September 27, 2020
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Matthew 5:10-12
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

I. Coming to America

James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing

1. Evidence of the Sincerity of Faith

1 Peter 4:14-15
14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

2. Weaves Us Into the Story of God

Luke 9:23
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

II. Cause Worth Dying For

A. Counter-Cultural Mindset
B. Clarity of Mission
C. Consistency in Action

Matthew 5:14-16
14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Let Your Light Shine Even When Others Try To Blow It Out

Next Steps

• I see my need for Christ and confess Him as my Lord and Savior.
• I confess that I have concealed my faith and commit to carry hope this week.
• I commit to walk with my actions aligned with my beliefs.

Deep Dive

1. How have you observed believers being persecuted for their beliefs?
2. How is true persecution of faith different from personal trials? Read James 1:2-4.
3. Read Luke 9:23 and quickly discuss what it looks like to take up your cross daily.

Springboards

1. Read John 5:39 and discuss why there is value in searching Scriptures for truth.
2. Share with each other what your favorite Bible verse is and why.
3. Read 1 Peter 1:3-4 and discuss how we have hope in Christ.