“A Different Kind of Kingdom”

Today the Church gathers — many of them on Sundays — to read and study the Bible together. Many gather in beautiful buildings just as we are doing today. Others gather in storefront locations. Still others gather secretly in house churches, because studying Scripture is illegal where they are.

Here are a few facts you should know about the Bible: It’s the best-selling book of all time, with some 5,000,000,000 copies sold. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the least read and even less understood. This book is the inspired Word of God and holds truth, promises, instructions for righteous living, signs of coming events, the invitation to follow Christ’s example of sacrifice and service, as well as the key to abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven with Him.

What do you think of when you hear the word kingdom?

The Kingdom that Jesus speaks of is not a physical place. It can’t be damaged or destroyed. In fact, there are many things about His Kingdom that seem absolutely contrary to the things we tend to think about.

Today as we think about the persecuted Church, we must remember that it is real. People are being tortured and killed for some of the very things we’re doing in this place today. The Kingdom of God is upside-down. And those who belong to it aren’t lifted up; they’re pressed down — at least on this earth.

His Kingdom really is a different kind of kingdom.

What is our responsibility where persecution is involved?

1. We must  for our persecuted brothers and sisters. 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom.” – Matthew 5:10, ESV

There are basically two kinds of persecution:  and .

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.'” – Matthew 5:43-45, ESV

To us, in many ways it’s just a passage of Scripture. But to our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s a way of life.

2. We must  His Kingdom, not our own.

Make no mistake: We can’t live like the devil and still expect God’s blessings.

Here are a few questions to consider:

• Are you more passionate about your  than you are about your ?
• Are you more concerned with the past or  the future?
• Are you more motivated by your  or by ?
• Are you more focused on  or ?
• Are you more protective of your  or your ?

3. We must  for persecution ourselves.

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12, ESV

What action steps do you need to take based on today’s message?

Persecuted Church Resources:

Voice of the Martyrs, www.persecution.com

Open Doors USA, www.opendoorsusa.org 

Doors of Hope International, www.dohi.org 

World Help, www.worldhelp.net 

© 2020 / Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock, AR – www.parkhillbaptist.org