Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted | Kingdom Culture

Come on. It's good to be in the house of Come on. It's good to be in the house of God today. If you love Jesus, say, God today. If you love Jesus, say, God today. If you love Jesus, say, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. I I am so thankful >> Amen. I I am so thankful >> Amen. I I am so thankful uh for the Lord. God is faithful. Amen. uh for the Lord. God is faithful. Amen. uh for the Lord. God is faithful. Amen. >> He is good even when we are not. >> He is good even when we are not. >> He is good even when we are not. >> He always shows up. He's always on time. >> He always shows up. He's always on time. >> He always shows up. He's always on time. I was thinking this morning about him I was thinking this morning about him I was thinking this morning about him reaching down and pulling me out of the reaching down and pulling me out of the reaching down and pulling me out of the dominion of darkness, pulling me out of dominion of darkness, pulling me out of dominion of darkness, pulling me out of my brokenness and my sin at New Life my brokenness and my sin at New Life my brokenness and my sin at New Life Church. I tell our church all the time, Church. I tell our church all the time, Church. I tell our church all the time, you know, I'm biased cuz I got saved at you know, I'm biased cuz I got saved at you know, I'm biased cuz I got saved at New Life Church. I got baptized at New New Life Church. I got baptized at New New Life Church. I got baptized at New Life Church. I got called to ministry at Life Church. I got called to ministry at Life Church. I got called to ministry at New Life Church. I met my wife at New New Life Church. I met my wife at New New Life Church. I met my wife at New Life Church. Hey yo, I know some of Life Church. Hey yo, I know some of Life Church. Hey yo, I know some of y'all are hoping and scoping this y'all are hoping and scoping this y'all are hoping and scoping this morning. I'm just bringing good news. morning. I'm just bringing good news. morning. I'm just bringing good news. All right? I came to bring good news. All right? I came to bring good news. All right? I came to bring good news. Just don't be weird. All right, man. I I Just don't be weird. All right, man. I I Just don't be weird. All right, man. I I love New Life Church and uh I love your love New Life Church and uh I love your love New Life Church and uh I love your pastors here, Pastor Marcus and Brown. pastors here, Pastor Marcus and Brown. pastors here, Pastor Marcus and Brown. Uh Pastor Marcus and Brooke Brown. And I Uh Pastor Marcus and Brooke Brown. And I Uh Pastor Marcus and Brooke Brown. And I was texting him this morning. They are was texting him this morning. They are was texting him this morning. They are so excited to be back next week and I so excited to be back next week and I so excited to be back next week and I just want to let you guys know you are just want to let you guys know you are just want to let you guys know you are very blessed. Amen. Uh they are amazing very blessed. Amen. Uh they are amazing very blessed. Amen. Uh they are amazing and they've played a huge role in my and they've played a huge role in my and they've played a huge role in my life. I love the staff and the teams and life. I love the staff and the teams and life. I love the staff and the teams and it's like seeing family being back here it's like seeing family being back here it's like seeing family being back here uh this weekend. And uh believe it or uh this weekend. And uh believe it or uh this weekend. And uh believe it or not, they let me be a youth pastor here not, they let me be a youth pastor here not, they let me be a youth pastor here for about 5 years. All right. I think we for about 5 years. All right. I think we for about 5 years. All right. I think we rewrote some of the rules and and uh we rewrote some of the rules and and uh we rewrote some of the rules and and uh we had a lot of fun. Saw a lot of students had a lot of fun. Saw a lot of students had a lot of fun. Saw a lot of students give their life to Jesus. And GLR just give their life to Jesus. And GLR just give their life to Jesus. And GLR just always feels like home. Well, I bring

always feels like home. Well, I bring always feels like home. Well, I bring greetings uh from Northwest Arkansas. greetings uh from Northwest Arkansas. greetings uh from Northwest Arkansas. Come on. Uh does anybody like the razor Come on. Uh does anybody like the razor Come on. Uh does anybody like the razor backs? Anybody? All right. We're going backs? Anybody? All right. We're going backs? Anybody? All right. We're going to pray for him right now. God help them to pray for him right now. God help them to pray for him right now. God help them in Jesus name. All right. We uh man, it in Jesus name. All right. We uh man, it in Jesus name. All right. We uh man, it is it is uh good. And I bring love from is it is uh good. And I bring love from is it is uh good. And I bring love from NLC Fagatville and also uh soon to be NLC Fagatville and also uh soon to be NLC Fagatville and also uh soon to be the 20th location, NLC Bentonville. I the 20th location, NLC Bentonville. I the 20th location, NLC Bentonville. I don't know if y'all have heard about don't know if y'all have heard about don't know if y'all have heard about that. Uh this fall, we're going to be uh that. Uh this fall, we're going to be uh that. Uh this fall, we're going to be uh launching that and we just got some launching that and we just got some launching that and we just got some permits and we're excited to see what permits and we're excited to see what permits and we're excited to see what God does there. And I'm so thankful that God does there. And I'm so thankful that God does there. And I'm so thankful that God is planting a church in the heart of God is planting a church in the heart of God is planting a church in the heart of Sherwood. Amen. Uh we called it Sherhood Sherwood. Amen. Uh we called it Sherhood Sherwood. Amen. Uh we called it Sherhood growing up. I'm from Jacksonville and growing up. I'm from Jacksonville and growing up. I'm from Jacksonville and those were my people. And uh I am so those were my people. And uh I am so those were my people. And uh I am so thankful for the Howards and y'all's thankful for the Howards and y'all's thankful for the Howards and y'all's faithfulness and your patience. And uh I faithfulness and your patience. And uh I faithfulness and your patience. And uh I can't wait to see what God does there. I can't wait to see what God does there. I can't wait to see what God does there. I believe many of my friends and family believe many of my friends and family believe many of my friends and family will get saved in that church. And I'm will get saved in that church. And I'm will get saved in that church. And I'm just going to speak that. I believe that just going to speak that. I believe that just going to speak that. I believe that in Jesus name. Uh I came with my family. in Jesus name. Uh I came with my family. in Jesus name. Uh I came with my family. I've got a picture. Will you throw a I've got a picture. Will you throw a I've got a picture. Will you throw a picture up of my family? This is my picture up of my family? This is my picture up of my family? This is my Everybody say a Yeah. Uh that's Kendra Everybody say a Yeah. Uh that's Kendra Everybody say a Yeah. Uh that's Kendra and our four kids uh under seven. And so and our four kids uh under seven. And so and our four kids uh under seven. And so y'all pray for us. We are in the thick y'all pray for us. We are in the thick y'all pray for us. We are in the thick of it. And throw the other picture up of it. And throw the other picture up of it. And throw the other picture up there. Uh just about one minute later um there. Uh just about one minute later um there. Uh just about one minute later um our our deer feeder went off in the our our deer feeder went off in the our our deer feeder went off in the front yard and started pelting my whole front yard and started pelting my whole front yard and started pelting my whole family uh with corn. And so I was family uh with corn. And so I was family uh with corn. And so I was walking out of the house before the walking out of the house before the walking out of the house before the pictures. I was like I should probably pictures. I was like I should probably pictures. I was like I should probably turn that off. I was like, "Nah, we'll turn that off. I was like, "Nah, we'll turn that off. I was like, "Nah, we'll be good." AND IT WAS LIKE AND SO be good." AND IT WAS LIKE AND SO be good." AND IT WAS LIKE AND SO EVERYBODY was taking cover. And isn't it EVERYBODY was taking cover. And isn't it EVERYBODY was taking cover. And isn't it funny? You know, people will post funny? You know, people will post funny? You know, people will post pictures and underneath it it's like pictures and underneath it it's like pictures and underneath it it's like this perfect picture. They're like, "God

this perfect picture. They're like, "God this perfect picture. They're like, "God is so good." And # blessed. Y'all ever is so good." And # blessed. Y'all ever is so good." And # blessed. Y'all ever seen that? Like maybe like this. This is seen that? Like maybe like this. This is seen that? Like maybe like this. This is AI generated. Y'all show me some grace. AI generated. Y'all show me some grace. AI generated. Y'all show me some grace. It's like some the beach picture. It got It's like some the beach picture. It got It's like some the beach picture. It got toes in the sand. It's like God is so toes in the sand. It's like God is so toes in the sand. It's like God is so good. I woke up to this view. Hashtag good. I woke up to this view. Hashtag good. I woke up to this view. Hashtag blessed. Throw that next one up there. blessed. Throw that next one up there. blessed. Throw that next one up there. You know, maybe you got the new new You know, maybe you got the new new You know, maybe you got the new new house. They're like, "Oh, God's so good. house. They're like, "Oh, God's so good. house. They're like, "Oh, God's so good. I got a new car." It's like a subtle I got a new car." It's like a subtle I got a new car." It's like a subtle flex, you know. Um we know what you're flex, you know. Um we know what you're flex, you know. Um we know what you're doing. # bless. The next one, uh it's doing. # bless. The next one, uh it's doing. # bless. The next one, uh it's like the new married couple and uh newly like the new married couple and uh newly like the new married couple and uh newly engaged. I get to wake up next to you engaged. I get to wake up next to you engaged. I get to wake up next to you forever. We'll see if you're saying that forever. We'll see if you're saying that forever. We'll see if you're saying that in a little bit. You know, hashtag in a little bit. You know, hashtag in a little bit. You know, hashtag blessed. It's interesting to me. blessed. It's interesting to me. blessed. It's interesting to me. I have never, and I mean never, seen I have never, and I mean never, seen I have never, and I mean never, seen someone post a picture after being someone post a picture after being someone post a picture after being rejected for their faith. They lose a rejected for their faith. They lose a rejected for their faith. They lose a job because they stood for what they job because they stood for what they job because they stood for what they believe in that they had some standards believe in that they had some standards believe in that they had some standards and some values in place and they got in and some values in place and they got in and some values in place and they got in trouble for that. And they were like, trouble for that. And they were like, trouble for that. And they were like, "Best day ever. Fired for my faith.

"Best day ever. Fired for my faith. "Best day ever. Fired for my faith. Hashtag bless. You know, anybody I've Hashtag bless. You know, anybody I've Hashtag bless. You know, anybody I've I've never seen a post like that before. I've never seen a post like that before. I've never seen a post like that before. Oftent times we do not associate Oftent times we do not associate Oftent times we do not associate opposition and persecution with this opposition and persecution with this opposition and persecution with this idea of being blessed. But I I want to idea of being blessed. But I I want to idea of being blessed. But I I want to tell you confidently this morning, Jesus tell you confidently this morning, Jesus tell you confidently this morning, Jesus does. does. does. >> Jesus does. Persecution is the >> Jesus does. Persecution is the >> Jesus does. Persecution is the exclamation point at the end of the exclamation point at the end of the exclamation point at the end of the biatitudes. We've been in a series all biatitudes. We've been in a series all biatitudes. We've been in a series all summer on the biatitudes and uh I'm summer on the biatitudes and uh I'm summer on the biatitudes and uh I'm going to summarize them verse three in going to summarize them verse three in going to summarize them verse three in in Matthew 5. It says, "Blessed are the in Matthew 5. It says, "Blessed are the in Matthew 5. It says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for meek, those who hunger and thirst for meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in righteousness, the merciful, the pure in righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers." I heard one heart, and the peacemakers." I heard one heart, and the peacemakers." I heard one theologian say that these biatitudes are theologian say that these biatitudes are theologian say that these biatitudes are like a a surgeon that is about to do like a a surgeon that is about to do like a a surgeon that is about to do heart surgery. That every single one heart surgery. That every single one heart surgery. That every single one goes a layer deeper and a layer deeper. goes a layer deeper and a layer deeper. goes a layer deeper and a layer deeper. And we get to the heart here where it And we get to the heart here where it And we get to the heart here where it says in verse 10, the last cut, blessed says in verse 10, the last cut, blessed says in verse 10, the last cut, blessed are those who are persecuted are those who are persecuted are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is because of righteousness, for theirs is because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you when people insult you and persecute you when people insult you and persecute you and say uh false uh things about you, and say uh false uh things about you, and say uh false uh things about you, all kinds of evil because of me, Jesus all kinds of evil because of me, Jesus all kinds of evil because of me, Jesus says, rejoice and be glad because great says, rejoice and be glad because great says, rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven. For in the is your reward in heaven. For in the is your reward in heaven. For in the same way they persecuted the prophets same way they persecuted the prophets same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. I I find it very who were before you. I I find it very who were before you. I I find it very interesting that Jesus takes one verse interesting that Jesus takes one verse interesting that Jesus takes one verse for each of the biatitudes until he gets

for each of the biatitudes until he gets for each of the biatitudes until he gets to this one. He gives it three verses to this one. He gives it three verses to this one. He gives it three verses because I'm convinced he knew this one because I'm convinced he knew this one because I'm convinced he knew this one would be hard for us to stomach. A lie would be hard for us to stomach. A lie would be hard for us to stomach. A lie that many people have submitted to is that many people have submitted to is that many people have submitted to is that a life without adversity, a life that a life without adversity, a life that a life without adversity, a life without opposition, a life without without opposition, a life without without opposition, a life without persecution must mean that you're doing persecution must mean that you're doing persecution must mean that you're doing something right. I want to tell you that something right. I want to tell you that something right. I want to tell you that is a lie. is a lie. is a lie. Uh there are entire belief systems, Uh there are entire belief systems, Uh there are entire belief systems, entire doctrines and denominations that entire doctrines and denominations that entire doctrines and denominations that believe if you're sick, if you're believe if you're sick, if you're believe if you're sick, if you're persecuted, if you're under trial, if persecuted, if you're under trial, if persecuted, if you're under trial, if you have pain in your life or suffering, you have pain in your life or suffering, you have pain in your life or suffering, there must be like hidden sin in your there must be like hidden sin in your there must be like hidden sin in your life. You must not be like praying life. You must not be like praying life. You must not be like praying right. You must be doing something right. You must be doing something right. You must be doing something wrong. Let me suggest to you this wrong. Let me suggest to you this wrong. Let me suggest to you this morning that perhaps you may be doing morning that perhaps you may be doing morning that perhaps you may be doing something right. something right. something right. Last time I read the the Bible, it said Last time I read the the Bible, it said Last time I read the the Bible, it said that narrow is the road that leads to that narrow is the road that leads to that narrow is the road that leads to the kingdom. the kingdom. the kingdom. >> And I it doesn't say it, but I'm just >> And I it doesn't say it, but I'm just >> And I it doesn't say it, but I'm just throwing it in there. And so is it's a throwing it in there. And so is it's a throwing it in there. And so is it's a little bumpy as well. Can I have an little bumpy as well. Can I have an little bumpy as well. Can I have an amen, somebody? All right. What if amen, somebody? All right. What if amen, somebody? All right. What if you're doing something right? Let's look you're doing something right? Let's look you're doing something right? Let's look at the word what it says. Jesus says in at the word what it says. Jesus says in at the word what it says. Jesus says in John 16:33, John 16:33, John 16:33, "In the world, this is the promise "In the world, this is the promise "In the world, this is the promise nobody really has on the fridge. You nobody really has on the fridge. You nobody really has on the fridge. You will have trouble, will have trouble, will have trouble, but take heart. I've overcome the world.

but take heart. I've overcome the world. but take heart. I've overcome the world. Psalm 34:19, "Many are the afflictions Psalm 34:19, "Many are the afflictions Psalm 34:19, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but but the Lord of the righteous, but but the Lord of the righteous, but but the Lord delivers them out of them all." delivers them out of them all." 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, when you face and you meet brothers, when you face and you meet brothers, when you face and 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." So listen, I believe that perseverance." So listen, I believe that perseverance." So listen, I believe that some of you this morning need to be some of you this morning need to be some of you this morning need to be reminded that God is so much bigger than reminded that God is so much bigger than reminded that God is so much bigger than the pl than the the pain that you're the pl than the the pain that you're the pl than the the pain that you're facing in your life. God's plans are so facing in your life. God's plans are so facing in your life. God's plans are so much bigger. They are profound. He is so much bigger. They are profound. He is so much bigger. They are profound. He is so much greater than this momentary much greater than this momentary much greater than this momentary affliction. affliction. affliction. Would you write this down this morning? Would you write this down this morning? Would you write this down this morning? Opposition is an opportunity to trust Opposition is an opportunity to trust Opposition is an opportunity to trust God more. God more. God more. It's an opportunity to trust God more. I It's an opportunity to trust God more. I It's an opportunity to trust God more. I pray that we would approach every day pray that we would approach every day pray that we would approach every day with gratitude. We face opposition and with gratitude. We face opposition and with gratitude. We face opposition and we say, "God, thank you for an we say, "God, thank you for an we say, "God, thank you for an opportunity to trust you more in this opportunity to trust you more in this opportunity to trust you more in this moment." Romans 8:28 is beautiful. It moment." Romans 8:28 is beautiful. It moment." Romans 8:28 is beautiful. It says, "And we know that for those who says, "And we know that for those who says, "And we know that for those who love God, all things." Everybody say, love God, all things." Everybody say, love God, all things." Everybody say, "All things."

"All things." "All things." >> All things. >> All things. >> All things. >> That means all things. [snorts] >> That means all things. [snorts] >> That means all things. [snorts] It says that they work together for good It says that they work together for good It says that they work together for good for those who are called according to for those who are called according to for those who are called according to his purpose. So when Jesus in Matthew 5 his purpose. So when Jesus in Matthew 5 his purpose. So when Jesus in Matthew 5 says that blessed are the persecuted says that blessed are the persecuted says that blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is because of righteousness, for theirs is because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Listen, he is he the kingdom of heaven. Listen, he is he the kingdom of heaven. Listen, he is he is promising us that as a follower of is promising us that as a follower of is promising us that as a follower of Jesus, you will face some hard days. But Jesus, you will face some hard days. But Jesus, you will face some hard days. But I want to remind you this morning, every I want to remind you this morning, every I want to remind you this morning, every single time it's worth it. The longer single time it's worth it. The longer single time it's worth it. The longer that I've studied this beatitude and the that I've studied this beatitude and the that I've studied this beatitude and the more that I've sat with this scripture more that I've sat with this scripture more that I've sat with this scripture and the longer that I have followed and the longer that I have followed and the longer that I have followed Jesus, the more that I've realized you Jesus, the more that I've realized you Jesus, the more that I've realized you do not really reap the fruit of the do not really reap the fruit of the do not really reap the fruit of the eighth biatitude until you live out 1 eighth biatitude until you live out 1 eighth biatitude until you live out 1 through seven first. through seven first. through seven first. Because this life that Jesus calls us to Because this life that Jesus calls us to Because this life that Jesus calls us to is countercultural to the world that we is countercultural to the world that we is countercultural to the world that we live in. When you when you're poor in live in. When you when you're poor in live in. When you when you're poor in spirit, you stop living for people's spirit, you stop living for people's spirit, you stop living for people's approval. When you mourn over sin, you approval. When you mourn over sin, you approval. When you mourn over sin, you you are no longer laughing at everything you are no longer laughing at everything you are no longer laughing at everything that the world celebrates. When you're that the world celebrates. When you're that the world celebrates. When you're meek, you refuse to fight using the meek, you refuse to fight using the meek, you refuse to fight using the world's weapons. When you when you world's weapons. When you when you world's weapons. When you when you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you will make choices that other people do will make choices that other people do will make choices that other people do not understand. When you show mercy, you not understand. When you show mercy, you not understand. When you show mercy, you are overcoming and disrupting a culture are overcoming and disrupting a culture are overcoming and disrupting a culture of revenge and getting even. When you of revenge and getting even. When you of revenge and getting even. When you are pure in heart, you will refuse what are pure in heart, you will refuse what are pure in heart, you will refuse what other people accept. And and number other people accept. And and number other people accept. And and number seven, when you become a peacemaker, you seven, when you become a peacemaker, you seven, when you become a peacemaker, you boldly step into conflict when everybody boldly step into conflict when everybody boldly step into conflict when everybody else would rather just avoid it. And so else would rather just avoid it. And so else would rather just avoid it. And so when you live a life that way, marked by when you live a life that way, marked by when you live a life that way, marked by 1 through seven of the biatitudes, you 1 through seven of the biatitudes, you 1 through seven of the biatitudes, you will reap the fruit of number eight.

will reap the fruit of number eight. will reap the fruit of number eight. Blessed are the persecuted. You will be Blessed are the persecuted. You will be Blessed are the persecuted. 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 this morning, church. news this morning, church. news this morning, church. Hard days are ahead. Be blessed. See you Hard days are ahead. Be blessed. See you Hard days are ahead. Be blessed. See you later. You know, this is a promise from later. You know, this is a promise from later. You know, this is a promise from Jesus. Then there is not a better person Jesus. Then there is not a better person Jesus. Then there is not a better person in scripture other than Jesus Christ in scripture other than Jesus Christ in scripture other than Jesus Christ himself than a man named Stephen who is himself than a man named Stephen who is himself than a man named Stephen who is found in the book of Acts. We're going found in the book of Acts. We're going found in the book of Acts. We're going to talk about him in a moment. If you're to talk about him in a moment. If you're to talk about him in a moment. If you're at this point in the message and you're at this point in the message and you're at this point in the message and you're like, "Yeah, Seth, like, "Yeah, Seth, like, "Yeah, Seth, none of this sounds very appealing. none of this sounds very appealing. none of this sounds very appealing. None of this sounds very encouraging or None of this sounds very encouraging or None of this sounds very encouraging or promising. I don't want a life like promising. I don't want a life like promising. I don't want a life like that. I don't want persecution." Let me that. I don't want persecution." Let me that. I don't want persecution." Let me give you some really bad advice this give you some really bad advice this give you some really bad advice this morning. Be lukewarm. morning. Be lukewarm. morning. Be lukewarm. Don't clip this, by the way. [laughter] Don't clip this, by the way. [laughter] Don't clip this, by the way. [laughter] like ride the fence in life. Don't stand like ride the fence in life. Don't stand like ride the fence in life. Don't stand for anything. Have a A LIQUID BACKBONE. for anything. Have a A LIQUID BACKBONE. for anything. Have a A LIQUID BACKBONE. SIN ALL the more. Why do I say that? SIN ALL the more. Why do I say that? SIN ALL the more. Why do I say that? Because the world does not persecute Because the world does not persecute Because the world does not persecute those that look like itself. those that look like itself. those that look like itself. >> It doesn't. But if you plan to stand up >> It doesn't. But if you plan to stand up >> It doesn't. But if you plan to stand up for Jesus, hard days will come your way.

for Jesus, hard days will come your way. for Jesus, hard days will come your way. I want to remind you this morning, we I want to remind you this morning, we I want to remind you this morning, we worship a guy who was crucified. worship a guy who was crucified. worship a guy who was crucified. But how many of you know he didn't stay But how many of you know he didn't stay But how many of you know he didn't stay dead? He rose again on the third day. dead? He rose again on the third day. dead? He rose again on the third day. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> And he gives life and life abundantly. >> And he gives life and life abundantly. >> And he gives life and life abundantly. But if we plan to follow this narrow But if we plan to follow this narrow But if we plan to follow this narrow road, there will be hard times ahead. So road, there will be hard times ahead. So road, there will be hard times ahead. So what do we do with this? Timothy is told what do we do with this? Timothy is told what do we do with this? Timothy is told by Paul in second Timothy, listen indeed by Paul in second Timothy, listen indeed by Paul in second Timothy, listen indeed all who desire to live a godly life, all who desire to live a godly life, all who desire to live a godly life, you will be persecuted. you will be persecuted. you will be persecuted. It you will be. Persecution at its most It you will be. Persecution at its most It you will be. Persecution at its most simple form is this. Persecution is simple form is this. Persecution is simple form is this. Persecution 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 will world, following Jesus publicly will world, following Jesus publicly will cost you your life. It'll cost you cost you your life. It'll cost you cost you your life. It'll cost you something. In just a few statistics, one something. In just a few statistics, one something. In just a few statistics, one in seven Christians are persecuted in seven Christians are persecuted in seven Christians are persecuted worldwide. In 2025, last year, worldwide. In 2025, last year, worldwide. In 2025, last year, approximately 6,000 Christians were approximately 6,000 Christians were approximately 6,000 Christians were killed for their faith. In North Korea, killed for their faith. In North Korea, killed for their faith. In North Korea, it's dangerous and life-threatening to it's dangerous and life-threatening to it's dangerous and life-threatening to even own a Bible. There are 400,000 uh even own a Bible. There are 400,000 uh even own a Bible. There are 400,000 uh people there in North Korea that people there in North Korea that people there in North Korea that practice their faith in secrecy so that practice their faith in secrecy so that practice their faith in secrecy so that they will not be executed. 70 million they will not be executed. 70 million they will not be executed. 70 million Christians in China worship in their Christians in China worship in their Christians in China worship in their homes known as the underground church.

homes known as the underground church. homes known as the underground church. These statistics, they represent real These statistics, they represent real These statistics, they represent real people, real families in real people, real families in real people, real families in real communities that are enduring hardship, communities that are enduring hardship, communities that are enduring hardship, like real opposition and persecution. like real opposition and persecution. like real opposition and persecution. And I say all of that to say I don't And I say all of that to say I don't And I say all of that to say I don't think there's one moment that me or think there's one moment that me or think there's one moment that me or maybe even yourself. I can't speak for maybe even yourself. I can't speak for maybe even yourself. I can't speak for you. I can't look into the eyes of a you. I can't look into the eyes of a you. I can't look into the eyes of a future Christian martyr and say, "I future Christian martyr and say, "I future Christian martyr and say, "I totally understand what you're going totally understand what you're going totally understand what you're going through. through. through. I I get it. The truth is, church, we I I get it. The truth is, church, we I I get it. The truth is, church, we don't. But I do want to remind you, we don't. But I do want to remind you, we don't. But I do want to remind you, we serve the same God." Amen. serve the same God." Amen. serve the same God." Amen. >> We We serve the same Jesus. We're here >> We We serve the same Jesus. We're here >> We We serve the same Jesus. We're here today worshiping the same Jesus, reading today worshiping the same Jesus, reading today worshiping the same Jesus, reading the same word. But our our faith will the same word. But our our faith will the same word. But our our faith will cost us something a little bit cost us something a little bit cost us something a little bit different. different. different. I I want you to get this in your heart I I want you to get this in your heart I I want you to get this in your heart today. If I plan to follow Jesus, it today. If I plan to follow Jesus, it today. If I plan to follow Jesus, it will cost me something. will cost me something. will cost me something. >> It will. >> It will. >> It will. Jesus is calling us to follow him. And Jesus is calling us to follow him. And Jesus is calling us to follow him. And in the west, it may cost you comfort. It in the west, it may cost you comfort. It in the west, it may cost you comfort. It may cost you your reputation. It may may cost you your reputation. It may may cost you your reputation. It may cost relationships or an opportunity.

cost relationships or an opportunity. cost relationships or an opportunity. And you may be like, "Well, Seth, I've And you may be like, "Well, Seth, I've And you may be like, "Well, Seth, I've been following Jesus for years and it been following Jesus for years and it been following Jesus for years and it hasn't COSTED ME ANYTHING." HEY, BOO hasn't COSTED ME ANYTHING." HEY, BOO hasn't COSTED ME ANYTHING." HEY, BOO BOO, you may not be following the Jesus BOO, you may not be following the Jesus BOO, you may not be following the Jesus that I follow. that I follow. that I follow. So, it's a good day TO WAKE UP AND SMELL So, it's a good day TO WAKE UP AND SMELL So, it's a good day TO WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE AND STOP CHEERING on THE COFFEE AND STOP CHEERING on THE COFFEE AND STOP CHEERING on Christians from the sideline and make a Christians from the sideline and make a Christians from the sideline and make a stand for what we believe in. Can I have stand for what we believe in. Can I have stand for what we believe in. Can I have an amen, church? an amen, church? an amen, church? >> Like, don't be afraid to share the best >> Like, don't be afraid to share the best >> Like, don't be afraid to share the best news that you could ever receive. It's news that you could ever receive. It's news that you could ever receive. It's called the good news for a reason. called the good news for a reason. called the good news for a reason. BECAUSE HE COMES TO BRING LIFE TO dead BECAUSE HE COMES TO BRING LIFE TO dead BECAUSE HE COMES TO BRING LIFE TO dead things. So, now that we know what things. So, now that we know what things. So, now that we know what persecution is, here in a moment, we're persecution is, here in a moment, we're persecution is, here in a moment, we're going to talk about how to respond to going to talk about how to respond to going to talk about how to respond to it, let's talk about what it is not. it, let's talk about what it is not. it, let's talk about what it is not. Persecution is not when someone takes Persecution is not when someone takes Persecution is not when someone takes your parking spot at church. Uh-oh. your parking spot at church. Uh-oh. your parking spot at church. Uh-oh. They know I parked there. They know I parked there. They know I parked there. REALLY? IT'S NOT WHEN SOMEBODY TAKES REALLY? IT'S NOT WHEN SOMEBODY TAKES REALLY? IT'S NOT WHEN SOMEBODY TAKES YOUR SEAT AT CHURCH. I KNOW y'all worked YOUR SEAT AT CHURCH. I KNOW y'all worked YOUR SEAT AT CHURCH. I KNOW y'all worked hard to save them. You lay out your hard to save them. You lay out your hard to save them. You lay out your whole everything and you got like whole everything and you got like whole everything and you got like [laughter] [laughter] it's not when someone says happy it's not when someone says happy holidays instead of merry Christmas.

holidays instead of merry Christmas. holidays instead of merry Christmas. They know that I'm a Christian. They know that I'm a Christian. They know that I'm a Christian. That ain't persecution. It's not when That ain't persecution. It's not when That ain't persecution. It's not when Chick-fil-A forgets to say my pleasure Chick-fil-A forgets to say my pleasure Chick-fil-A forgets to say my pleasure or they forget your 20 Chick-fil-A or they forget your 20 Chick-fil-A or they forget your 20 Chick-fil-A sauces and they give you 18. Persecution sauces and they give you 18. Persecution sauces and they give you 18. Persecution is not when Starbucks gave you three is not when Starbucks gave you three is not when Starbucks gave you three pumps of caramel instead of seven. pumps of caramel instead of seven. pumps of caramel instead of seven. That's called first world problems. That's called first world problems. That's called first world problems. >> Uhoh. >> Uhoh. >> Uhoh. That's not persecution. I I I got my That's not persecution. I I I got my That's not persecution. I I I got my driver's license suspended a couple driver's license suspended a couple driver's license suspended a couple months ago. I I'm come confess and be months ago. I I'm come confess and be months ago. I I'm come confess and be healed this morning. All right. Lord healed this morning. All right. Lord healed this morning. All right. Lord help me. Y'all didn't know the pastor in help me. Y'all didn't know the pastor in help me. Y'all didn't know the pastor in Fyville was a felon. Okay. I'm going to Fyville was a felon. Okay. I'm going to Fyville was a felon. Okay. I'm going to tell you about it. I was driving down tell you about it. I was driving down tell you about it. I was driving down 49. Sorry Dustin for giving away all the 49. Sorry Dustin for giving away all the 49. Sorry Dustin for giving away all the secrets. There's cameras. Okay. Um, and secrets. There's cameras. Okay. Um, and secrets. There's cameras. Okay. Um, and they hang over the interstate and I was they hang over the interstate and I was they hang over the interstate and I was on my way from a hospital visit to get on my way from a hospital visit to get on my way from a hospital visit to get to meetings in central Arkansas and to meetings in central Arkansas and to meetings in central Arkansas and cliff notes of the story. I was on cliff notes of the story. I was on cliff notes of the story. I was on Google Maps trying to figure out how Google Maps trying to figure out how Google Maps trying to figure out how fast I had to drive to get here on time. fast I had to drive to get here on time. fast I had to drive to get here on time. Okay, so I planned on sinning, but I Okay, so I planned on sinning, but I Okay, so I planned on sinning, but I didn't yet. Okay. And uh, [laughter] so didn't yet. Okay. And uh, [laughter] so didn't yet. Okay. And uh, [laughter] so I I got pulled over. It takes pictures I I got pulled over. It takes pictures I I got pulled over. It takes pictures of you and sends them to the cops up of you and sends them to the cops up of you and sends them to the cops up ahead. He pulls me over. Super kind uh, ahead. He pulls me over. Super kind uh, ahead. He pulls me over. Super kind uh, gentle gentleman. And he's like, "You're gentle gentleman. And he's like, "You're gentle gentleman. And he's like, "You're getting a ticket. You're going to have getting a ticket. You're going to have getting a ticket. You're going to have to go to court." And I'm like, "This is to go to court." And I'm like, "This is to go to court." And I'm like, "This is awful." And so I end up having to go to awful." And so I end up having to go to awful." And so I end up having to go to court on my way. I told Kendra, I was court on my way. I told Kendra, I was court on my way. I told Kendra, I was like, "Babe, I have not been this like, "Babe, I have not been this like, "Babe, I have not been this stressed out in a long time." She's stressed out in a long time." She's stressed out in a long time." She's like, I said, "I'm afraid I'm going to like, I said, "I'm afraid I'm going to like, I said, "I'm afraid I'm going to go to jail. We just announced go to jail. We just announced go to jail. We just announced Bentonville." And they're like, "Oh Bentonville." And they're like, "Oh Bentonville." And they're like, "Oh yeah, by the way, the pastor's in jail."

yeah, by the way, the pastor's in jail." yeah, by the way, the pastor's in jail." You know, and she was like, "Babe, IF You know, and she was like, "Babe, IF You know, and she was like, "Babe, IF YOU GO TO JAIL, YOU CAN write letters to YOU GO TO JAIL, YOU CAN write letters to YOU GO TO JAIL, YOU CAN write letters to the church like Paul did." You know, the church like Paul did." You know, the church like Paul did." You know, SHE SAID THAT. I WAS LIKE, "REALLY, SHE SAID THAT. I WAS LIKE, "REALLY, SHE SAID THAT. I WAS LIKE, "REALLY, BABE? YOU KIDDING ME?" And [laughter] uh BABE? YOU KIDDING ME?" And [laughter] uh BABE? YOU KIDDING ME?" And [laughter] uh and so I go to court. I walk in. I see and so I go to court. I walk in. I see and so I go to court. I walk in. I see three people from our church. There's three people from our church. There's three people from our church. There's like 40 people and they're like, "What's like 40 people and they're like, "What's like 40 people and they're like, "What's up, Pastor Seth?" I'm like, "Today, my up, Pastor Seth?" I'm like, "Today, my up, Pastor Seth?" I'm like, "Today, my name is Marcus Brown." You know, so name is Marcus Brown." You know, so name is Marcus Brown." You know, so [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] and uh I WAS LIKE, "THIS IS NOT THE TIME and uh I WAS LIKE, "THIS IS NOT THE TIME and uh I WAS LIKE, "THIS IS NOT THE TIME AND PLACE." ACTING LIKE I didn't even AND PLACE." ACTING LIKE I didn't even AND PLACE." ACTING LIKE I didn't even know him. Just sat down. I'm just know him. Just sat down. I'm just know him. Just sat down. I'm just looking down at the ground. And they looking down at the ground. And they looking down at the ground. And they called me up. I had to pay a hefty fine. called me up. I had to pay a hefty fine. called me up. I had to pay a hefty fine. Got my license taken away for 30 days. I Got my license taken away for 30 days. I Got my license taken away for 30 days. I was humiliated. was humiliated. was humiliated. And it gets worse. I I was That was the And it gets worse. I I was That was the And it gets worse. I I was That was the day before our family vacation. So, day before our family vacation. So, day before our family vacation. So, Kendra had to drive to uh our vacation. Kendra had to drive to uh our vacation. Kendra had to drive to uh our vacation. I want to let you in on some something. I want to let you in on some something. I want to let you in on some something. There's three things we fight about in There's three things we fight about in There's three things we fight about in marriage. There's sexual intimacy, marriage. There's sexual intimacy, marriage. There's sexual intimacy, finances. The third one is when one of finances. The third one is when one of finances. The third one is when one of the other people is driving. the other people is driving. the other people is driving. Yeah, you're you're I'm with you on Yeah, you're you're I'm with you on Yeah, you're you're I'm with you on that. I I know you were fighting in the that. I I know you were fighting in the that. I I know you were fighting in the parking lot cuz your spouse can't park a parking lot cuz your spouse can't park a parking lot cuz your spouse can't park a car. All right. AND SO I'M LIKE, THIS car. All right. AND SO I'M LIKE, THIS car. All right. AND SO I'M LIKE, THIS MUST BE PERSECUTION.

MUST BE PERSECUTION. MUST BE PERSECUTION. And it gets worse. I was my son's And it gets worse. I was my son's And it gets worse. I was my son's baseball coach this year. And so I can't baseball coach this year. And so I can't baseball coach this year. And so I can't drive anywhere. And so I had to call our drive anywhere. And so I had to call our drive anywhere. And so I had to call our youth pastor, Pastor Mason, who used to youth pastor, Pastor Mason, who used to youth pastor, Pastor Mason, who used to be a student here. And I was like, "Hey be a student here. And I was like, "Hey be a student here. And I was like, "Hey buddy, please don't tell anybody. Will buddy, please don't tell anybody. Will buddy, please don't tell anybody. Will you please come pick me up and take me you please come pick me up and take me you please come pick me up and take me to my son's BASEBALL GAME WITH MY SON?" to my son's BASEBALL GAME WITH MY SON?" to my son's BASEBALL GAME WITH MY SON?" [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] AND WE GET IN THE CAR AND HE'S LIKE, AND WE GET IN THE CAR AND HE'S LIKE, AND WE GET IN THE CAR AND HE'S LIKE, "DAD, WHY IS PASTOR MASON DRIVING US "DAD, WHY IS PASTOR MASON DRIVING US "DAD, WHY IS PASTOR MASON DRIVING US EVERYWHERE?" And I was like, "I got EVERYWHERE?" And I was like, "I got EVERYWHERE?" And I was like, "I got Dad's got to send some work texts." Dad's got to send some work texts." Dad's got to send some work texts." Mason was like, "That's what got you Mason was like, "That's what got you Mason was like, "That's what got you into this predicament." Okay, listen. I into this predicament." Okay, listen. I into this predicament." Okay, listen. I say all that to say, how silly would it say all that to say, how silly would it say all that to say, how silly would it be if I was like, you know, the enemy is be if I was like, you know, the enemy is be if I was like, you know, the enemy is really out trying to get me. really out trying to get me. really out trying to get me. You know, the devil really is a liar. Or You know, the devil really is a liar. Or You know, the devil really is a liar. Or perhaps you should stop texting and perhaps you should stop texting and perhaps you should stop texting and driving and being on your phone. Can I driving and being on your phone. Can I driving and being on your phone. Can I have an amen, church? Listen, I'm going have an amen, church? Listen, I'm going have an amen, church? Listen, I'm going to take the filter off. I'll put it back to take the filter off. I'll put it back to take the filter off. I'll put it back on in a second. Stop blaming the devil on in a second. Stop blaming the devil on in a second. Stop blaming the devil for your own bad decisions. for your own bad decisions. for your own bad decisions. >> All right, filter's back on. All right, >> All right, filter's back on. All right, >> All right, filter's back on. All right, we're back here. Open your Bibles. Okay, we're back here. Open your Bibles. Okay, we're back here. Open your Bibles. Okay, listen. We're going to talk about listen. We're going to talk about listen. We're going to talk about Stephen. Stephen teaches us how to Stephen. Stephen teaches us how to Stephen. Stephen teaches us how to respond to persecution.

respond to persecution. respond to persecution. The the Bible tells us Stephven was full The the Bible tells us Stephven was full The the Bible tells us Stephven was full of faith, full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith, full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith, full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom, grace, and power. And his of wisdom, grace, and power. And his of wisdom, grace, and power. And his life presents us with a question that I life presents us with a question that I life presents us with a question that I want you to ask yourself today. What is want you to ask yourself today. What is want you to ask yourself today. What is on the inside of me? on the inside of me? on the inside of me? Like, what is inside of me? Y'all y'all Like, what is inside of me? Y'all y'all Like, what is inside of me? Y'all y'all have heard the old saying that when you have heard the old saying that when you have heard the old saying that when you get squeezed, what's on the what? The get squeezed, what's on the what? The get squeezed, what's on the what? The inside will come out. You squeeze lemon, inside will come out. You squeeze lemon, inside will come out. You squeeze lemon, you get lemon juice. You squeeze you get lemon juice. You squeeze you get lemon juice. You squeeze oranges, you get orange juice. And I oranges, you get orange juice. And I oranges, you get orange juice. And I pray that when someone squeezes a a pray that when someone squeezes a a pray that when someone squeezes a a follower of Jesus at New Life Church in follower of Jesus at New Life Church in follower of Jesus at New Life Church in Greater Little Rock, that they see more Greater Little Rock, that they see more Greater Little Rock, that they see more of Jesus and less of me, that he would of Jesus and less of me, that he would of Jesus and less of me, that he would increase and that I would decrease. increase and that I would decrease. increase and that I would decrease. Listen, what you fill yourself with when Listen, what you fill yourself with when Listen, what you fill yourself with when no one else is looking will come out of no one else is looking will come out of no one else is looking will come out of you in in public when you get squeezed. you in in public when you get squeezed. you in in public when you get squeezed. Persecution, I want you to write this Persecution, I want you to write this Persecution, I want you to write this down. It often meets us on the road of down. It often meets us on the road of down. It often meets us on the road of obedience. obedience. obedience. Acts chapter 6 says, 'Now Steven was a Acts chapter 6 says, 'Now Steven was a Acts chapter 6 says, 'Now Steven was 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 he performed great wonders and performed he performed great wonders and performed he performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition signs among the people. Opposition signs among the people. Opposition arose. I I want to say Stephen arose. I I want to say Stephen arose. I I want to say Stephen was about to face opposition while he was about to face opposition while he was about to face opposition while he was being obedient to God.

was being obedient to God. was being obedient to God. 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 the spirit gave him as he spoke. wisdom the spirit gave him as he spoke. wisdom the spirit gave him as he spoke. And then they secretly persuaded some And then they secretly persuaded some And then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We've heard Steven speak men to say, "We've heard Steven speak men to say, "We've heard Steven speak blasphemous words against Moses and blasphemous words against Moses and blasphemous words against Moses and against God." Y'all ever had somebody against God." Y'all ever had somebody against God." Y'all ever had somebody lie about you? Like somebody slander lie about you? Like somebody slander lie about you? Like somebody slander your name. It ain't fun. your name. It ain't fun. your name. It ain't fun. And so they stirred up the people and And so they stirred up the people and And so they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. the elders and the teachers of the law. the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Steven and they brought him They seized Steven and they brought him They seized Steven and they brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced before the Sanhedrin. They produced before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses who testified, "This false witnesses who testified, "This false witnesses who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this fellow never stops speaking against this fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we holy place and against the law. For we holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of have heard him say that this Jesus of have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and Nazareth will destroy this place and Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to change the customs Moses handed down to change the customs Moses handed down to us. I want you to to get this in your us. I want you to to get this in your us. I want you to to get this in your heart. Stephen did not encounter heart. Stephen did not encounter heart. Stephen did not encounter resistance and opposition because he had resistance and opposition because he had resistance and opposition because he had abandoned his assignment. He endured abandoned his assignment. He endured abandoned his assignment. He endured opposition and persecution because he opposition and persecution because he opposition and persecution because he was faithful to God. was faithful to God. was faithful to God. There's a lot of people that assume, There's a lot of people that assume, There's a lot of people that assume, well, this this is difficult, so God well, this this is difficult, so God well, this this is difficult, so God must not be in it. Man, this is really must not be in it. Man, this is really must not be in it. Man, this is really hard. So, God must not be in it. Man, hard. So, God must not be in it. Man, hard. So, God must not be in it. Man, this is really challenging. There's no this is really challenging. There's no this is really challenging. There's no way that God can be in it. Listen, I am way that God can be in it. Listen, I am way that God can be in it. Listen, I am convinced, and one theologian said it convinced, and one theologian said it convinced, and one theologian said it this way, that difficulty is not this way, that difficulty is not this way, that difficulty is not evidence of God's absence. Difficulty is evidence of God's absence. Difficulty is evidence of God's absence. Difficulty is the very environment which he will the very environment which he will the very environment which he will develop you the most.

develop you the most. develop you the most. If it's difficult, I want you to start If it's difficult, I want you to start If it's difficult, I want you to start thinking, maybe God's in this. But thinking, maybe God's in this. But thinking, maybe God's in this. But sometimes it's difficult just because we sometimes it's difficult just because we sometimes it's difficult just because we make bad decisions. make bad decisions. make bad decisions. Listen church. So many people in life, Listen church. So many people in life, Listen church. So many people in life, so many followers of Jesus have their so many followers of Jesus have their so many followers of Jesus have their scoreboards loaded up with the wrong scoreboards loaded up with the wrong scoreboards loaded up with the wrong things. Listen, they they've kept score things. Listen, they they've kept score things. Listen, they they've kept score the wrong way. People reach the end of the wrong way. People reach the end of the wrong way. People reach the end of their life and they realize, "I've kept their life and they realize, "I've kept their life and they realize, "I've kept score the wrong way this entire time." score the wrong way this entire time." score the wrong way this entire time." This is how the world keeps score. Your This is how the world keeps score. Your This is how the world keeps score. Your health points, health points, health points, success, success, success, points, points, points, wealth, points, possessions, notoriety, wealth, points, possessions, notoriety, wealth, points, possessions, notoriety, a bigger platform, more points, faster, a bigger platform, more points, faster, a bigger platform, more points, faster, better, stronger, points, more and more better, stronger, points, more and more better, stronger, points, more and more and more. And so you got all these and more. And so you got all these and more. And so you got all these points. And let me tell you today with a points. And let me tell you today with a points. And let me tell you today with a lot of confidence, it doesn't mean lot of confidence, it doesn't mean lot of confidence, it doesn't mean anything. It means nothing. anything. It means nothing. anything. It means nothing. Jesus keeps score a little bit Jesus keeps score a little bit Jesus keeps score a little bit differently. He says, "Lay down your differently. He says, "Lay down your differently. He says, "Lay down your life." Points. life." Points. life." Points. Pick up your cross. Pick up your cross. Pick up your cross. >> Points. DENY YOURSELF AND SHOW MERCY. BE >> Points. DENY YOURSELF AND SHOW MERCY. BE >> Points. DENY YOURSELF AND SHOW MERCY. BE THE FIRST TO FORGIVE. SERVE AND LOVE THE FIRST TO FORGIVE. SERVE AND LOVE THE FIRST TO FORGIVE. SERVE AND LOVE your enemy. Points.

your enemy. Points. your enemy. Points. LOVE PEOPLE THAT ARE DIFFERENT THAN YOU. LOVE PEOPLE THAT ARE DIFFERENT THAN YOU. LOVE PEOPLE THAT ARE DIFFERENT THAN YOU. POINTS. Wash their feet. Points. POINTS. Wash their feet. Points. POINTS. Wash their feet. Points. Endure opposition. Endure opposition. Endure opposition. endure persecution endure persecution endure persecution points. points. points. I pray that as followers of Jesus, we I pray that as followers of Jesus, we I pray that as followers of Jesus, we would stop keeping score based on the would stop keeping score based on the would stop keeping score based on the world around us. It is meaningless, the world around us. It is meaningless, the world around us. It is meaningless, the Bible says, and that we would look Bible says, and that we would look Bible says, and that we would look through the lens of Christ and say, I through the lens of Christ and say, I through the lens of Christ and say, I want to keep score like him. Would you want to keep score like him. Would you want to keep score like him. Would you write this down? Do not abandon truth or write this down? Do not abandon truth or write this down? Do not abandon truth or grace. How do we respond to persecution? grace. How do we respond to persecution? grace. How do we respond to persecution? Stephen shows us that that we are not to Stephen shows us that that we are not to Stephen shows us that that we are not to abandon truth or grace. There's two abandon truth or grace. There's two abandon truth or grace. There's two incorrect approaches that happen in incorrect approaches that happen in incorrect approaches that happen in life. The first one is truth only. It's life. The first one is truth only. It's life. The first one is truth only. It's over here. This is truth only. Y'all over here. This is truth only. Y'all over here. This is truth only. Y'all seen the people on the sidewalk seen the people on the sidewalk seen the people on the sidewalk SCREAMING AT PEOPLE, YOU'RE GOING TO SCREAMING AT PEOPLE, YOU'RE GOING TO SCREAMING AT PEOPLE, YOU'RE GOING TO HELL. HELL. HELL. LISTEN, THAT MAY BE A TRUE STATEMENT, LISTEN, THAT MAY BE A TRUE STATEMENT, LISTEN, THAT MAY BE A TRUE STATEMENT, BUT IT'S NOT HELPFUL. BUT IT'S NOT HELPFUL. BUT IT'S NOT HELPFUL. I'VE NEVER SEEN SOMEONE BE LIKE, "OH, I'VE NEVER SEEN SOMEONE BE LIKE, "OH, I'VE NEVER SEEN SOMEONE BE LIKE, "OH, you're right.

you're right. you're right. I'm going to give my life to Jesus right I'm going to give my life to Jesus right I'm going to give my life to Jesus right here." NO, THAT'S TRUTH ONLY. TELLING here." NO, THAT'S TRUTH ONLY. TELLING here." NO, THAT'S TRUTH ONLY. TELLING people how they're sinners and this is people how they're sinners and this is people how they're sinners and this is ALL THE STUFF THAT'S WRONG WITH YOU. BUT ALL THE STUFF THAT'S WRONG WITH YOU. BUT ALL THE STUFF THAT'S WRONG WITH YOU. BUT THEN on the other side, there's grace THEN on the other side, there's grace THEN on the other side, there's grace only. only. only. Communion cup. Sorry. It's just this Communion cup. Sorry. It's just this Communion cup. Sorry. It's just this grace is my ballerina. And more grace. grace is my ballerina. And more grace. grace is my ballerina. And more grace. Just be what you want to be and do what Just be what you want to be and do what Just be what you want to be and do what you want to do. And let's sprinkle a you want to do. And let's sprinkle a you want to do. And let's sprinkle a little bit a little bit more grace. So little bit a little bit more grace. So little bit a little bit more grace. So there's grace only. There's truth only. there's grace only. There's truth only. there's grace only. There's truth only. Listen, they're both incorrect Listen, they're both incorrect Listen, they're both incorrect approaches. John 1:14 says, "The Word approaches. John 1:14 says, "The Word approaches. John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among became flesh and made his dwelling among became flesh and made his dwelling among us." We've seen the glory of the one and us." We've seen the glory of the one and us." We've seen the glory of the one and only son who came from his father. Look only son who came from his father. Look only son who came from his father. Look at this. Full of grace and what? Truth. at this. Full of grace and what? Truth. at this. Full of grace and what? Truth. It's both. It's both. It's both. 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 the truth will know the truth and then the truth will know the truth and then the truth will set them free. will set them free. will set them free. >> I'll say it this way. Truth without >> I'll say it this way. Truth without >> I'll say it this way. Truth without grace is mean. Everybody say mean. grace is mean. Everybody say mean. grace is mean. Everybody say mean. >> And grace without truth is meaningless. >> And grace without truth is meaningless. >> And grace without truth is meaningless. Everybody say meaningless. But when you Everybody say meaningless. But when you Everybody say meaningless. But when you can provide truth and grace, it is can provide truth and grace, it is can provide truth and grace, it is meaningful and it points people to the meaningful and it points people to the meaningful and it points people to the foot of the cross. It's Jesus shows this foot of the cross. It's Jesus shows this foot of the cross. It's Jesus shows this all throughout the gospel accounts.

all throughout the gospel accounts. all throughout the gospel accounts. Stephen preaches one of the longest Stephen preaches one of the longest Stephen preaches one of the longest sermons in the New Testament after being sermons in the New Testament after being sermons in the New Testament after being asked a yes or no question. I like asked a yes or no question. I like asked a yes or no question. I like Stephen already. All right. They said, Stephen already. All right. They said, Stephen already. All right. They said, "Are these charges true against you?" "Are these charges true against you?" "Are these charges true against you?" And he responds with 60 verses in a And he responds with 60 verses in a And he responds with 60 verses in a thousand years of history. I'm not going thousand years of history. I'm not going thousand years of history. I'm not going to read it all, but he goes back through to read it all, but he goes back through to read it all, but he goes back through the history of Israel, talks about the history of Israel, talks about the history of Israel, talks about Abraham and Joseph and Moses, Moses and Abraham and Joseph and Moses, Moses and Abraham and Joseph and Moses, Moses and David in the temple, and this is what he David in the temple, and this is what he David in the temple, and this is what he says. I'm convinced they wouldn't have says. I'm convinced they wouldn't have says. I'm convinced they wouldn't have killed him if he wouldn't have said this killed him if he wouldn't have said this killed him if he wouldn't have said this next part. next part. next part. He says, "You stiff necked people." He says, "You stiff necked people." He says, "You stiff necked people." [laughter] Well, I like Stephen, man. [laughter] Well, I like Stephen, man. [laughter] Well, I like Stephen, man. Your hearts and ears are still Your hearts and ears are still Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised, and you're just like your uncircumcised, and you're just like your uncircumcised, and you're just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy ancestors. You always resist the Holy ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even ancestors did not persecute? They even ancestors did not persecute? They even killed one who predicted the coming of killed one who predicted the coming of killed one who predicted the coming of the righteous one. And now you've the righteous one. And now you've the righteous one. And now you've betrayed and you've murdered him. You betrayed and you've murdered him. You betrayed and you've murdered him. You who have received the law that was given who have received the law that was given who have received the law that was given through angels but have not yet obeyed through angels but have not yet obeyed through angels but have not yet obeyed it. Steven was not afraid to tell the it. Steven was not afraid to tell the it. Steven was not afraid to tell the truth. But listen, he didn't choose truth. But listen, he didn't choose truth. But listen, he didn't choose between truth or grace. It was both.

between truth or grace. It was both. between truth or grace. It was both. Hear me please. Hear me please. Hear me please. When opposition comes knocking at the When opposition comes knocking at the When opposition comes knocking at the door, there are going to be two big door, there are going to be two big door, there are going to be two big temptations that we have got to resist. temptations that we have got to resist. temptations that we have got to resist. The first one is the temptation of The first one is the temptation of The first one is the temptation of compromise. And it sounds like this. I'm compromise. And it sounds like this. I'm compromise. And it sounds like this. I'm going to remain quiet. I I'm not going going to remain quiet. I I'm not going going to remain quiet. I I'm not going to say anything. I don't want to upset to say anything. I don't want to upset to say anything. I don't want to upset anyone. I'm going to be quiet. I'm going anyone. I'm going to be quiet. I'm going anyone. I'm going to be quiet. I'm going to be silent. I don't want to ruffle any to be silent. I don't want to ruffle any to be silent. I don't want to ruffle any feathers. Hear me, Christian. Your feathers. Hear me, Christian. Your feathers. Hear me, Christian. Your silence is saying a lot more than you silence is saying a lot more than you silence is saying a lot more than you think it is. But the other temptation is think it is. But the other temptation is think it is. But the other temptation is this. It's the one of cruelty. There's this. It's the one of cruelty. There's this. It's the one of cruelty. There's compromise and there's cruelty. Cruelty compromise and there's cruelty. Cruelty compromise and there's cruelty. Cruelty says if they attack me. Y'all ever read says if they attack me. Y'all ever read says if they attack me. Y'all ever read Facebook comments and stuff? I'M GETTING Facebook comments and stuff? I'M GETTING Facebook comments and stuff? I'M GETTING THEM BACK. THEM BACK. THEM BACK. THEY COME AT ME. I'M COMING RIGHT BACK. THEY COME AT ME. I'M COMING RIGHT BACK. THEY COME AT ME. I'M COMING RIGHT BACK. THEY HIT ME. I'M GOING TO KNOCK THEM THEY HIT ME. I'M GOING TO KNOCK THEM THEY HIT ME. I'M GOING TO KNOCK THEM DOWN. LISTEN, both of these are DOWN. LISTEN, both of these are DOWN. LISTEN, both of these are incorrect approaches. You can make a incorrect approaches. You can make a incorrect approaches. You can make a stand for the good news of the gospel stand for the good news of the gospel stand for the good news of the gospel without being hateful. Can I have an without being hateful. Can I have an without being hateful. Can I have an amen? You can make a stand for your amen? You can make a stand for your amen? You can make a stand for your values and what you believe in and the values and what you believe in and the values and what you believe in and the word of God without being arrogant. But word of God without being arrogant. But word of God without being arrogant. But I want to encourage you this morning. Do I want to encourage you this morning. Do I want to encourage you this morning. Do not allow someone else's immaturity to not allow someone else's immaturity to not allow someone else's immaturity to make you represent misrepresent Jesus make you represent misrepresent Jesus make you represent misrepresent Jesus Christ to somebody else.

Christ to somebody else. Christ to somebody else. I want you to write this down. When I want you to write this down. When I want you to write this down. When people turn against you, turn your eyes people turn against you, turn your eyes people turn against you, turn your eyes to Jesus. Stephen shows us this in in to Jesus. Stephen shows us this in in to Jesus. Stephen shows us this in in verse 54. When the members of the verse 54. When the members of the verse 54. When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and they nashed their teeth at him. But and they nashed their teeth at him. But and they nashed their teeth at him. But Steven full of the Holy Spirit, he Steven full of the Holy Spirit, he Steven full of the Holy Spirit, he looked up to heaven and he saw the glory looked up to heaven and he saw the glory looked up to heaven and he saw the glory of God. Opposition came. He looked up to of God. Opposition came. He looked up to of God. Opposition came. He looked up to heaven. People were lying about him. He heaven. People were lying about him. He heaven. People were lying about him. He looked up to heaven. People, they're looked up to heaven. People, they're looked up to heaven. People, they're getting ready to kill him. He's fixing getting ready to kill him. He's fixing getting ready to kill him. He's fixing his eyes on Jesus. I pray that we would his eyes on Jesus. I pray that we would his eyes on Jesus. I pray that we would do what the author of Hebrews tells us do what the author of Hebrews tells us do what the author of Hebrews tells us that we would run with perseverance, that we would run with perseverance, that we would run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and the perfector of our faith. Church, all the perfector of our faith. Church, all the perfector of our faith. Church, all throughout scripture, this is so throughout scripture, this is so throughout scripture, this is so beautiful. I noticed Jesus is sitting. beautiful. I noticed Jesus is sitting. beautiful. I noticed Jesus is sitting. He's sitting in he's he's in heaven. He's sitting in he's he's in heaven. He's sitting in he's he's in heaven. He's sitting in Mark. In in the book of He's sitting in Mark. In in the book of He's sitting in Mark. In in the book of 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, it right hand of the father. In Romans, it right hand of the father. In Romans, it says Jesus is interceding at the right says Jesus is interceding at the right says Jesus is interceding at the right hand of the father. In Ephesians, Jesus hand of the father. In Ephesians, Jesus hand of the father. In Ephesians, Jesus is seated in heavenly places. In is seated in heavenly places. In is seated in heavenly places. In Hebrews, over and over and over, it says Hebrews, over and over and over, it says Hebrews, over and over and over, it says after he completed a good work, he was after he completed a good work, he was after he completed a good work, he was seated in heavenly places. But if you seated in heavenly places. But if you seated in heavenly places. But if you look at this this scripture, Acts 7:56, look at this this scripture, Acts 7:56, look at this this scripture, Acts 7:56, look at this. He said, this is Stephen look at this. He said, this is Stephen look at this. He said, this is Stephen said, I see heaven open. And look at said, I see heaven open. And look at said, I see heaven open. And look at this. The son of man is standing this. The son of man is standing this. The son of man is standing at the right hand of God. I read this at the right hand of God. I read this at the right hand of God. I read this and I'm like, why is he standing?

and I'm like, why is he standing? and I'm like, why is he standing? Why is he standing? Many theologians Why is he standing? Many theologians Why is he standing? Many theologians believe this was almost like Jesus was believe this was almost like Jesus was believe this was almost like Jesus was giving Stephen a standing ovation giving Stephen a standing ovation giving Stephen a standing ovation because now his life was beginning to because now his life was beginning to because now his life was beginning to look like his. look like his. look like his. >> Many theologians believe it was because >> Many theologians believe it was because >> Many theologians believe it was because he was living out the eighth biatitude he was living out the eighth biatitude he was living out the eighth biatitude that blessed are you when you are that blessed are you when you are that blessed are you when you are persecuted for righteousness sake. persecuted for righteousness sake. persecuted for righteousness sake. Listen at this. They covered their ears Listen at this. They covered their ears Listen at this. They covered their ears and they yelling at the top of their and they yelling at the top of their and they yelling at the top of their voices. They rushed at him and they they voices. They rushed at him and they they voices. They rushed at him and they they dragged him out of the city and they dragged him out of the city and they dragged him out of the city and they began to stone him. Meanwhile, the began to stone him. Meanwhile, the began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses witnesses witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young laid their coats at the feet of a young laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. Everybody say Saul. man named Saul. Everybody say Saul. man named Saul. Everybody say Saul. >> In chapter 8, we we see in the first >> In chapter 8, we we see in the first >> In chapter 8, we we see in the first verse of chapter 8, it says that Saul verse of chapter 8, it says that Saul verse of chapter 8, it says that Saul approved of Steven's death. I want to approved of Steven's death. I want to approved of Steven's death. I want to paint a picture for you. Saul watched paint a picture for you. Saul watched paint a picture for you. Saul watched every hit, every single rock that hit every hit, every single rock that hit every hit, every single rock that hit Stephen. Stephen. Stephen. Saul watched as Steven took his last Saul watched as Steven took his last Saul watched as Steven took his last breath. Saul was present watching a as a breath. Saul was present watching a as a breath. Saul was present watching a as a man was beaten to death, unlawfully man was beaten to death, unlawfully man was beaten to death, unlawfully trial. He heard Steven call upon the trial. He heard Steven call upon the trial. He heard Steven call upon the name of Jesus. He he heard the prayer name of Jesus. He he heard the prayer name of Jesus. He he heard the prayer that Steven prays that matches the one that Steven prays that matches the one that Steven prays that matches the one on the cross where he's like, "Forgive on the cross where he's like, "Forgive on the cross where he's like, "Forgive them. They don't know what they're them. They don't know what they're them. They don't know what they're doing." And it says this that while they doing." And it says this that while they doing." And it says this that while they were stoning him, Steven prayed this, were stoning him, Steven prayed this, were stoning him, Steven prayed this, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And then he fell on his knees and he cried then he fell on his knees and he cried then he fell on his knees and he cried out, "Lord, do not hold." This is the out, "Lord, do not hold." This is the out, "Lord, do not hold." This is the grace, by the way.

grace, by the way. grace, by the way. Truth and what? Grace. He says, "Don't Truth and what? Grace. He says, "Don't Truth and what? Grace. He says, "Don't hold this sin against them." And when he hold this sin against them." And when he hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. had said this, he fell asleep. had said this, he fell asleep. Many people believe Many people believe Many people believe that Saul thought he was watching the that Saul thought he was watching the that Saul thought he was watching the gospel message end. Many people believe gospel message end. Many people believe gospel message end. Many people believe that he thought Stephen is done for. He that he thought Stephen is done for. He that he thought Stephen is done for. He He's not going to make a stand anymore. He's not going to make a stand anymore. He's not going to make a stand anymore. But because listen, I want to remind you But because listen, I want to remind you But because listen, I want to remind you the blood of the martyrs are the seeds the blood of the martyrs are the seeds the blood of the martyrs are the seeds of the church. You kill one, it's going of the church. You kill one, it's going of the church. You kill one, it's going to grow. to grow. to grow. >> Which brings me to this point. This last >> Which brings me to this point. This last >> Which brings me to this point. This last point, persecution does not stop God's point, persecution does not stop God's point, persecution does not stop God's plan. It propels it. plan. It propels it. plan. It propels it. >> It does not stop God's plan. >> It does not stop God's plan. >> It does not stop God's plan. It propels it. It propels it. It propels it. Acts chapter 8 says that great Acts chapter 8 says that great Acts chapter 8 says that great persecution broke out against the church persecution broke out against the church persecution broke out against the church church and believers. They were church and believers. They were church and believers. They were scattered. which if you look at the scattered. which if you look at the scattered. which if you look at the original meaning of that word, you could original meaning of that word, you could original meaning of that word, you could see where a farmer is sewing seed. It's see where a farmer is sewing seed. It's see where a farmer is sewing seed. It's the same word that that they were the same word that that they were the same word that that they were scattered. They were strategically scattered. They were strategically scattered. They were strategically planted in Judea and Sumeriia.

planted in Judea and Sumeriia. planted in Judea and Sumeriia. Many people read this and they're like, Many people read this and they're like, Many people read this and they're like, "Man, this is really bad news. The "Man, this is really bad news. The "Man, this is really bad news. The church is persecuted. church is persecuted. church is persecuted. The believers are scattering everywhere. The believers are scattering everywhere. The believers are scattering everywhere. This is bad news." Or perhaps it was God This is bad news." Or perhaps it was God This is bad news." Or perhaps it was God beginning to fulfill the great beginning to fulfill the great beginning to fulfill the great commission because he said, "You can't commission because he said, "You can't commission because he said, "You can't stay in Jerusalem. You got to go to stay in Jerusalem. You got to go to stay in Jerusalem. You got to go to Judea, Judea, and Samaria and to all Judea, Judea, and Samaria and to all Judea, Judea, and Samaria and to all ends of the earth." They stayed in ends of the earth." They stayed in ends of the earth." They stayed in Jerusalem, but at this moment, they Jerusalem, but at this moment, they Jerusalem, but at this moment, they begin to spread out and be obedient to begin to spread out and be obedient to begin to spread out and be obedient to God. Sometimes it takes opposition in God. Sometimes it takes opposition in God. Sometimes it takes opposition in your life to actually do the thing he's your life to actually do the thing he's your life to actually do the thing he's wanting you to do. wanting you to do. wanting you to do. I'm not saying God causes everything, I'm not saying God causes everything, I'm not saying God causes everything, but I am confident that God can use but I am confident that God can use but I am confident that God can use anything if you present it to him. I anything if you present it to him. I anything if you present it to him. I want to ask you again, who was the man want to ask you again, who was the man want to ask you again, who was the man standing holding the coats? [snorts] standing holding the coats? [snorts] standing holding the coats? [snorts] Saul. Saul. Saul. We know that Saul would later become a We know that Saul would later become a We know that Saul would later become a man named Paul. He approved of Steven's man named Paul. He approved of Steven's man named Paul. He approved of Steven's death. He he was the persecutor of the death. He he was the persecutor of the death. He he was the persecutor of the church. He drug away men and women from church. He drug away men and women from church. He drug away men and women from their homes and put them in prison. And their homes and put them in prison. And their homes and put them in prison. And in chapter one chapter later in chapter one chapter later in chapter one chapter later in the book of Acts, we see this man in the book of Acts, we see this man in the book of Acts, we see this man Saul GET RADICALLY SAVED. THE Bible says Saul GET RADICALLY SAVED. THE Bible says Saul GET RADICALLY SAVED. THE Bible says that suddenly a light from heaven struck that suddenly a light from heaven struck that suddenly a light from heaven struck him and he fell to his knees. Everybody him and he fell to his knees. Everybody him and he fell to his knees. Everybody say suddenly. His life was changed in say suddenly. His life was changed in say suddenly. His life was changed in one moment. And I know this. There are one moment. And I know this. There are one moment. And I know this. There are people in THIS ROOM RIGHT NOW, INCLUDING people in THIS ROOM RIGHT NOW, INCLUDING people in THIS ROOM RIGHT NOW, INCLUDING MYSELF, AND WE ARE LOOKING AT other MYSELF, AND WE ARE LOOKING AT other MYSELF, AND WE ARE LOOKING AT other people in our life and we're saying it people in our life and we're saying it people in our life and we're saying it would take a lifetime for them to get would take a lifetime for them to get would take a lifetime for them to get their stuff together. It would take a their stuff together. It would take a their stuff together. It would take a Listen, do not tell God what he can do

Listen, do not tell God what he can do Listen, do not tell God what he can do suddenly. suddenly. suddenly. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Stop limiting people based off of their >> Stop limiting people based off of their >> Stop limiting people based off of their sin that you have been healed of just sin that you have been healed of just sin that you have been healed of just two years ago. two years ago. two years ago. >> But it's really easy to be looking at >> But it's really easy to be looking at >> But it's really easy to be looking at people and be like, "Yeah, they're people and be like, "Yeah, they're people and be like, "Yeah, they're wrong. That's wrong. This wrong." Or, wrong. That's wrong. This wrong." Or, wrong. That's wrong. This wrong." Or, "Man, that's a great candidate to be "Man, that's a great candidate to be "Man, that's a great candidate to be used by God's grace." Man, if God got a used by God's grace." Man, if God got a used by God's grace." Man, if God got a hold of their life, there would be so hold of their life, there would be so hold of their life, there would be so many people that came to know Jesus. many people that came to know Jesus. many people that came to know Jesus. Listen. If suddenly God changed this Listen. If suddenly God changed this Listen. If suddenly God changed this man's life, man's life, man's life, one moment, one moment, one moment, God can change anybody. God can change anybody. God can change anybody. All he needs is a moment. All he needs is a moment. All he needs is a moment. Listen, the gospel is powerful enough to Listen, the gospel is powerful enough to Listen, the gospel is powerful enough to save the persecuted and the persecutor. save the persecuted and the persecutor. save the persecuted and the persecutor. >> I want you to see this. It's beautiful. >> I want you to see this. It's beautiful. >> I want you to see this. It's beautiful. The gospel is not just for Stephen. It's The gospel is not just for Stephen. It's The gospel is not just for Stephen. It's also for Saul. also for Saul. also for Saul. It's it's it's not just for the Jew, but It's it's it's not just for the Jew, but It's it's it's not just for the Jew, but the Gentile, the abuser and the abused, the Gentile, the abuser and the abused, the Gentile, the abuser and the abused, the murderer and the victim. It is the murderer and the victim. It is the murderer and the victim. It is believed that when Paul reached heaven's believed that when Paul reached heaven's believed that when Paul reached heaven's gates, he was he was cheered on by the gates, he was he was cheered on by the gates, he was he was cheered on by the very people that he killed and very people that he killed and very people that he killed and persecuted.

persecuted. persecuted. Man, this really doesn't sit well with Man, this really doesn't sit well with Man, this really doesn't sit well with people people people because we would much rather choose who because we would much rather choose who because we would much rather choose who gets to receive the grace of God on this gets to receive the grace of God on this gets to receive the grace of God on this side of eternity. side of eternity. side of eternity. We're all humans. We're all broken. But We're all humans. We're all broken. But We're all humans. We're all broken. But this guy Saul, he becomes Paul. And this guy Saul, he becomes Paul. And this guy Saul, he becomes Paul. And people, he they HE BEGINS PREACHING THE people, he they HE BEGINS PREACHING THE people, he they HE BEGINS PREACHING THE GOSPEL. GOSPEL. GOSPEL. The persecutor becomes the one who is The persecutor becomes the one who is The persecutor becomes the one who is NOW PREACHING. NOW PREACHING. NOW PREACHING. HE'S going town to town. He's planting HE'S going town to town. He's planting HE'S going town to town. He's planting churches. He's raising up new believers. churches. He's raising up new believers. churches. He's raising up new believers. HE'S DISCIPLING PEOPLE. AND WE READ THE HE'S DISCIPLING PEOPLE. AND WE READ THE HE'S DISCIPLING PEOPLE. AND WE READ THE BOOKS THAT HE WROTE TO THIS DAY. BOOKS THAT HE WROTE TO THIS DAY. BOOKS THAT HE WROTE TO THIS DAY. Paul gets persecuted as well. Paul gets persecuted as well. Paul gets persecuted as well. He goes into one town, gets beaten, He goes into one town, gets beaten, He goes into one town, gets beaten, thrown into the dust, and they drag him thrown into the dust, and they drag him thrown into the dust, and they drag him out of the city. Y'all know what Paul out of the city. Y'all know what Paul out of the city. Y'all know what Paul does? He gets back up and goes right does? He gets back up and goes right does? He gets back up and goes right back into that town. What do you do with back into that town. What do you do with back into that town. What do you do with a guy like that? You can't do nothing. a guy like that? You can't do nothing. a guy like that? You can't do nothing. You can't I I like this. They said, You can't I I like this. They said, You can't I I like this. They said, "Paul, we're going to kill you." He "Paul, we're going to kill you." He "Paul, we're going to kill you." He said, "Awesome. To die is gain." They said, "Awesome. To die is gain." They said, "Awesome. To die is gain." They said, "No, we're going to let you live."

said, "No, we're going to let you live." said, "No, we're going to let you live." He said, "AWESOME TO LIVE AS CHRIST. NO, He said, "AWESOME TO LIVE AS CHRIST. NO, He said, "AWESOME TO LIVE AS CHRIST. NO, WE'RE GOING TO PERSECUTE YOU AND MAKE WE'RE GOING TO PERSECUTE YOU AND MAKE WE'RE GOING TO PERSECUTE YOU AND MAKE you suffer. He says, "Awesome. Because you suffer. He says, "Awesome. Because you suffer. He says, "Awesome. Because the suffering of this present moment in the suffering of this present moment in the suffering of this present moment in this present time is not worthy to be this present time is not worthy to be this present time is not worthy to be compared to the glory in heaven." compared to the glory in heaven." compared to the glory in heaven." And he continues, HE'S LIKE, "IF YOU And he continues, HE'S LIKE, "IF YOU And he continues, HE'S LIKE, "IF YOU KILL ME, I'm going to be with Christ. KILL ME, I'm going to be with Christ. KILL ME, I'm going to be with Christ. You let me live, I'm going to live FOR You let me live, I'm going to live FOR You let me live, I'm going to live FOR HIM. YOU LET ME SUFFER, I'M GOING TO HIM. YOU LET ME SUFFER, I'M GOING TO HIM. YOU LET ME SUFFER, I'M GOING TO SUFFER for his name's sake." He says, "I SUFFER for his name's sake." He says, "I SUFFER for his name's sake." He says, "I will rejoice if I lose my life or if I will rejoice if I lose my life or if I will rejoice if I lose my life or if I live my life." Man, I pray we would get live my life." Man, I pray we would get live my life." Man, I pray we would get some of this today. I pray that we get some of this today. I pray that we get some of this today. I pray that we get this in our spirit. This church won't be this in our spirit. This church won't be this in our spirit. This church won't be able to hold the people that would give able to hold the people that would give able to hold the people that would give their lives to Jesus. He says, "I'm their lives to Jesus. He says, "I'm their lives to Jesus. He says, "I'm going to rejoice if I'm in prison or in going to rejoice if I'm in prison or in going to rejoice if I'm in prison or in paradise. I will find joy in pain and in paradise. I will find joy in pain and in paradise. I will find joy in pain and in persecution. If I suffer, I suffer for persecution. If I suffer, I suffer for persecution. If I suffer, I suffer for the gospel. If I walk, I'm walking WITH the gospel. If I walk, I'm walking WITH the gospel. If I walk, I'm walking WITH JESUS. AND IF I RUN, I AM RUNNING THE JESUS. AND IF I RUN, I AM RUNNING THE JESUS. AND IF I RUN, I AM RUNNING THE RACE THAT HE SET OUT BEFORE ME." WHAT'S RACE THAT HE SET OUT BEFORE ME." WHAT'S RACE THAT HE SET OUT BEFORE ME." WHAT'S HE SAYING? YOU CAN'T DO NOTHING WITH ME, HE SAYING? YOU CAN'T DO NOTHING WITH ME, HE SAYING? YOU CAN'T DO NOTHING WITH ME, BABY, BABY, BABY, because my life is surrendered to Jesus. because my life is surrendered to Jesus. because my life is surrendered to Jesus. Man, Man, Man, God, help us have this posture.

God, help us have this posture. God, help us have this posture. Stephen is stoned to death. Jesus is Stephen is stoned to death. Jesus is Stephen is stoned to death. Jesus is unlawfully beaten and murdered. Stephen unlawfully beaten and murdered. Stephen unlawfully beaten and murdered. Stephen is falsely accused and mocked and Jesus is falsely accused and mocked and Jesus is falsely accused and mocked and Jesus endured the same. Steven is being stoned endured the same. Steven is being stoned endured the same. Steven is being stoned to death and he's crying out, "Father, to death and he's crying out, "Father, to death and he's crying out, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they do." Very similar to the one we worship do." Very similar to the one we worship do." Very similar to the one we worship who was hung on a cross. who was hung on a cross. who was hung on a cross. And as they insulted him and beat him And as they insulted him and beat him And as they insulted him and beat him and spit on him, he is saying, "Father, and spit on him, he is saying, "Father, and spit on him, he is saying, "Father, father, forgive them for they know not father, forgive them for they know not father, forgive them for they know not what they do." It's interesting to me what they do." It's interesting to me what they do." It's interesting to me that this entire story of persecution that this entire story of persecution that this entire story of persecution points back to a principle that we all points back to a principle that we all points back to a principle that we all struggle so badly with, forgiveness. struggle so badly with, forgiveness. struggle so badly with, forgiveness. It actually made me mad when I read the It actually made me mad when I read the It actually made me mad when I read the end of this story. I expected to be end of this story. I expected to be end of this story. I expected to be like, "Well, let's go win the kingdom." like, "Well, let's go win the kingdom." like, "Well, let's go win the kingdom." No, just forgive. No, just forgive. No, just forgive. It's truth and grace. It's truth and grace. It's truth and grace. Extend the forgiveness that you so Extend the forgiveness that you so Extend the forgiveness that you so lavishly received. Perhaps church, it's lavishly received. Perhaps church, it's lavishly received. Perhaps church, it's wild to think about this, but the very wild to think about this, but the very wild to think about this, but the very person you may be withholding person you may be withholding person you may be withholding forgiveness from may be the person God forgiveness from may be the person God forgiveness from may be the person God wants to use to save a lot of people in wants to use to save a lot of people in wants to use to save a lot of people in a mighty way.

a mighty way. a mighty way. I believe we need to ask ourselves this I believe we need to ask ourselves this I believe we need to ask ourselves this morning, God, who do who who needs to be morning, God, who do who who needs to be morning, God, who do who who needs to be forgiven in my life? Who am I holding forgiven in my life? Who am I holding forgiven in my life? Who am I holding bitterness against? Who am I holding the bitterness against? Who am I holding the bitterness against? Who am I holding the grudge against? Two years ago, I've grudge against? Two years ago, I've grudge against? Two years ago, I've shared this story a lot recently. shared this story a lot recently. shared this story a lot recently. Two years ago, I had this moment with my Two years ago, I had this moment with my Two years ago, I had this moment with my oldest son. He was five at the time. oldest son. He was five at the time. oldest son. He was five at the time. He's seven now. We were getting ready He's seven now. We were getting ready He's seven now. We were getting ready for bed [laughter] and he crawls into for bed [laughter] and he crawls into for bed [laughter] and he crawls into our bed. You know, kids will do anything our bed. You know, kids will do anything our bed. You know, kids will do anything to stay up late when they're supposed to to stay up late when they're supposed to to stay up late when they're supposed to be in bed. And it's like 11:30. He be in bed. And it's like 11:30. He be in bed. And it's like 11:30. He crawls into my bed and he's Kendrick and crawls into my bed and he's Kendrick and crawls into my bed and he's Kendrick and I are laying there and I are laying there and I are laying there and he says, "Dad, I got a question." I'm he says, "Dad, I got a question." I'm he says, "Dad, I got a question." I'm like, "It's kind of late for questions, like, "It's kind of late for questions, like, "It's kind of late for questions, Bubba." Bubba." Bubba." And he says, "Uh, And he says, "Uh, And he says, "Uh, why do you call your dad Steve?" why do you call your dad Steve?" why do you call your dad Steve?" So, I said, "Buddy, I know it's going to So, I said, "Buddy, I know it's going to So, I said, "Buddy, I know it's going to be really hard to understand, but daddy be really hard to understand, but daddy be really hard to understand, but daddy has two dads." He's like, "What?" has two dads." He's like, "What?" has two dads." He's like, "What?" So, my my stepfather stepped in and and So, my my stepfather stepped in and and So, my my stepfather stepped in and and helped raise me. Did a phenomenal job. helped raise me. Did a phenomenal job. helped raise me. Did a phenomenal job. He's here right now. I love you, Steve. He's here right now. I love you, Steve. He's here right now. I love you, Steve. And I said, "Daddy has a stepdad, but And I said, "Daddy has a stepdad, but And I said, "Daddy has a stepdad, but there's another dad that you've never there's another dad that you've never there's another dad that you've never met. And I don't know if you'll ever met. And I don't know if you'll ever met. And I don't know if you'll ever meet him, and some of you have heard my meet him, and some of you have heard my meet him, and some of you have heard my story."

story." story." And uh I'm choked up cuz I got bad news And uh I'm choked up cuz I got bad news And uh I'm choked up cuz I got bad news yesterday. And um yesterday. And um yesterday. And um I've wrestled with bitterness my whole I've wrestled with bitterness my whole I've wrestled with bitterness my whole life. And uh you know, it's really easy life. And uh you know, it's really easy life. And uh you know, it's really easy to forgive people you don't know. to forgive people you don't know. to forgive people you don't know. Sometimes it's hardest to forgive the Sometimes it's hardest to forgive the Sometimes it's hardest to forgive the ones closest to you. ones closest to you. ones closest to you. So dad was arrested and he was in prison So dad was arrested and he was in prison So dad was arrested and he was in prison a large majority of my life and I just a large majority of my life and I just a large majority of my life and I just grew up thinking I'll never love that grew up thinking I'll never love that grew up thinking I'll never love that man. man. man. So Zayn is sitting on my bed and he's So Zayn is sitting on my bed and he's So Zayn is sitting on my bed and he's like I said you know daddy's my daddy like I said you know daddy's my daddy like I said you know daddy's my daddy has really hurt me buddy and uh he says has really hurt me buddy and uh he says has really hurt me buddy and uh he says he says well daddy he says well daddy he says well daddy I said my my dad is sick and he said I said my my dad is sick and he said I said my my dad is sick and he said well daddy Tom Bol's we pray for sick well daddy Tom Bol's we pray for sick well daddy Tom Bol's we pray for sick people and I'm like shut up you know I'd people and I'm like shut up you know I'd people and I'm like shut up you know I'd say that say that say that but it was in there you know [laughter] and I I said yeah we can pray for him and I I said yeah we can pray for him and and he uh he [snorts] gets closer and and he uh he [snorts] gets closer and and he uh he [snorts] gets closer and he grabs my hands and and I said, "Hey, it's really hard for and I said, "Hey, it's really hard for daddy to pray, Bubba, because you know daddy to pray, Bubba, because you know daddy to pray, Bubba, because you know the innocence of a child, guys." I said, the innocence of a child, guys." I said, the innocence of a child, guys." I said, "It's really hard for daddy to pray "It's really hard for daddy to pray "It's really hard for daddy to pray because my my dad has hurt me so much."

because my my dad has hurt me so much." because my my dad has hurt me so much." And I said, "Buddy, I he don't know that And I said, "Buddy, I he don't know that And I said, "Buddy, I he don't know that I can get these words out." This is a I can get these words out." This is a I can get these words out." This is a five-year-old. five-year-old. five-year-old. And he looks at me, he said, 'Well, And he looks at me, he said, 'Well, And he looks at me, he said, 'Well, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Tom Bolley's forgive. And I'm like, were Tom Bolley's forgive. And I'm like, were Tom Bolley's forgive. And I'm like, were you sent by God? Like, what is this? you sent by God? Like, what is this? you sent by God? Like, what is this? And so he grabs my hand. He's like, And so he grabs my hand. He's like, And so he grabs my hand. He's like, "We're going to pray." So, I look at "We're going to pray." So, I look at "We're going to pray." So, I look at Kendra. She's like, "You heard the man." Kendra. She's like, "You heard the man." Kendra. She's like, "You heard the man." You know, like, so we we close our eyes You know, like, so we we close our eyes You know, like, so we we close our eyes and I couldn't even get the words out. and I couldn't even get the words out. and I couldn't even get the words out. And he's like, "Dad, are you not going And he's like, "Dad, are you not going And he's like, "Dad, are you not going to pray for your own dad?" to pray for your own dad?" to pray for your own dad?" And I just begin to pray, "God, would And I just begin to pray, "God, would And I just begin to pray, "God, would you save his life? Would you use him in you save his life? Would you use him in you save his life? Would you use him in a mighty way? Would you show him that a mighty way? Would you show him that a mighty way? Would you show him that he's not damaged goods? Would you show he's not damaged goods? Would you show he's not damaged goods? Would you show him that you can use it all for purpose him that you can use it all for purpose him that you can use it all for purpose if he would give it over to you? Man, I if he would give it over to you? Man, I if he would give it over to you? Man, I started weeping in that bed with my started weeping in that bed with my started weeping in that bed with my 5-year-old son and my wife and he just 5-year-old son and my wife and he just 5-year-old son and my wife and he just like a silent assassin would just walk like a silent assassin would just walk like a silent assassin would just walk back to his room. [snorts] [snorts] Church, I I'm pleading with you this Church, I I'm pleading with you this Church, I I'm pleading with you this morning.

morning. morning. A lot of people are like, "Yeah, let's A lot of people are like, "Yeah, let's A lot of people are like, "Yeah, let's go. Let's go die for our faith. Let's go go. Let's go die for our faith. Let's go go. Let's go die for our faith. Let's go live for Christ. That's all great." But live for Christ. That's all great." But live for Christ. That's all great." But what if he's just saying, "Hey, forgive what if he's just saying, "Hey, forgive what if he's just saying, "Hey, forgive your spouse. your spouse. your spouse. Forgive the parent that walked out. Forgive the parent that walked out. Forgive the parent that walked out. Forgive the person who abused you, the Forgive the person who abused you, the Forgive the person who abused you, the person who turned their back on you, the person who turned their back on you, the person who turned their back on you, the person who inflicted pain intentionally person who inflicted pain intentionally person who inflicted pain intentionally on your life. If you would, would you close your eyes If you would, would you close your eyes across the room? I just I I believe the across the room? I just I I believe the across the room? I just I I believe the Lord wants to do a work in here this Lord wants to do a work in here this Lord wants to do a work in here this morning. You know, it's really easy to forgive You know, it's really easy to forgive when you start thinking about all the when you start thinking about all the when you start thinking about all the things that Jesus has forgiven you of. things that Jesus has forgiven you of. things that Jesus has forgiven you of. Matthew 5 says, "But I tell you, love Matthew 5 says, "But I tell you, love Matthew 5 says, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who your enemies and pray for those who your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of persecute you that you may be sons of persecute you that you may be sons of your father in heaven." There's three your father in heaven." There's three your father in heaven." There's three groups of people in here right now. The groups of people in here right now. The groups of people in here right now. The first group, you're in here and you're first group, you're in here and you're first group, you're in here and you're far from God. Or maybe you've never put far from God. Or maybe you've never put far from God. Or maybe you've never put faith in Jesus. And the Bible's really faith in Jesus. And the Bible's really faith in Jesus. And the Bible's really clear that if you believe in your heart clear that if you believe in your heart clear that if you believe in your heart and you confess with your mouth that you and you confess with your mouth that you and you confess with your mouth that you can be saved, that he died and he bled can be saved, that he died and he bled can be saved, that he died and he bled and he rose again on the third day.

and he rose again on the third day. and he rose again on the third day. Right there in your seat, you can pray a Right there in your seat, you can pray a Right there in your seat, you can pray a prayer making him Lord of your life. prayer making him Lord of your life. prayer making him Lord of your life. We'd love to pray with you up front We'd love to pray with you up front We'd love to pray with you up front during worship. Let him minister. Let it during worship. Let him minister. Let it during worship. Let him minister. Let it let him forgive you. Let him wash you let him forgive you. Let him wash you let him forgive you. Let him wash you clean. clean. clean. But there's also another group, probably But there's also another group, probably But there's also another group, probably the larger group in here, and you've the larger group in here, and you've the larger group in here, and you've been walking with Jesus, but man, you're been walking with Jesus, but man, you're been walking with Jesus, but man, you're way too comfortable. way too comfortable. way too comfortable. and he is pulling the weeds out of your and he is pulling the weeds out of your and he is pulling the weeds out of your life this morning and and he wants your life this morning and and he wants your life this morning and and he wants your life to look more like his. For some of life to look more like his. For some of life to look more like his. For some of you, it's time to get in a group into you, it's time to get in a group into you, it's time to get in a group into community. For maybe it's time to serve. community. For maybe it's time to serve. community. For maybe it's time to serve. For some of you, For some of you, For some of you, maybe it's sharing your faith in your maybe it's sharing your faith in your maybe it's sharing your faith in your workplace. Maybe for some of you, it's workplace. Maybe for some of you, it's workplace. Maybe for some of you, it's to trust God with your finances and sew to trust God with your finances and sew to trust God with your finances and sew back into the local church. There's back into the local church. There's back into the local church. There's going to be a opportunity to do that going to be a opportunity to do that going to be a opportunity to do that during worship. The ushers will come during worship. The ushers will come during worship. The ushers will come forward in a little bit during worship forward in a little bit during worship forward in a little bit during worship and pass containers. and pass containers. and pass containers. There's so many ways for us to get out There's so many ways for us to get out There's so many ways for us to get out of our comfort zone this morning. But of our comfort zone this morning. But of our comfort zone this morning. But some of you, you're in this room and you some of you, you're in this room and you some of you, you're in this room and you are enduring persecution and hardship are enduring persecution and hardship are enduring persecution and hardship and opposition. And I came from and opposition. And I came from and opposition. And I came from Fateville to tell you, do not lose hope.

Fateville to tell you, do not lose hope. Fateville to tell you, do not lose hope. Do not grow weary in doing good. For at Do not grow weary in doing good. For at Do not grow weary in doing good. For at the proper time, you will reap a harvest the proper time, you will reap a harvest the proper time, you will reap a harvest if you do not give up. Lord, we love if you do not give up. Lord, we love if you do not give up. Lord, we love you. We need more of you and less of us. you. We need more of you and less of us. you. We need more of you and less of us. May you increase in our life as we May you increase in our life as we May you increase in our life as we decrease. Jesus, you receive the glory decrease. Jesus, you receive the glory decrease. Jesus, you receive the glory today. I thank you for the people today. I thank you for the people today. I thank you for the people putting faith in you. I thank you for putting faith in you. I thank you for putting faith in you. I thank you for the people stepping out of comfort the people stepping out of comfort the people stepping out of comfort zones. I thank you for the people saying zones. I thank you for the people saying zones. I thank you for the people saying yes to the mission of God in their life. yes to the mission of God in their life. yes to the mission of God in their life. God, would you minister to us during God, would you minister to us during God, would you minister to us during worship? Will you show us the person to worship? Will you show us the person to worship? Will you show us the person to forgive? I believe there are some people forgive? I believe there are some people forgive? I believe there are some people in this room that need to come up to the in this room that need to come up to the in this room that need to come up to the front of this stage, which is an altar front of this stage, which is an altar front of this stage, which is an altar where things die and things can come where things die and things can come where things die and things can come back to life, where you can forgive some back to life, where you can forgive some back to life, where you can forgive some people. Come up here and pray with people. Come up here and pray with people. Come up here and pray with somebody in a little bit. Maybe you need somebody in a little bit. Maybe you need somebody in a little bit. Maybe you need to drop a a card off at the crosses and to drop a a card off at the crosses and to drop a a card off at the crosses and confess some sin and write some things confess some sin and write some things confess some sin and write some things down so that you can be healed. Whatever down so that you can be healed. Whatever down so that you can be healed. Whatever it is, I pray that you would make a step it is, I pray that you would make a step it is, I pray that you would make a step today. Everybody has a step and today. Everybody has a step and today. Everybody has a step and everybody's step looks different, but I everybody's step looks different, but I everybody's step looks different, but I I believe we could see a different I believe we could see a different I believe we could see a different church if everyone would just take a church if everyone would just take a church if everyone would just take a step and be faithful.

step and be faithful. step and be faithful. God, as we fix our eyes on you, would God, as we fix our eyes on you, would God, as we fix our eyes on you, would you speak to us in Jesus name? Everybody you speak to us in Jesus name? Everybody you speak to us in Jesus name? Everybody said amen.