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Persevere Church!

#94 “Christians should be exhorted to be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, death, and hell.”
#95 “And thus be confident of entering into heaven through many tribulations rather than through the false security of peace (Acts 14:22).” 

Luther pays the price in isolation! He saw it coming for himself and others. 

The Cost of Following Jesus. 1 Peter 4:12-16

• If you put on the name of Christ expect suffering. (12)
• Celebrate that you have suffered for Jesus. (13)
  • Proud to bear that name! Acts 5:41
  • Excited that you are walking in the steps of Christ.
• Being insulted for Jesus’ name brings blessing. (14)
• Suffering due to mistakes are not to be celebrated. (15)
• If we suffer for his Name, praise God not yourself! (16)
• Paul actually invites Timothy to join him in suffering for Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:8 “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”

• Suffering is even seen as a calling for us as a follower of Jesus.

 Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…”

Prayer for CHURCH.

1. Pray that the Church will walk according to his Name and to his glory.
2. Pray that the Church will not shrink back from the face of suffering.

• For the Word to be the authority, even in the face of social rejection.
• For our spirit to be one of gentleness in respect to those who insult us.
• For our suffering to bring glory to God by changing lives.

3. Pray for those who are suffering around the world for the name of Jesus.

• For their perseverance.
• For their suffering to produce fruit in the lives of those who harm them and are watching their testimony of faith.

4. Pray that the Church will flourish in this region and a harvest will happen!