4. Persecution Indentifies the Church with Her Head. 1 Peter 4:12-14 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." John 15:20 "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." 2 Timothy 3:12 "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Persecution is a sure means of identification. It is those who have taken up crosses who most resemble the One who bore the cross of Calvary.

5. Persecution Demonstrates the Love of God Toward the Sinner. Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." Christianity is not beat into or forced into hearts; it is loved into hearts. The willingness of believers to suffer at the hands of their enemies is the sharpest weapon to tear open hardened, cold hearts. I have to believe that as Steven was martyred and prayed for his persecutors that God used that scene to prepare the soil of Saul's heart for the Damascus road!

6. Persecution Breeds Authentic Community Within the Church. In the book of Acts we see how the NT church was willing to sacrifice in order to meet the needs of their family in Christ. Persecution reminds us of this sacred duty and refreshes the Church's desire to embrace their hurting brothers and sisters. This is not created community like what is discussed among some today; it is genuine community that springs from our God-given love for each other. Persecution brings us together!

7. Persecution Loosens the World's Grip on the Church. In easy times it is far too easy to succumb to the trappings of the world and invest ourselves in the trinkets, toys, and fleeting pleasures of this life. Inevitably we lose focus on things eternal and begin to love things, stuff, and worldly enjoyments above God. Persecution purges this love affair with the temporal realm and resets the heart on things that matter - things of eternal nature. Persecution shifts our hearts back into focus to where we can clearly see how the things we once thought we could not live without are unnecessary and simply distractions. Persecution reveals whether or not our treasure lies in heaven or on this earth!