Unmet Expectations
Knowing many people are interested in Christ for all the wrong reasons, we must be vigilant about maintaining a thoroughly biblical view of God and the Christian life amid all voices to the contrary.
Persecution
The Turbulent Intermission
We ought to expect a turbulent and hostile experience as we seek to stand with Christ and advance his cause in this world, remaining resolute, unafraid, and confident in God’s promise of ultimate deliverance.
Worldly Sensibilities & Godly Zeal
We must boldly and fearlessly make a godly difference in our daily environment, refusing to be conformed to the pattern of the world.
The Fear of Broken Relationships
While one day all pain and problems will be behind us, for now we must draw strength from God’s family as we endure the sting of strained and fractured relationships that are inevitable because of our alliance with Christ.
The Fear of Rejection
Because our alliance with Christ will be tested with some sort of persecution or difficult, we must resolve ahead of time to be loyal to him knowing God will provide real-time strength and support.
The Fear of Violence
Though in our fallen world we are not exempt from violent crimes and deadly persecution that will perennially threaten our well-being, the reliability of God’s good promises can enable us to renounce our fears.
When You’ve Been Rejected
We must be prepared to incur the kind of rejection Christ and the Apostles regularly encountered, knowing that it is not our job to retaliate but to seek peace and entrust ourselves to a just God.
Dealing with Mean & Demanding People
We need to consider the relative unimportance of our pain and loss associated with standing for Christ, and focus instead on the conversion of our opponents.
When You’re Ridiculed for Christ
We must allow the benefits of standing with Christ and his people to overshadow the painful relational consequences that will inevitably come from doing so.
Reputations & Vital Responsibilities
When we encounter slander and opposition for standing up for Christ, we should redouble our resolve to please God by being faithful to our call to evangelize without compromise.
Loving Enough to Tell the Truth about Hell
Faithful messengers of the Good News of Christ must be willing to endure unfavorable responses when we speak plainly of sin and God’s impending judgment.
Learning from the Perfect Twelve-Year-Old
We must get used to the tension that results from keeping God & his agenda supreme in our lives while attending to this life’s legitimate obligations & responsibilities.
Simeon on the Polarizing Effects of Jesus Christ
We must uncompromisingly and wholeheartedly stand with the Christ of the Bible even when the consequences for doing so are negative, painful or controversial.
Caring About Christ's Reputation
When we are mistreated we must respond strategically not emotionally, being more concerned about Christ?s reputation than the satisfaction of personal revenge.
Empathy for God’s Embattled People
As God’s children we are required to selflessly band together to support, encourage and strengthen one another when any of us are suffering, persecuted or attacked.
Unashamed of Its Reproach
Dig into the key verse for Book of Romans. God has called us to proclaim the gospel despite opposition, and to keep in mind the enormity of what’s a stake.
The Enduring Clash with Nativity's Antagonist
When Christ is exalted, promoted or presented we should expect and be prepared for increased opposition and antagonism against us and the truth.
Courage to Do the Right Thing
God requires ambitious faith to boldly face the consequences and temporary deprivation of resolutely pursuing a righteous life and saying no to the lure of sin.
Understanding the Ultimate Battle of Wits
We must gladly stand firm against any opposition that may come because we confidently believe what God has said.
Three Prayers Your Non-Christian Friends Need You to Pray
Evangelism is impossible without God; so pray about every aspect of sharing your faith with others.
Tips for Zealots
Christians should give up all hopes of being “normal” and choose to be right & trust God for the rest.
