October 18, 2020 – Cottonwood

Happy Are the Persecuted!

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for there is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Persecuted: Mistreated, troubled, suffering, Pursued. Perfect Tense

1st Jesus Secured the Kingdom of Heaven For You through Incredible Persecution:

¬ That Was Prophesied in Isaiah 53
¬ That Was Fulfilled In the Gospels!

Luke 4:22-30 – 2nd Attempt On His Life – God Touching Gentiles!
John 8:48-59 – 3rd Attempt On His Life – Before Abraham Was, I Am!
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – The Final Sufferings and Successful Attempt on His Life – The Trial, the Beating, The Cross and Crucifixion

2nd Jesus Declared Persecution For His Followers.

John 15:20 If They Persecuted Me, They will Persecute You!
Acts 14:22 Through Many Tribulations We Enter Into the Kingdom of God!

3rd And They Were Persecuted!

¬ The Apostles Positioned Themselves For Persecution: Acts 5:20-42

Have You Positioned Yourself to Receive Persecution?

Are You speaking the whole “Message of this Life”? Acts 5:20
Are You Obeying God Rather Than Man? Acts 5:29
Are You Speaking Truth? 30-32
Will You Rejoice that you are considered worthy to suffer shame for His name? 41
Will Keep right teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ? 42

¬ Paul and Silas: Acts 16:6-10; 16-34

4th And We Are Still Persecuted!

Matthew 13:44 The Kingdom of Heaven A Treasure!
And that is what the Beatitudes are all about! You give your life over to the principles of the kingdom

Hebrews 12:1-4

1. Lay Aside Every Encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles you!
2. Practice Gladness, Joy, Worship Thanksgiving in every circumstance!
3. Run Your Race With Endurance!
4. Fix Your Eyes On Jesus!