The Persecution Push

Some time ago one of our Chaplains was preaching through the book of Acts. I was particularly struck by one of his sermons, The Persecution Push. After Ken and I travelled with Jack and Paula in October of 2007 to the City Mission World Association Conference, my life was transformed. Softened and moved towards the missions that run on a shoestring. Towards those that fear for their lives. Towards those that receive beatings for sharing the Gospel.

As it happened, back in the Bible days, Peter and the church needed to be pushed along by persecution. (Acts 7-15)

And so, the conclusion of Dr. Katzberg's "Persecution Push:"

*Respond to God's call whether you feel comfortable or not!
*No is never a good resopnse to God. Your lack of comfort might become pain.
*Make sure you get it straight - don't deceive yourself.
*Be prepared to reach out to all. God has no boundaries.
*Christ died for every human. We are all saved by grace.
*Complacency and comfort are not likely God's plan for you.

For those that heed this message, there are special blessings:

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. -Matthew 5:11-12

Are you feeling pushed along today?