Opposition to the gospel should not surprise us.
It is not uncommon for those whom we evangelize to respond with opposition or even animosity. This can feel like suffering, even though we are presenting truth for the good of the person opposed to us. But when this happens, we shouldn’t allow it to discourage us or cause us to quit. Peter tells us that suffering for the sake of righteousness is actually a blessing to us.
Our response to this opposition can also become a blessing to the people opposed to us. When we respond to them with a gentle and reverent confidence, we can put our opponents to shame. In these moments, we show and share a faith that they cannot ignore.
A confidence grounded not in their response to us, but in Christ who dwells in us, quiets the revilers. It shows them that we have a hope beyond this moment. And it points them to a hope that they cannot ignore and that puts to shame their temporal hopes.
So don’t lose heart. Even when we look like we’re “losing,” we’re winning. Even in “losing,” God displays the hope He provides. So keep speaking your defense and accounting for your hope. God will use you to show the world a witness they can’t ignore. –Pastor Rory
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: BTH–Paul Harmon–Ministry Update
10AM: Paul Harmon–A Witness the World Cannot Ignore–1 Peter 3:13-17 (sermon notes)
6PM: Prayer Meeting & Fellowship