WATCH TIME | 1:31 MINUTES

You Will Be Persecuted

Here’s your weekly word of biblical encouragement from Bibles.net! Enjoy this short video devotional or read its contents below, adapted from a message by Pastor Britt Merrick.

The video above may serve you by preparing you to encounter opposition to your faith in Jesus!

“We also see here part of our story in that, there’s suffering and pain and persecution.

Jesus didn’t lie to us! He said, “if you want to follow me, you’re going to have to deny yourself and pick up your cross” (Matthew 16:24 paraphrased). “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33 paraphrased). “They hated me,” Jesus said, “They’re going to hate you as well” (John 15:18 paraphrased).

To the degree that we endeavor to be faithful witnesses is the degree that we will experience rejection from the world. If we just fit in to the form, if we just conform to the world and let it squeeze us into its mold, then there’s nothing about us for them to reject.

If we want to look like Jesus and be witnesses for Jesus then we will find ourselves in conflict with the world.

And we may discover the hard truth that in those times, God does not deliver us from martyrdom but rather through martyrdom.

And we will discover the glorious truth that even the places that seem like greatest loss and the worst death are resurrection. In Jesus Christ, death never has the final word. Christ is risen. We will be risen with him.”

Credits

Britt Merrick

The Bibles.net Weekly Word gives you weekly encouragement through a carefully chosen portion of a Bible-based message preached by a faithful Bible teacher. This content was adapted from the message, “God’s Purposes Prevail and His People Are Vindicated” on Revelation 11, by permission of Reality Church in Carpinteria, CA, and Pastor Britt Merrick.

Learn More About Britt Merrick

Related Content

The Persecuted Church

People all around the world are suffering because of their love for Jesus and commitment to speak the truth about him. Jesus told us to expect persecution as his followers, yet to not let our hearts be troubled, for nothing—not even death—can separate us from his love for us or his promise of eternal life (2 Timothy 3:12; John 14:1; Romans 8:39).