The Privilege of Persecution
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness …” Mat 5:10b
At present, many men, women, and children around the world are facing persecution. Many more will face it in the near future. Indeed, persecution against Christians and Christian standards is now taking shape across the USA, and this persecution is becoming more aggressive and intense with each passing day. As we would prepare for any upcoming event in our life, so we should spiritually prepare for both present and coming persecution. Days of persecution are days to stand up in victory—not flee in defeat!
These are the notes from Nan Cunningham’s ladies’ Bible class at the Kansas Bible Conference, August 21–23, 2015.
Kansas 2015 Ladies Class
Gene Cunningham - April 8, 2000
Simplicity in Christ #3
2Co 11:3 Paul writes with dread or fear that Corinthian believers would be led astray and miss out on simplicity, purity in Christ—single-minded focus. Jesus thanks the Father that divine truth has been revealed to those who are dependent (i.e., "babes"). In Mat 11:25-30, Jesus asks those who are weary and heavy laden to come to Him. His "yoke"—or "school of learning"—is light, easy. Three factions united against Christ (Mat 22:15-46). The Pharisees thought keeping the law made you righteous and falsely thought they could gain salvation by works (Rom 8:3). Herodians believed that Herod Agrippa fulfilled the prophecies. Saducees believed there was no resurrection, and the body and soul die together.
Most Jews cared about their heritage (Mat 22:27-32). Saducees thought they could present a contradiction. Jesus responds by telling them "you do not know the scriptures, nor the power of God." We become "like angels"—not angels (Isa 6:3). Angels' focus is not on each other, but the Lord. In the resurrection we are totally devoted to Him (Mat 22:29-32; 1Co 15:12-58; 1Jo 3:2).
How did Jesus approach Scripture? This approach will greatly simplify our lives.
As the very Word of God (2Ti 3:16). Scripture is divine revelation;
It is inspired and accurately recorded. Jesus referred to Isaiah (Mat 13:14; 2Pe 1:21);
Scripture needs to be taken literally (Mat 21:42, Mat 4:4); it has authority over us;
The Word of God is eternal in nature (Joh 10:35; Mat 24:35);
The Bible has a united theme, namely, redemption (Luk 24:27);
The Word is powerful and relevant to us now (Joh 4:10, Joh 7:38; Heb 4:12).
It may appear contradictory to us; the problem is in us; it began with the Fall (Luk 8:11).
Jesus asks the Pharisees who the Christ is; He silenced them (Mat 22:34-46). We need to not question Him either.
Scripture References: Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 8:3, Matthew 21:42, John 7:38, Matthew 22:15-46, Matthew 13:14, John 4:10, Matthew 11:25-30, John 3:2, Luke 24:27, Matthew 22:29-32, Matthew 24:35, Matthew 22:34-46, Isaiah 6:3, John 10:35, Luke 8:11, Matthew 22:27-32
From Series: "2018 AYC Ladies Classes"
Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.