The Privilege of Persecution
The Privilege of Persecution
Dear Church Family,
Persecution is a privilege. Do you agree?
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:10-12).
Next Wednesday night, May 4, we at New Covenant Bible Church have the opportunity to learn more about our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are suffering persecution for the sake of the gospel. We will be hosting a Forum on the Persecuted Church from 6:30—8:00 p.m. for our entire church family to attend. The youth group will be joining us.
The forum will be led by Dr. Carl Moeller, President and CEO of Open Doors USA. Dr. Moeller is a dedicated advocate for the millions of Christians around the globe who are denied religious freedom and basic human rights. He travels the world encouraging Christians who face discrimination, imprisonment and even death for their faith. Here in the U.S., he is focused on raising awareness of the plight of those who are persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Recently Dr. Moeller has partnered with Pastor David Hegg (formerly from Fox Valley Bible Church) to write a book entitled The Privilege of Persecution (And Other Things the Global Church Knows that We Don’t). Dr. Moeller and Pastor Hegg challenge the notion that the persecuted church is primarily in need of us—really, we need to understand that we in the West are in much greater need of our persecuted brothers and sisters. The persecuted church teaches us that “the normal Christian life” embraces the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings.
The Apostle Peter alerts us all: “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter: 5:8–9). We in the United States should not be surprised by the fiery ordeal of persecution should it come upon us.
We may one day find ourselves faced with “the privilege of persecution.” Will we be ready to “rejoice and be glad”?
I am compelled to learn more about the persecuted church—I would challenge each of us to embrace this opportunity to learn more. Please join us at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday night, May 4 for a time of worship, learning, and interaction about The Privilege of Persecution.
Your brother in Christ our All,
Pastor David Sunday
Dear Church Family,
Persecution is a privilege. Do you agree?
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:10-12).
Next Wednesday night, May 4, we at New Covenant Bible Church have the opportunity to learn more about our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are suffering persecution for the sake of the gospel. We will be hosting a Forum on the Persecuted Church from 6:30—8:00 p.m. for our entire church family to attend. The youth group will be joining us.
The forum will be led by Dr. Carl Moeller, President and CEO of Open Doors USA. Dr. Moeller is a dedicated advocate for the millions of Christians around the globe who are denied religious freedom and basic human rights. He travels the world encouraging Christians who face discrimination, imprisonment and even death for their faith. Here in the U.S., he is focused on raising awareness of the plight of those who are persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Recently Dr. Moeller has partnered with Pastor David Hegg (formerly from Fox Valley Bible Church) to write a book entitled The Privilege of Persecution (And Other Things the Global Church Knows that We Don’t). Dr. Moeller and Pastor Hegg challenge the notion that the persecuted church is primarily in need of us—really, we need to understand that we in the West are in much greater need of our persecuted brothers and sisters. The persecuted church teaches us that “the normal Christian life” embraces the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings.
The Apostle Peter alerts us all: “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter: 5:8–9). We in the United States should not be surprised by the fiery ordeal of persecution should it come upon us.
We may one day find ourselves faced with “the privilege of persecution.” Will we be ready to “rejoice and be glad”?
I am compelled to learn more about the persecuted church—I would challenge each of us to embrace this opportunity to learn more. Please join us at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday night, May 4 for a time of worship, learning, and interaction about The Privilege of Persecution.
Your brother in Christ our All,
Pastor David Sunday
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