‘Built To Last – Unwavering Faith’ – 7.20.2025

July 20, 2025
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Acts 5:12-42 

Unwavering Faith in the Face of Opposition and Persecution 

Christian Persecution Defined: Any mistreatment, intolerance, oppression,  or hostility towards a person or group of people for their belief in, and  righteous practice of, following Jesus as the Christ.  

Old Testament Examples 

  • Cain kills Abel (Genesis 4:8) 
  • Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37:23) 
  • Moses and the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1:10) 
  • Prophets in Israel (1 Kings 19:1-18, Matthew 5:12) 

New Testament and Early Church Examples 

  • Jesus: Crucified  
  • Apostles: imprisonment, beatings, and martyrdom 
  • Early Church: from Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire ● Christians tortured and killed under Nero, 37 AD–68 AD 

Present Day Persecution Facts 

  • Out of 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, 380,000,000 are under  persecution and oppression.  
  • Violence and Terrorism | Discrimination | Imprisonment | Constant  Pressure and force to Conform and Convert | Vandalism and  Destruction of Properties, Homes, and Churches | Abductions |  Exile/Banishments | Legal and Civil Injustices | Confiscation of  Property | Public Mockery | General Prohibition to Thrive |  Torment/Torture | Death/Martyrdom 

A Standard for the Church  

Acts 5:12-42 ESV 

➢ They “obeyed God rather than man” 

➢ They became greatly influential 

➢ They were: 

○ Submissive to authority 

○ Subjected to oppressions 

○ But not subjective to self-preservation 

We Were Warned  

➢ Like master, like servant – John 15:18-25 ESV ➢ Living Godly draws persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12 ESV ➢ You will be hated – Luke 21:17 

Understanding the Root Cause  

➢ Spiritual forces – Ephesians 6:12 AMP 

➢ Man following Satan – Ephesians 2:1-2 ESV  ➢ Sinful nature – Romans 8:7 NLT 

Proper Response Toward Persecutors 

➢ Love your enemies – Matthew 5:38-48 ESV 

➢ Forgive them – Acts 7:60 ESV (Luke 23:34)  

Proper Attitude Toward Death for Christ 

  1. Deny self and love not your own life 
  2. Matthew 16:24 
  3. Revelation 12:11 
  4. Consider your life not your own – Galatians 2:20 ESV 3. Learn contentment – 2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV 4. Understand what you gain – Philippians 1:20-21 AMP 5. Count it as joy and be glad – Luke 6 22-23 ESV 6. Eyes on eternity – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV 7. Do not be afraid, but fear God 
  5. Isaiah 41:10 ESV 
  6. Matthew 10:28 ESV 

Final Thought: Am I ready to give up my life for Christ?

Next Steps

Handbook & Welcome Packet

•    The parent must complete the necessary registration forms and pay a non-refundable Annual materials fee. This covers registration fees, book, and materials for class.

•    The parent must provide the center with a pre-school/child immunization certificate, or Blue Slip. This is to be kept updated, if it is not, the center will send out a notice stating that the required immunizations are out dated. The form can be obtained through the health department or your pediatrician.

•    The parent will receive a copy of the policies and procedures and will go over them thoroughly. The parent will sign the Parental Agreement form which indicates policies and procedures and agreed upon fees.

•    All enrollment forms, including a Schedule Information Form, must be completed by the parent and returned to the center by the first day of attendance.

•    Parents of children with special needs or handicaps must inform the director of the child’s condition(s) prior to enrollment so it can be determined if the center can adequately meet the needs of the child. This is necessary for the well being of the child.

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