Counter Cultural Character

What this episode covers

Notes on Persecution Persecution proves that we should not seek Peace At Any Cost - otherwise why would we be persecuted - Seeking Peace in a World at War will bring Persecution For Righteousness Sake - Not for Foolishness - Not for Disobedience - Not for Objectionable Behavior - Not for Being a Nuisance - Not for Being Difficult to Live with - Not for Being Self-Righteous - Not for Being Fanatics - Not for Political Reasons - When the thing charged as wrong is actually right - For Being like Christ - Living out the prior Beatitudes 2 Timothy 3:12 Persecution comes from all sides - At the hands of the world - At the hands of the religious and the nominal church Why are Christians Persecuted? - Others feel guilty when they see true righteousness lives out by believers - Conviction leads to repentance or anger - The Christian doesn't blend in to a godless society - Cannot be universally popular and be a faithful believer - Christianity is necessarily an intolerant religion and it provokes strife - Don't be afraid to provoke it - We must get the first beatitude right to get the last one right! - Why don't they respect my principles? - Some will - Some will be angry with your principles The Unbelievable Response to Persecution - Rejoice and Be Glad This is deep, spiritual joy that is unhindered and unchanged by what happens in this present life - Don't be surprised - Don't sulk - Don't self-pity - Don't retaliate - Don't feel resentment - Look Back Prophets of old were persecuted Jeremiah beaten (Jeremiah 20:2) Zechariah stoned (2 Chronicles 24:21) Isaiah sewn in two Jesus - Look Forward Great is our reward in heaven This life is not all there is - rewards here are not as valuable as rewards in heaven I know where I am going and what awaits me