Amazing Grace Baptist Bulletin
*Heavenly Father, We come before You with grateful
hearts, knowing that Your love never fails. In times of trial, persecution, or
hardship, remind Your people that they are not forgotten. Strengthen every
weary soul, comfort every broken heart, and renew every spirit with Your peace.
Lord, let Your joy be their strength, Your Word their
anchor, and Your Spirit their guide. May they walk in courage, knowing that You
are with them through every valley and storm. Teach us to love one another
deeply, to encourage one another daily, and to shine as lights in a world that
often misunderstands Your truth.
Bless Your people with hope that cannot be shaken,
faith that cannot be silenced, and love that overflows to all. May we stand
firm together, united in Christ, until the day we see You face to face.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.*
1. “Persecution is not the absence of blessing—it is the
evidence of it.”
2. “Every insult for Christ is a jewel in the crown of
eternity.”
3. “The world’s rejection is heaven’s recognition.”
4. “To be falsely accused for Jesus is to be truly honored by
God.”
5. “Persecution is the shadow cast by the light of faith.”
6. “Reviling words may wound, but they cannot erase the joy of
belonging to Christ.”
7. “Blessed are the persecuted, for their scars shine brighter
than gold in God’s kingdom.”
✨ Faith in the
Fire: The Story of a Persecuted Family in Myanmar
In Myanmar, a small
Christian family lived quietly in their village, worshiping Jesus in secret.
Their neighbors followed other faiths, and the government discouraged
Christianity. For years, they endured whispers, insults, and threats. But one
day, their faith was tested in a way that would mark them forever.
Local authorities
accused them of “disturbing the peace” simply because they gathered to pray in
their home. Soldiers came, tore down their small house church, and ordered them
to renounce Christ. When they refused, the father was beaten, and the mother and
children were driven from their home with nothing but the clothes they wore.
They fled into the
forest, hungry and afraid, yet they carried one treasure: a small, worn Bible.
Each night, under the stars, they read aloud the promises of God. The children
asked, “Why do they hate us?” The father answered gently, “Because we belong
to Jesus. But remember His words: ‘Blessed are ye when men shall revile you…
for my sake.’”
Months later, other
believers found them and gave shelter. Though they lost their home, they never
lost their faith. Their story spread, and many were encouraged by their
courage. Today, they continue to worship, knowing that their suffering is not
in vain.
🌿 Reflection
This
family’s hardship reminds us that persecution is not “normal” or acceptable—it
is unjust and painful. Yet, like Stephen in Acts, they saw beyond the suffering
to the eternal reward. Their tears became prayers, and their loss became
testimony.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” — Matthew 5:11 (KJV)
Verse Breakdown & Definitions
“Blessed are ye”
Blessed means spiritually favored, joyful, and approved by God.
Jesus is saying that those who endure hardship for Him are not cursed—they are honored.
“When men shall revile you”
Revile means to insult, mock, or speak abusively.
This refers to verbal attacks aimed at believers because of their faith.
“And persecute you”
Persecute means to harass, mistreat, or cause suffering—physically, emotionally, or socially.
It includes exclusion, threats, and even violence for standing with Christ.
“And shall say all manner of evil against you falsely”
This points to slander—lies and false accusations meant to damage reputation.
Jesus acknowledges that believers will be misrepresented and misunderstood.
“For my sake”
The suffering described is not random—it is because of allegiance to Jesus.
This is key: the blessing comes when the hardship is endured for Christ, not for wrongdoing.
No comments:
Post a Comment