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
Nancy Cunningham - November 4, 2010
Nan - Seek Forgiveness
Joh 19:1-42
Luk 7:36-50 Mary is at the feet of Jesus, and it’s the best place to live your life. Mary wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair, her glory. Mary was a prisoner of her own sin, and Jesus set her free. Rom 3:23 Rom 6:23 Rom 5:8 Our greatest decision: to believe in who He is. Joh 3:16
Forgiveness of Jesus Christ: Mary had a broken heart, and needed it healed. Healing only starts with receiving forgiveness and giving forgiveness. Eph 4:31-32 Eph 1:8-9 We don’t deserve forgiveness, but He give it because of who He is. Forgiving is not saying what was done was right. Forgiveness is remembering what Jesus has done with our sin, and being willing to extend that to someone else. Col 2:13-14 Mat 18:21 There is no limit to the amount of times we should forgive someone. If we have a bitter heart against someone it becomes deeply rooted within us. When we forgive, it takes down that bitterness. Heb 5:12 Psa 103:12 We don’t have to keep bringing up an issue if we’ve forgiven that person. Isa 61:1-11 Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free.
Scripture References: Hebrews 5:12, Romans 6:23, Matthew 18:21, Romans 3:23, Colossians 2:13-14, Luke 7:36-50, Ephesians 1:8-9, John 19:1-42, Ephesians 4:31-32, Isaiah 61:1-11, John 3:16, Psalms 103:12, Romans 5:8