The Persecuted Church

The book of Revelation begins with letters to different churches from the 1^st century. We get to listen over the shoulders of those first readers, learning from their experiences and from what God said to them. This week we learn about the persecuted church – those attacked for their faith in Jesus. We will learn from these brave Christians and pray for those around the world today who experience suffering because of their faith.  

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Revelation 2:8-11

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You will find the SermonNotes for today’s message here.

REFLECTION

Persecution: It’s Real
by Elaine Pierce

If you google “what does the Bible say about persecution” you will get thousands of results in less than a second. My friends, scripture is full of examples of persecution, from the Israelites held in bondage in Egypt to the suffering of the early church in Acts – and everywhere in between. (Of course, Jesus suffered the ultimate, death on a cross, for our sins.) 2 Timothy 3:12 sums it up: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

John tells the church in Smyrna that “I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich!”  And then he goes onto exhort them not to be afraid when they are persecuted: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior as a 19-year-old, and that was many, many years ago. I have not suffered for my faith as the Jews did, wandering in the desert for 40 years. I have not been stoned like Stephen. I have not been falsely accused and sentenced to death at a mock trial like Jesus. I have not been imprisoned like Paul. No, I have not been persecuted. I live in a country where, for the most part, freedom of religion is practiced. Until the pandemic, I could go to church every Sunday without fear of arrest. And during the pandemic, I have been able to worship online without fear of reprisal. 

I would suspect that my experience is similar to most of my readers. So how do we grow in our faith when we haven’t been subjected to persecution? I don’t think the answer is to go and look for persecution, but I do think that when trials and setbacks come our way – and they will – we need to realize that they are not sent from God as a punishment. God didn’t send the novel corona-virus to punish us, although the virus has been a wake-up call to repentance and renewal. Romans 8:28 says it best: God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purposes.

Persecution is part of faith in Jesus. When it comes, as it did to the church in Smyrna, our response is to be faithful, even to the point of death. 

Lord, when persecution comes, and you tell us that it will, help me to hold onto your promises and to receive the crown of life. You are good and your mercies for those who love you are everlasting.    

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - SUNDAY

SCRIPTURES - Pray the Scriptures. Some examples are Psalm 91:1-15 / Psalm 121:5-8 / John 14:27 / Philippians 4:6-7 / 2 Timothy 1:7