand on a Okay. You ever seen somebody stand on a CRIT STREET CORNER, YOU'RE GOING TO CRIT STREET CORNER, YOU'RE GOING TO CRIT STREET CORNER, YOU'RE GOING TO HELL. [screaming] LISTEN, COULD THAT BE A TRUE STATEMENT?

LISTEN, COULD THAT BE A TRUE STATEMENT? YEAH, ABSOLUTELY. BUT IS IT HELPFUL? NOT YEAH, ABSOLUTELY. BUT IS IT HELPFUL? NOT YEAH, ABSOLUTELY. BUT IS IT HELPFUL? NOT THAT I'M AWARE OF. I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT I'M AWARE OF. I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT I'M AWARE OF. I'VE NEVER SEEN SOMEBODY LIKE, "YOU'RE RIGHT." SOMEBODY LIKE, "YOU'RE RIGHT." SOMEBODY LIKE, "YOU'RE RIGHT." And they give their life to Jesus. And they give their life to Jesus. And they give their life to Jesus. Right. Now, that's one incorrect Right. Now, that's one incorrect Right. Now, that's one incorrect approach. Over here is just grace. It's approach. Over here is just grace. It's approach. Over here is just grace. It's just grace is my ballerina. And more just grace is my ballerina. And more just grace is my ballerina. And more grace grace grace and sprinkle a bit more grace on top. and sprinkle a bit more grace on top. and sprinkle a bit more grace on top. Just love. You could be who you want to Just love. You could be who you want to Just love. You could be who you want to be and do what you Listen, neither of be and do what you Listen, neither of be and do what you Listen, neither of these are helpful. these are helpful. these are helpful. But Steven shows us that truth and But Steven shows us that truth and But Steven shows us that truth and grace, just like Jesus teaches us in grace, just like Jesus teaches us in grace, just like Jesus teaches us in John 1:14, that the world became flesh John 1:14, that the world became flesh John 1:14, that the world became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have and made his dwelling among us. We have and made his dwelling among us. We have seen the glory of the one and only son seen the glory of the one and only son seen the glory of the one and only son who came from his father. Look at this. who came from his father. Look at this. who came from his father. Look at this. Full of what? Grace and truth. Full of what? Grace and truth. Full of what? Grace and truth. Grace invites people in so that they Grace invites people in so that they Grace invites people in so that they will know the truth. And then it is the will know the truth. And then it is the will know the truth. And then it is the truth that will set them free. I'll say truth that will set them free. I'll say truth that will set them free. I'll say it like this. Truth without grace is it like this. Truth without grace is it like this. Truth without grace is mean. Everybody say mean. Look at your mean. Everybody say mean. Look at your mean. Everybody say mean. Look at your neighbor and say mean. All right. Sit.

neighbor and say mean. All right. Sit. neighbor and say mean. All right. Sit. Y'all chose somebody chose the wrong Y'all chose somebody chose the wrong Y'all chose somebody chose the wrong neighbor. Okay. Truth without GRACE IS neighbor. Okay. Truth without GRACE IS neighbor. Okay. Truth without GRACE IS MEAN. BUT grace without truth is MEAN. BUT grace without truth is MEAN. BUT grace without truth is meaningless. meaningless. meaningless. But if you can have truth and grace But if you can have truth and grace But if you can have truth and grace together, it is meaningful and it points together, it is meaningful and it points together, it is meaningful and it points people to the foot of the cross. Jesus people to the foot of the cross. Jesus people to the foot of the cross. Jesus did it best. And Steven shows us with did it best. And Steven shows us with did it best. And Steven shows us with this response to adversity and this response to adversity and this response to adversity and persecution, you can show truth and you persecution, you can show truth and you persecution, you can show truth and you can show grace. This brother is asked a can show grace. This brother is asked a can show grace. This brother is asked a yes or no question. They said, "Are yes or no question. They said, "Are yes or no question. They said, "Are these charges true against you?" And he these charges true against you?" And he these charges true against you?" And he responded with 60 verses of a sermon. I responded with 60 verses of a sermon. I responded with 60 verses of a sermon. I already like this guy. All right. Y'all already like this guy. All right. Y'all already like this guy. All right. Y'all ever heard somebody say, "Long story ever heard somebody say, "Long story ever heard somebody say, "Long story short." And then they proceed to tell short." And then they proceed to tell short." And then they proceed to tell you the whole thing. I just tell people you the whole thing. I just tell people you the whole thing. I just tell people now, LONG STORY LONG, BUCKLE UP. You now, LONG STORY LONG, BUCKLE UP. You now, LONG STORY LONG, BUCKLE UP. You know, I'mma let it rip. know, I'mma let it rip. know, I'mma let it rip. Look, he he quotes a thousand years of Look, he he quotes a thousand years of Look, he he quotes a thousand years of history. I'm not going to read it all, history. I'm not going to read it all, history. I'm not going to read it all, but Stephen walks them through the but Stephen walks them through the but Stephen walks them through the history of Israel and Abraham and Moses history of Israel and Abraham and Moses history of Israel and Abraham and Moses and and David and he and he goes on and and and David and he and he goes on and and and David and he and he goes on and talks about the the temple and he talks about the the temple and he talks about the the temple and he confronts them with the truth. I'm confronts them with the truth. I'm confronts them with the truth. I'm convinced they wouldn't have killed convinced they wouldn't have killed convinced they wouldn't have killed Stephen if he would not have said the Stephen if he would not have said the Stephen if he would not have said the next part. He says, "You stiff necked next part. He says, "You stiff necked next part. He says, "You stiff necked people, I like Stephen. All right. Your people, I like Stephen. All right. Your people, I like Stephen. All right. Your hearts and your ears are still hearts and your ears are still hearts and your ears are still uncircumcised and you you're just like uncircumcised and you you're just like uncircumcised and you you're just like your ancestors. You always resist the your ancestors. You always resist the your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet that your ancestors did not persecute?

that your ancestors did not persecute? that your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those. Look at this. They even killed those. Look at this. They even killed those. Look at this. Who predicted the coming of the Who predicted the coming of the Who predicted the coming of the righteous one? And now you have received righteous one? And now you have received righteous one? And now you have received the law that was given through the the law that was given through the the law that was given through the angels, but you have not obeyed it. angels, but you have not obeyed it. angels, but you have not obeyed it. Listen, this brother Steven was not Listen, this brother Steven was not Listen, this brother Steven was not afraid to tell the truth. But he didn't afraid to tell the truth. But he didn't afraid to tell the truth. But he didn't just tell the truth. We'll get to this just tell the truth. We'll get to this just tell the truth. We'll get to this this next part where he shows grace. I this next part where he shows grace. I this next part where he shows grace. I want you to hear my heart this morning. want you to hear my heart this morning. want you to hear my heart this morning. We must resist two big temptations when We must resist two big temptations when We must resist two big temptations when this comes up. When we have an this comes up. When we have an this comes up. When we have an opportunity to tell the truth and to opportunity to tell the truth and to opportunity to tell the truth and to show grace, we've got to resist the show grace, we've got to resist the show grace, we've got to resist the temptation of compromise. Everybody say temptation of compromise. Everybody say temptation of compromise. Everybody say compromise. This is what compromise compromise. This is what compromise compromise. This is what compromise looks like. It's when you remain quiet looks like. It's when you remain quiet looks like. It's when you remain quiet when you know God's telling you to say when you know God's telling you to say when you know God's telling you to say something. Now, some of us just need to something. Now, some of us just need to something. Now, some of us just need to be quiet. All right? There's times where be quiet. All right? There's times where be quiet. All right? There's times where we should probably listen to God. Don't we should probably listen to God. Don't we should probably listen to God. Don't say a word. Well, I got something to say a word. Well, I got something to say a word. Well, I got something to say. Don't speak. But listen, your I'll say. Don't speak. But listen, your I'll say. Don't speak. But listen, your I'll say it this way, Christian. say it this way, Christian. say it this way, Christian. Your silence is saying a lot more than Your silence is saying a lot more than Your silence is saying a lot more than you think it is. you think it is. you think it is. Your silence is speaking a lot more than Your silence is speaking a lot more than Your silence is speaking a lot more than you think that it is. So that's you think that it is. So that's you think that it is. So that's compromise. But there's also a compromise. But there's also a compromise. But there's also a temptation of cruelty. And this is what temptation of cruelty. And this is what temptation of cruelty. And this is what it looks like. If they attack me, oh, it looks like. If they attack me, oh, it looks like. If they attack me, oh, they're going to get it back. They hit they're going to get it back. They hit they're going to get it back. They hit me, they're catching a they're catching me, they're catching a they're catching me, they're catching a they're catching a hook. Y'all ever seen this arguments a hook. Y'all ever seen this arguments a hook. Y'all ever seen this arguments on Facebook? I I just I just watch it.

on Facebook? I I just I just watch it. on Facebook? I I just I just watch it. It's a problem of mine. I just look I It's a problem of mine. I just look I It's a problem of mine. I just look I read the comments. Man, people are wild. read the comments. Man, people are wild. read the comments. Man, people are wild. Listen, I I want to encourage you. Do Listen, I I want to encourage you. Do Listen, I I want to encourage you. Do not allow someone else's hatred and not allow someone else's hatred and not allow someone else's hatred and immaturity to desire to decide who you immaturity to desire to decide who you immaturity to desire to decide who you are and who you become. Don't take the are and who you become. Don't take the are and who you become. Don't take the bait. bait. bait. Would you write this down? When people Would you write this down? When people Would you write this down? When people turn against you, turn your eyes to turn against you, turn your eyes to turn against you, turn your eyes to Jesus. We'll see that Steven teaches us Jesus. We'll see that Steven teaches us Jesus. We'll see that Steven teaches us this in Acts chapter 7. When people turn this in Acts chapter 7. When people turn this in Acts chapter 7. When people turn against you, turn your eyes to Jesus. against you, turn your eyes to Jesus. against you, turn your eyes to Jesus. When the members of the Sanhedrin heard When the members of the Sanhedrin heard When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, this, this, they were furious. They nashed their they were furious. They nashed their they were furious. They nashed their teeth at him. But Steven, full of the teeth at him. But Steven, full of the teeth at him. But Steven, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and he Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and he Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and he saw the glory of God. When they were saw the glory of God. When they were saw the glory of God. When they were opposing him, he looked to heaven. When opposing him, he looked to heaven. When opposing him, he looked to heaven. When they lied about his his character, he they lied about his his character, he they lied about his his character, he looked to heaven. When they slandered looked to heaven. When they slandered looked to heaven. When they slandered his name, he looked to heaven. And as his name, he looked to heaven. And as his name, he looked to heaven. And as they get ready to kill him, he looked to they get ready to kill him, he looked to they get ready to kill him, he looked to heaven. I pray that as a church, we heaven. I pray that as a church, we heaven. I pray that as a church, we would do what the author of Hebrews would do what the author of Hebrews would do what the author of Hebrews says, that we would run with says, that we would run with says, that we would run with perseverance. is fixing our eyes on perseverance. is fixing our eyes on perseverance. is fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and the perfector of Jesus, the author and the perfector of Jesus, the author and the perfector of our faith because the before the joy set our faith because the before the joy set our faith because the before the joy set before him, he endured the cross. So before him, he endured the cross. So before him, he endured the cross. So opposition on earth, I fix my eyes on opposition on earth, I fix my eyes on opposition on earth, I fix my eyes on heaven. I find it interesting all heaven. I find it interesting all heaven. I find it interesting all throughout scripture when you read about throughout scripture when you read about throughout scripture when you read about Jesus in heaven. He's sitting at the Jesus in heaven. He's sitting at the Jesus in heaven. He's sitting at the right hand of the father. He's sitting, right hand of the father. He's sitting, right hand of the father. He's sitting, you can read this in Mark and in you can read this in Mark and in you can read this in Mark and in Colossians, Jesus is sitting at the Colossians, Jesus is sitting at the Colossians, Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the father. In Romans, right hand of the father. In Romans, right hand of the father. In Romans, Jesus is interceding. He sat at the Jesus is interceding. He sat at the Jesus is interceding. He sat at the right hand of the father. In Ephesians, right hand of the father. In Ephesians, right hand of the father. In Ephesians, Jesus is seated in heavenly places. In

Jesus is seated in heavenly places. In Jesus is seated in heavenly places. In Hebrews, over and over and over again, Hebrews, over and over and over again, Hebrews, over and over and over again, Jesus after completing a work, he would Jesus after completing a work, he would Jesus after completing a work, he would be seated. But if you look at Acts be seated. But if you look at Acts be seated. But if you look at Acts chapter 7, we see something a little chapter 7, we see something a little chapter 7, we see something a little different. different. different. It says, this is Stephen. says, "Look, I It says, this is Stephen. says, "Look, I It says, this is Stephen. says, "Look, I see the heaven open and the son of man, see the heaven open and the son of man, see the heaven open and the son of man, Jesus is standing at the right hand of Jesus is standing at the right hand of Jesus is standing at the right hand of God. Jesus is standing." God. Jesus is standing." God. Jesus is standing." This stood out to me. Many theologians This stood out to me. Many theologians This stood out to me. Many theologians believe that it was almost as if Jesus believe that it was almost as if Jesus believe that it was almost as if Jesus was giving Stephen a standing ovation was giving Stephen a standing ovation was giving Stephen a standing ovation because now his life looks a lot like because now his life looks a lot like because now his life looks a lot like the life of Jesus. One wise man said it the life of Jesus. One wise man said it the life of Jesus. One wise man said it this way. The mark of following Jesus, a this way. The mark of following Jesus, a this way. The mark of following Jesus, a talltale sign of following Jesus is the talltale sign of following Jesus is the talltale sign of following Jesus is the crosshairs that are on your back. I crosshairs that are on your back. I crosshairs that are on your back. I don't mean to bring bad news this don't mean to bring bad news this don't mean to bring bad news this morning, but if you plan to follow morning, but if you plan to follow morning, but if you plan to follow Jesus, the target gets bigger on your Jesus, the target gets bigger on your Jesus, the target gets bigger on your back, not smaller. And all God's people back, not smaller. And all God's people back, not smaller. And all God's people said, "Amen." And it says, "At this, said, "Amen." And it says, "At this, said, "Amen." And it says, "At this, they covered their ears, yelling at the they covered their ears, yelling at the they covered their ears, yelling at the top of their voices. They rushed at him top of their voices. They rushed at him top of their voices. They rushed at him and they drugg him out of the city and and they drugg him out of the city and and they drugg him out of the city and they began to stone him. Meanwhile, the they began to stone him. Meanwhile, the they began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet witnesses laid their coats at the feet witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. Everybody say of a young man named Saul. Everybody say of a young man named Saul. Everybody say Saul. Now, this I I want to draw Saul. Now, this I I want to draw Saul. Now, this I I want to draw attention to this because right after in attention to this because right after in attention to this because right after in chapter 8 verse one, uh it tells us that chapter 8 verse one, uh it tells us that chapter 8 verse one, uh it tells us that Saul approved of Steven's death. He Saul approved of Steven's death. He Saul approved of Steven's death. He watched the rocks hit Stephen. He watched the rocks hit Stephen. He watched the rocks hit Stephen. He watched the lies come against him. He watched the lies come against him. He watched the lies come against him. He watched Steven take his last breaths. He watched Steven take his last breaths. He watched Steven take his last breaths. He watched every moment. He even heard

watched every moment. He even heard watched every moment. He even heard Stephen pray the famous prayer that Stephen pray the famous prayer that Stephen pray the famous prayer that while they were stoning him, Steven while they were stoning him, Steven while they were stoning him, Steven prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." So he told the truth before this. Here's So he told the truth before this. Here's So he told the truth before this. Here's the grace. Look at this. And then he the grace. Look at this. And then he the grace. Look at this. And then he fell on his knees. Man, this is fell on his knees. Man, this is fell on his knees. Man, this is powerful. powerful. powerful. And he cried out, "Lord, do not hold And he cried out, "Lord, do not hold And he cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had this sin against them." And when he had this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Many people said this, he fell asleep. Many people said this, he fell asleep. Many people believe Saul was convinced that he had believe Saul was convinced that he had believe Saul was convinced that he had stopped the gospel from spreading. But stopped the gospel from spreading. But stopped the gospel from spreading. But what I want to encourage you and tell what I want to encourage you and tell what I want to encourage you and tell you today was he was the gasoline for you today was he was the gasoline for you today was he was the gasoline for the fire. That Steven's death was the the fire. That Steven's death was the the fire. That Steven's death was the beginning of the gospel going into all beginning of the gospel going into all beginning of the gospel going into all ends of the earth. Look at this. The ends of the earth. Look at this. The ends of the earth. Look at this. The blood of the martyrs are the seeds of blood of the martyrs are the seeds of blood of the martyrs are the seeds of the church. the church. the church. This is the last thought. Persecution This is the last thought. Persecution This is the last thought. Persecution does not stop God's plan. It propels it. does not stop God's plan. It propels it. does not stop God's plan. It propels it. It doesn't stop God's plan. It propels It doesn't stop God's plan. It propels It doesn't stop God's plan. It propels it. It pushes the gospel forward. Acts 8 it. It pushes the gospel forward. Acts 8 it. It pushes the gospel forward. Acts 8 says that great persecution broke out says that great persecution broke out says that great persecution broke out against the church and believers are against the church and believers are against the church and believers are scattered through throughout Judea and scattered through throughout Judea and scattered through throughout Judea and Samaria. If you look at that word Samaria. If you look at that word Samaria. If you look at that word scattered in the original language, it's scattered in the original language, it's scattered in the original language, it's the same word that's used talking about the same word that's used talking about the same word that's used talking about a farmer that's scattering and sewing a farmer that's scattering and sewing a farmer that's scattering and sewing seed. What why do I bring that up? I seed. What why do I bring that up? I seed. What why do I bring that up? I don't think it's a coincidence. I don't don't think it's a coincidence. I don't don't think it's a coincidence. I don't believe in coincidences.

believe in coincidences. believe in coincidences. God was strategically scattering his God was strategically scattering his God was strategically scattering his followers so that the gospel would go followers so that the gospel would go followers so that the gospel would go into all ends of the earth. Read Acts into all ends of the earth. Read Acts into all ends of the earth. Read Acts chapter 1. The last words, Jesus appears chapter 1. The last words, Jesus appears chapter 1. The last words, Jesus appears and tells the guys, "Hey, take the and tells the guys, "Hey, take the and tells the guys, "Hey, take the gospel. Don't stay in Jerusalem. Take it gospel. Don't stay in Jerusalem. Take it gospel. Don't stay in Jerusalem. Take it to Judea and Samaria and to all ends of to Judea and Samaria and to all ends of to Judea and Samaria and to all ends of the earth." Great persecution and the earth." Great persecution and the earth." Great persecution and opposition was the very thing that opposition was the very thing that opposition was the very thing that pushed the gospel forward. Opposition pushed the gospel forward. Opposition pushed the gospel forward. Opposition arose. The gospel gains territory. So, arose. The gospel gains territory. So, arose. The gospel gains territory. So, who is this man that's standing holding who is this man that's standing holding who is this man that's standing holding the coats? Let's go back to him. It's the coats? Let's go back to him. It's the coats? Let's go back to him. It's Saul. Saul. Saul. Many of us know him as the Apostle Paul. Many of us know him as the Apostle Paul. Many of us know him as the Apostle Paul. that later he would get radically saved. that later he would get radically saved. that later he would get radically saved. One chapter later he would encounter the One chapter later he would encounter the One chapter later he would encounter the Lord on the road to Damascus. The Bible Lord on the road to Damascus. The Bible Lord on the road to Damascus. The Bible says that in one moment suddenly that says that in one moment suddenly that says that in one moment suddenly that Paul was struck from heaven with light. Paul was struck from heaven with light. Paul was struck from heaven with light. He falls to his knees and and and He falls to his knees and and and He falls to his knees and and and there's this voice from heaven that there's this voice from heaven that there's this voice from heaven that says, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute says, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute says, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" And he ends up getting saved me?" And he ends up getting saved me?" And he ends up getting saved suddenly. Everybody say suddenly.