Persecution and Poverty - Part Two

On June 30, 2013 was the Sunday after the Supreme Court ruled "The Defense of Marriage Act" as unconstitutional and took the decision of same-sex marriage out of the hands of the people of California with the decision on Prop 8.  I spoke briefly about the decision by saying that it may be a bad day for our nation, but not for the church.  I believe good days are ahead for the church.

Last week all of these thoughts came together as I caught up on some podcast sermons from Dr. Johnny Hunt, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA.  The message was in late February, 2013 when he said that he has noticed one of two things (or both) is characteristic of the church where God is moving mightily:  persecution and poverty.

So, I ask - can we have a mighty move of God without the outer demands of persecution and poverty? And in reality, are these two elements not "normal" for every Christian?

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  Matthew 5:10-12

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:34-39

Sounds like to me if you are a disciple/follower of Jesus, you will be persecuted whether you live in China, Cuba or Elgin.

But it is comforting to know that the early church "had turned their world upside down," but came to a point where they needed "outside pressure" to move them to obedience.  Acts 8 the Lord used persecution to get out of Jerusalem and be scattered to the ends of the earth.

What about poverty?  Does it mean we sell everything we have and move to monasteries?  Or is it that we give everything to God?  We know that we can have wealth, as long as wealth does not have us.

So, which one is it?  Does persecution and poverty come from within causing us to live a life sold out to Christ greatly impacting others?  Or does persecution and poverty come from without that will produce a great movement of God?  My answer - BOTH.  More tomorrow.