Going the the right way in a wrong Way World Matthew 5:10-12 The eight beatitude deals with persecution. In the early days of America, persecution was widespread. Contrary to popular opinion, the Pilgrims did not come here to establish religious toleration and freedom. They came to practice their brand of faith, period. If anyone disagreed with them, they could move on. This is exactly what happened to Roger Williams, an early Baptist. He arrived in Massachusetts in 1631, to escape persecution in England from the Church of England, but by 1636, Massachusetts kicked him out, too. He ended up starting the colony of Rhode Island, the first area in America to guarantee religious freedom for everybody.Throughout history, Christians have been persecuted in the name of "religion" by those who thought they were doing something that was righteous and godly instead of repulsive and gross. Jesus warned us of this kind of treatment.The word "persecuted" also describes past action which continues in the present. This also emphasizes the fact that persecution is persistent and unrelenting. It does not deliver one blow then quit, but it delivers blow after blow.The world can take away a great deal from God's people, but it cannot take away their joy and their happiness because it comes from within from the indwelling Holy Spirit. We know that nothing the world can do to us is permanent. When people attack us for Christ's sake, they are really attacking Him. Their attacks can do us no more permanent damage than they can do Him.Those who are persecuted may be suffering now, but they will reign later, and the reign will be forever and ever.
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Coming from Arab, Alabama, and growing up in Tampa, Fla. I moved with my family to Georgia in 1969. I was saved by God’s marvelous Grace in September 1972 at Blue Springs Baptist Church located down the road from North Cobb High School in Acworth, Ga. Called to preach at 16...
