calendar_today November 4, 2024

Acts: Life On Mission – Week 10 – Persecution is Coming

person Mike Wilson

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Persecution is Coming

As New Life continues its journey through the book of Acts, this week’s message, titled “Persecution is Coming”, dives into the theme of hardship and the call for resilience as followers of Christ. Acts 8 details the early church’s persecution following the death of Stephen, introducing a time when believers are scattered yet emboldened in their mission. In this message, we unpack what it means to stay on mission, trust in God’s faithfulness through adversity, and ultimately see how persecution can ignite church growth and personal faith.

Persecution is Part of Living a Godly Life

The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, said,
2 Timothy 3:12: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

This isn’t directed at those who merely identify as Christians—it’s for those who live like Christ, who stand out, and who will face opposition as a result. Persecution isn’t a setback; it’s a sign of faithful obedience and, time and again, has led to growth and revival.

In the early church, persecution scattered believers and, rather than silencing them, sparked a mission to spread the Good News.

Understanding Where Attacks Come From

The Bible gives us insight into the sources of persecution, helping us understand and navigate opposition with a faith-filled mindset:

Self: Often, personal struggles are rooted in self-caused pain. Sin breeds consequences. However, the closer we walk with Jesus, the less self-inflicted pain we carry.
The Satan: Temptation is a real tactic of the enemy, and while he may not directly inflict harm, he tempts us and others, which can result in hurt and division. Through spiritual practices like prayer and reliance on Jesus, we find strength to overcome his influence.
Angry or Jealous People: Faithful living often convicts others, and they may feel uncomfortable or resistant, leading them to lash out. When this happens, keep close to God’s truth, knowing He is with you.
Well-Meaning People: Not all opposition comes from outside the church. Sometimes, well-meaning but misguided believers can focus on secondary issues, leading to unnecessary conflict. This is an invitation to remain humble and unified, even amid different perspectives.

Staying Focused on Mission

Living on mission means praying for the salvation of others, even our neighbors, and intentionally seeking to know and care for them. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us of our role:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”

This passage teaches that we aren’t called to hide our faith. Instead, our deeds are to reflect God’s love and truth, offering light and guidance to those around us. Jesus calls us to boldness, inviting us to:

Plug into the Power Source: Stay connected with Jesus and other believers to keep your light strong.
Switch on the Light: We must take intentional steps to share our faith—whether it’s a conversation, a text, or an invitation to church.
Shine in Darkness: Light is most effective in dark places, meaning we’re called to leave the comfort zone of fellow believers and engage with those who don’t yet know Christ.

Intentional Evangelism with the “Bless” App

Taking action begins with prayer. This week, we introduced the Bless app, a tool to help believers pray specifically for their neighbors. As we pray for others, we’ll find God opening doors to share our faith and connect in meaningful ways.

How to Get Started:

Download the Bless app, register, and start praying for the people in your neighborhood by name. Prayer is often the first step toward impactful relationships and a powerful way to prepare the heart for evangelism.

Inspiration from the New Life Community

Every member of New Life has a story and a mission field. Just as believers like Ken Ferguson, Chad Sheehan, and Lyle Austin actively live out their faith in different ways, each of us is invited to share Christ’s love where we are. Whether it’s your neighbors, coworkers, or family, letting your light shine can bring encouragement and hope in a world that often feels dark.

Being “light” to others doesn’t require a specific personality type or skillset—only a commitment to love and a willingness to share God’s truth.

Key Takeaways

Expect Persecution: Following Jesus means facing opposition, but He is our strength and guide.
Stay on Mission: Jesus’ mandate to spread the gospel is for each believer, and the mission field begins with our neighbors and friends.
Shine Brightly: Be intentional in faith and service, knowing that even small acts of love and kindness can make a big impact.

God’s church has always thrived under pressure and persecution. This message reminds us that God doesn’t call us to comfort but to commitment. Together, let’s be lights in a dark world, with the confidence that He is with us every step of the way.

Scripture References:

2 Timothy 3:12 – Expectation of Persecution
Acts 8:1-4 – Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel
Matthew 5:14-16 – Let Your Light Shine
Exodus 20:7 – Using the Lord’s Name Properly
Matthew 6:19-20 – Storing Treasures in Heaven

Join New Life’s Journey:
Explore Acts: Life on Mission with us as we uncover the boldness, resilience, and mission of the early church.

Did you like Acts: Life On Mission – Week 10 – Persecution is Coming? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

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