Jesus Followers Acts 25:13-22

May 8, 2021 Pastor: Terry Embke Series: Book of Acts

Topic: Book of Acts Passage: Acts 25:13–22

050921- “Jesus Followers” Acts 25:13-22. John 15:18-20 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

"Christian persecution-It may be surprising, but Christian persecution around the world is one of the biggest human rights issues of this era. While Christian persecution takes many forms, it is defined as any hostility experienced as a result of identification with Jesus Christ. From Sudan to Russia, from Nigeria to North Korea, from Colombia to India, followers of Christianity are targeted for their faith. They are attacked; they are discriminated against at work and at school; they risk sexual violence, torture, arrest and much more.

In just the last year*, there have been:

Over 340 million Christians living in places where they experience high levels of persecution and discrimination
- 4,761 Christians killed for their faith
- 4,488 churches and other Christian buildings attacked
- 4,277 believers detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned

These numbers are heart-breaking. And yet, they do not tell the whole story. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” That joy is what we see when we hear and work with Christians all over the world who suffer because they serve Jesus. God cares for His people, and He will never leave or forsake them." (Source:OpenDoorsUSA.org-World Watch List)

Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!”

Our Sermon In A Sentence:As a follower of Jesus we must not be surprised or depressed by opposition; but, stay focused on Him.

As Followers Of Jesus We Will:
- Be Undervalued By Non-Believer
- Be Judged By Human Standards
- Be Scorned By The World’s Elite
- Be Mocked For Resurrection Faith

Acts 5:29 “We must obey God rather than men.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.”

More in Book of Acts

July 31, 2021

Be a Voice of Truth Acts 18:24-28

July 24, 2021

The Next Chapter Acts 29

July 17, 2021

Lessons from a Disciple Maker Acts 28:23-31