What to do when they come for you
https://www.youtube.com/live/bFZQzWd22Xo?si=Trw4DuaevLHEB_UF
Pastor Jesse reflects on the persecution of early Christians, particularly the killing of James and the imprisonment of Peter in the Book of Acts. He draws parallels between the historical persecution of Christians and the challenges faced by believers today, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God amidst adversity.
Here's a breakdown of the key themes and messages:
• Context from Acts Chapter 12 (4:10-8:25): Pastor Jesse introduces the biblical account of Herod Agrippa I persecuting the early church, killing James and imprisoning Peter. The term "vex" is explained as causing malicious harm and difficulty. The shock and significance of James's death as one of Jesus's closest apostles are highlighted.
• "What to Do When They Come for You" (8:25-11:25): This is presented as the central question and thought for the sermon. The preacher questions why Christianity posed such a threat to Rome, emphasizing that persecution of Christians has been a continuous reality throughout history, often overlooked in more blessed nations.
• Reasons for Roman Persecution and Modern Parallels (11:25-26:06):
• Exclusive Allegiance (11:38-13:41): Rome demanded allegiance to Caesar as Lord, making the proclamation of Jesus as Lord an act of treason. The speaker parallels this with modern society's demand for "tolerance" above absolute truth, especially regarding Jesus Christ as the only way.
• Undermining Social Order (13:41-16:11): The church, by bringing together people from all social strata (Jews, Gentiles, masters, slaves), challenged Rome's hierarchical structure. The gospel, the preacher argues, still breaks down walls of racism and division by emphasizing the unity of the human race in Christ.
• Accusations and Slander (16:51-17:41): Early Christians were slandered with accusations like cannibalism (due to the Lord's Supper) and immorality/incest (due to calling each other "brothers and sisters").
• Moral Reversal (18:01-26:06): Rome normalized infanticide, while Christians rescued abandoned children. Pastor draws a parallel to modern issues like abortion, pornography, and gender confusion, arguing that speaking God's truth on these matters is loving, not hateful, despite societal perceptions. He emphasizes that God's creation of male and female is not a mistake, contrary to what some modern ideologies might suggest, and that affirming destructive paths is not truly loving.
• Why the World Hates Christians (27:37-33:59): Citing John 15:18-19 and John 3:18-21, Pastor Jesse explains that the world hates Christians because it first hated Jesus, and because people love darkness rather than light (truth) when their deeds are evil. The sermon emphasizes that truth, though sometimes painful, ultimately heals, contrasting it with falsehood that comforts but kills.
• God's Work Continues Amidst Adversity (33:59-37:29): Despite persecution and death, God's work will continue. The example of Peter sleeping soundly in prison (36:06) is used to illustrate profound trust in God's plan, even when facing imminent death.
• Look Up to Jesus (37:29-41:20): Pastor Jesse encourages listeners not to look down in fear, around in despair, or within for strength, but to look up to Jesus. Peter's experience of sinking when he took his eyes off Jesus while walking on water serves as a reminder to keep focus on Christ. The sermon concludes by highlighting that Jesus died as a substitute for humanity's sins, offering salvation as a free gift.
• Speaking Truth in Love (42:47-45:37): The sermon ends with an exhortation to speak truth with meekness and humility, emphasizing that the goal is to win people, not arguments, and to offer the love and salvation of Jesus Christ to a world in darkness.
Pastor Jesse reflects on the persecution of early Christians, particularly the killing of James and the imprisonment of Peter in the Book of Acts. He draws parallels between the historical persecution of Christians and the challenges faced by believers today, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God amidst adversity.
Here's a breakdown of the key themes and messages:
• Context from Acts Chapter 12 (4:10-8:25): Pastor Jesse introduces the biblical account of Herod Agrippa I persecuting the early church, killing James and imprisoning Peter. The term "vex" is explained as causing malicious harm and difficulty. The shock and significance of James's death as one of Jesus's closest apostles are highlighted.
• "What to Do When They Come for You" (8:25-11:25): This is presented as the central question and thought for the sermon. The preacher questions why Christianity posed such a threat to Rome, emphasizing that persecution of Christians has been a continuous reality throughout history, often overlooked in more blessed nations.
• Reasons for Roman Persecution and Modern Parallels (11:25-26:06):
• Exclusive Allegiance (11:38-13:41): Rome demanded allegiance to Caesar as Lord, making the proclamation of Jesus as Lord an act of treason. The speaker parallels this with modern society's demand for "tolerance" above absolute truth, especially regarding Jesus Christ as the only way.
• Undermining Social Order (13:41-16:11): The church, by bringing together people from all social strata (Jews, Gentiles, masters, slaves), challenged Rome's hierarchical structure. The gospel, the preacher argues, still breaks down walls of racism and division by emphasizing the unity of the human race in Christ.
• Accusations and Slander (16:51-17:41): Early Christians were slandered with accusations like cannibalism (due to the Lord's Supper) and immorality/incest (due to calling each other "brothers and sisters").
• Moral Reversal (18:01-26:06): Rome normalized infanticide, while Christians rescued abandoned children. Pastor draws a parallel to modern issues like abortion, pornography, and gender confusion, arguing that speaking God's truth on these matters is loving, not hateful, despite societal perceptions. He emphasizes that God's creation of male and female is not a mistake, contrary to what some modern ideologies might suggest, and that affirming destructive paths is not truly loving.
• Why the World Hates Christians (27:37-33:59): Citing John 15:18-19 and John 3:18-21, Pastor Jesse explains that the world hates Christians because it first hated Jesus, and because people love darkness rather than light (truth) when their deeds are evil. The sermon emphasizes that truth, though sometimes painful, ultimately heals, contrasting it with falsehood that comforts but kills.
• God's Work Continues Amidst Adversity (33:59-37:29): Despite persecution and death, God's work will continue. The example of Peter sleeping soundly in prison (36:06) is used to illustrate profound trust in God's plan, even when facing imminent death.
• Look Up to Jesus (37:29-41:20): Pastor Jesse encourages listeners not to look down in fear, around in despair, or within for strength, but to look up to Jesus. Peter's experience of sinking when he took his eyes off Jesus while walking on water serves as a reminder to keep focus on Christ. The sermon concludes by highlighting that Jesus died as a substitute for humanity's sins, offering salvation as a free gift.
• Speaking Truth in Love (42:47-45:37): The sermon ends with an exhortation to speak truth with meekness and humility, emphasizing that the goal is to win people, not arguments, and to offer the love and salvation of Jesus Christ to a world in darkness.
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