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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Persecuted (08/22/24)
Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted

Matthew 5:10- “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my names’ sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my names’ sake. But there shall not an hair on your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls,” (Luke 21: 12-19).
“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you,” (Matthew 10: 19-20).

“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come,” (Matthew 10: 23).

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” (2 Timothy 3: 12).

The Apostle Paul lets us know in 2 Timothy chapter three, verse twelve, that we as born again Christians, in Christ Jesus, will all suffer some type of persecution. Jesus suffered persecution so that we may inherit the gift of eternal life and salvation. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” (Hebrews 4: 15).

The Apostle Paul urged believers to endure and suffer through persecutions and tribulations as he and the apostles did. “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; And labour working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:” (I Corinthians 4: 11-12). “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us,” (Romans 5: 3-5).

Stephen was the first Christian to be martyred after the day of Pentecost, because he spoke the truth, given to him by the Spirit of Truth: The Holy Ghost. According to the Amplified Bible, Stephen was one of the seven men chosen, who was full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. These seven men were to “oversee the distribution of food, and serve tables.” The widows were being overlooked in “the daily serving of food,” (Acts 6: 1-3 Amplified Bible).

“Now Stephen full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake,” (Acts 6: 8-10).

God’s Holy Spirit spoke through Stephen as he was being persecuted and eventually killed for blasphemy and calling his persecutors murders of the prophets and murderers of Christ (Acts 7: 51-60). “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep,” (Acts 7: 60). “They shall put you out of the synagogues: Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service,” (John 16:2).

“And (Stephen) said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God,” (Acts 7: 56).

Stephen was persecuted for righteousness’ sake and heaven is his eternal home.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Terry R A Eissfeldt 
08/29/24
A good study
Blessings
Philippa Geaney
09/02/24
A great source of encouragement and motivation.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/05/24
You've picked out some great Bible verses about the topic. Unfortunately you only had a handful of sentences that were your own words. I think you have a great passion to spread the Word. Perhaps considering taking one or at most two verses and explain what they mean to you. Perhaps} s ask the reader some questions about it in a study like format at the end. You definitely want to share your faith with others.