How persecution grows us as Christians
We face all kinds of suffering. We suffer on a daily basis due to the nature of our fallen world. We are affected by disease, poverty, natural disaster. We also suffer as a result of our own sin and foolishness. But there is one kind of suffering that is a distinctive mark of what it really means to be a church, and that is suffering due to persecution of our faith.
We face all kinds of suffering. We suffer on a daily basis due to the nature of our fallen world. We are affected by disease, poverty, natural disaster. We also suffer as a result of our own sin and foolishness. But there is one kind of suffering that is a distinctive mark of what it really means to be a church, and that is suffering due to persecution of our faith. John’s letter, and Jesus’ words, to the Church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11 shows us what this kind of suffering is like. Jesus says that when this church holds to the Gospel and refuses to bow down to false gods, they will be slandered (Rev. 2:2), imprisoned and even put to death (2:19). This kind of suffering, unlike other kinds, is a direct result of our faith in action.
What does this mean for us in our cultural context as Americans? While we painfully stand with those around the world who are being tortured, killed and driven out of their homes as a result of their Christian faith, we must recognize that the level of persecution we face pales in comparison. We, by no merit of our own, are a part of a unique cultural moment that demands our humility and gratefulness.
But, in the absence of this kind of persecution and suffering, we must also ask ourselves some tough questions. Does our lack of persecution show that we’ve compromised our convictions in some way? Are we pursuing comfort and stability in this lifetime more than the fearless proclamation of the Gospel?
The truth is, we miss out on the irreplaceable by-products of persecution when we go out of our way to avoid suffering for our faith. After all, suffering strengthens our faith in much different way from prosperity. In the first portion of Revelation 2:9, Jesus says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich!” In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S Lewis writes, “Prosperity knits a man to this world. He thinks he is ‘finding his place in it,’ while really it is finding its place in him.”
Suffering also leads to a unique opportunity for growth. Throughout history, times and places of intense persecution have often been accompanied by intense Church growth and movement.
For those who are suffering for their faith, Christ makes it clear that two things await them: a victor’s crown and an eternity of bliss, stability and peace that cannot be achieved in this lifetime. The early Christians of Smyrna seemed to have this perspective while we often give into the temptation to make our lives as comfortable and safe as possible.
There is nothing Christ asks us to do that He was not willing to do himself. No amount of persecution, no matter how terrifying, can come close to the physical and spiritual persecution Christ experienced on the cross. He confronted the unjust wrath of man, but also the just wrath of a loving God so that we would not have to pay the price of our sin. He gives us the most assuring promise in Matthew 5:10 when He says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Listen to Sunday’s sermon on persecution HERE.
The other side of the lake
On Sunday we heard about Jesus leading His disciples to a region called the Gerasenes and restoring a demon-possessed man (Luke 8:26-39). It’s a story that can startle us, especially if we tend to gravitate towards stories that display Jesus’ power over nature. This miracle, however, reminds us of Jesus’ power over death, sin and the enemy. It’s a story that points directly to what He would later do on the cross.
“Lonely Boat” by Sean J. Connolly is licensed under CC BY 2.0
On Sunday we heard about Jesus leading His disciples to a region called the Gerasenes and restoring a demon-possessed man (Luke 8:26-39). It’s a story that can startle us, especially if we tend to gravitate towards stories that display Jesus’ power over nature. This miracle, however, reminds us of Jesus’ power over death, sin and the enemy. It’s a story that points directly to what He would later do on the cross.
Here are three things of which this passage reminds us:
1. We have an enemy.
Many of us cautiously ascribe the sin and brokenness of our world to the ambiguous concept of “evil.” The Scriptures, however, are quite clear that we have an enemy who is set on stealing, killing and destroying (John 10:10), and who seeks to attack us as a lion devours its prey (1 Peter 5:8).
We may become over-preoccupied with Satan’s schemes or dismissive of the unseen reality in which we live. But when we look at the demon-possessed man’s life, we cannot deny that the patterns of isolation, pain, self-degradation and anger still plague our society today.
2. Christ is infinitely more powerful.
In this story, Jesus is not the demons’ opponent. There is no competition. They are not pegged against one another. The demon-possessed man falls at Jesus’ feet and the spirits that have been tormenting him beg for mercy because they are subject to the incomparable power of Christ.
We know this because Jesus defeated the power of sin and death on the cross. Just as He loved this man and drove out the demons at the expense of a nearby herd of pigs, He willingly took on our spiritual darkness at the expense of His own life. He was nailed to a cross and buried in a tomb and rose again three days later, all so we could be freed from our sin.
3. He calls us to the other side of the lake.
The healed man was completely transformed. The account in Mark 5 tells us that after the miracle occurred, he was sitting there, dressed and in his right mind and that he went on to share about Jesus in his entire region. All of this was possible because Jesus led the disciples to a place “on the other side of the lake” where they would otherwise never have gone.
To what place is Christ calling you to follow Him? Our faithfulness might only benefit one person, like the demon-possessed man. It might be met with confusion and disapproval, as the surrounding crowd displayed. But as followers of Christ, this invitation is the opportunity to see people move from death to life, isolation to community, shame to restored dignity.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
-John 10:10
Making Christ known in Baltimore’s independent schools
Last Sunday we got the opportunity to hear from Tim Foster, Area Director of FOCUS in Baltimore. This is a Christian ministry committed to exploring "with independent school students a life of faith that is real, adventurous, intellectually sound, and eminently practical.”
Last Sunday we got the opportunity to hear from Tim Foster, Area Director of FOCUS in Baltimore. This is a Christian ministry committed to exploring "with independent school students a life of faith that is real, adventurous, intellectually sound, and eminently practical.”
FOCUS has been in Baltimore for over 35 years, providing independent school students a way to address important questions about life with mentors and peers. FOCUS sponsors activities and events for independent school students in the area with the intention of sharing the Gospel in a way that is relevant and exciting. Staff and volunteers also meet regularly with students on their campuses.
With over 20 independent schools in Baltimore, the need for relational ministries like FOCUS is huge, especially within City Church’s surrounding neighborhoods. Will you join us as we support Tim and his wife, Jessica, as they follow God’s calling to this ministry?
As Tim shared on Sunday, we can be praying that the Lord would continue to open doors for them as they reach students in the Baltimore area. We are reminded of Paul’s words in Colossians 4:3-4 when he writes from prison,
"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."
Let’s also be praying that the Lord provides volunteers to this ministry. If anyone is interested in getting involved, they can contact Tim at tfoster@infocus.org.
He is not just the Bread Giver. He is the Bread.
When Jesus fed the five thousand (John 6:1-15), His intent was not only to display the miraculous power of God in turning a meager lunch into a tumultuous feast. He was also revealing to us, as He does throughout Scripture, that He alone is the Bread of Life.
"Living in a consumer society fueled by sophisticated advertising and relative affluence, we have been given the means and the motivation to pursue countless forms of what we conclude is our own so-called Bread for Life."–C.J. Jackson
When Jesus fed the five thousand (John 6:1-15), His intent was not only to display the miraculous power of God in turning a meager lunch into a tumultuous feast. He was also revealing to us, as He does throughout Scripture, that He alone is the Bread of Life.
It is no coincidence that this miracle takes place during Passover, reminding us that the deliverance God offers us today is much like His deliverance of the Israelites from bondage and slavery. It reminds us that God provides for us as He did for the Israelites. It also reminds us that God desires for us to worship Him, and not merely the benefits and blessings He bestows upon us.
In Exodus 16, just after God’s people are freed from enslavement, they move out into the desert. They begin complaining because of their hunger, arguing that it would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than to starve in the place the Lord had brought them (Exodus 16:3). God miraculously provides for their physical needs by raining down bread from heaven every day.
In John, we see that Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand is another story of bread coming down from heaven. After the miracle has taken place, He alludes to the Exodus miracle when He says, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:32-33).
Ultimately, Jesus refers not to the loaves of bread, but to Himself. He demands that our worship be of Him and not merely the blessings He bestows upon us. For it is only through His life, death and resurrection that we gain access to the only eternal and all-satisfying source of life – a relationship with God the Father, bread that never spoils or runs out.
When the Lord meets your needs, do you find yourself worshipping Him, or the things with which He has blessed you?
New Year, New Location, New Time
Beginning Sunday, January 4, City Church will be gathering for worship at 9:00 AM in the Knott Auditorium on the campus of the Notre Dame of Maryland University. The Knott Auditorium is located on the first floor of the Knott Science Center. This will be our new time and location for the foreseeable future. It is a great space that allows for growth in our worship offerings, kid's program offerings, and adult education offerings. So, join us on Sunday, January 4 as we break in our new space. Allow some extra time to find us on your first visit.
Beginning Sunday, January 4, City Church will be gathering for worship at 9:00 AM in the Knott Auditorium on the campus of the Notre Dame of Maryland University. The Knott Auditorium is located on the first floor of the Knott Science Center. This will be our new time and location for the foreseeable future. It is a great space that allows for growth in our worship offerings, kid's program offerings, and adult education offerings. So, join us on Sunday, January 4 as we break in our new space. Allow some extra time to find us on your first visit.
Cutting Room Floor - Easter Weekend
Often there a lot of footnotes, quotes, links, and illustrations that go into worship and a message on Sunday mornings. Some of those items make it, other's don't. The cutting room floor includes a little bit of everything. Here is a sampling from Easter Weekend:
Good Friday: "The Forsaken God" from Psalm 22
You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes Podcast.
Here is a link to Trent Bell's photo gallery entitled REFLECT: Trent Bell Reflect. It shows the images of 12 convicts superimposed on letters they wrote to their younger selves. Here is link to a video produced about his art: REFLECT Video. Here is a piece the Huffington Post did on the project: Convicts Pose With Heartbreaking Letters to Their Younger Selves.
CNN posted a photo documentary on the execution of an Iranian man named Balal. You can see the powerful photos of his forgiveness here: Iranian Execution Halted
Easter Sunday: "God Raised Him Up" from Acts 2:14-41
You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes Podcast.
Here is a link to the Lincoln Memorial Interactive.
"The good news, the great news, of Jesus is that with his resurrection it becomes clear not only that he is Messiah and Lord, but that in death he has dealt evil itself a blow from which, though it still retains some power, will never overcome." - NT Wright
"Join this movement, allow the death and resurrection of Jesus to become the badge you wear, the sign of your identity, with you and your children sharing in the new life of the baptized community..." - NT Wright
Expanding Our Team
One of the core values of City Church is a passion to care for family and children. We believe church should be the highlight of every kid's weekend, not just because it is fun, but because it connects them with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our hope is that every child who attends City Church feels valued and loved by our church community and ultimately, by Jesus. Do you share our passion for family and children? If so, consider joining our team. City Church is searching for a part-time City Kid's Director. It is our hope to develop this position into a full time position down the road. Check out the attached description: City Kids Director.
A Lenten Journey
In its simplest form, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation. It has been a practice of the church for centuries across many denominational backgrounds. This forty day season begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes with the celebration of Easter Sunday.
We invite you to journey with us during this season of preparation and reflection as we commit to reflect on the Gospel of Christ. The attached guide is designed to help you walk through this season of reflection and it is designed to be used in community. Consider joining one of our community groups throughout the season of Lent.
Throughout history, Christians have recognized Lent by “giving up” something. We are not asking you to give something up, simply to make the time to pray, read, gather, and worship. The catch is that it will require time, which may inadvertently require giving something up. Time is a precious commodity. We understand that. But we also know time spent journeying through prayer and reflection will be time well spent with the Father.
A favorite in our City Kid's program is the "Jesus Storybook Bible" by Sally Lloyd Jones. Here is a Lenten Guide for you and your family to use that walks you through the "Jesus Storybook Bible" from Creation to Resurrection. Your kids will love it and you will find yourself caught up in the story, too. You can find digital copies of the "Jesus Storybook Bible" online for your iPad or Kindle.
The Cutting Room Floor - 2.16.14
Often there are lots of footnotes, quotes, links, and illustrations that go into worship and a message on Sunday mornings. Some of those items make it and others don't. The cutting room floor includes a little bit of everything. Here is a sampling from this week's message entitled: "The Substance of the Mission" from Acts 1:6-12.
You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes PodCast.
Summary: God gives His people a substantial mission. Acts 1 tells us of the nature of the mission, the extent of the mission, the carriers of the mission, and the object of the mission. Ultimately, the mission is not about what you do, but about who you know.
Extent of the Mission
Check out "The Blog Post That Exploded: Baltimore and Broken Hearts" for an account of the recently viral Baltimore blogs. Make sure to read "Baltimore, You're Breaking My Car."
We referenced Antero Pietila's comments on the neighborhood divisions that exist in Baltimore. His book "Not in My Neighborhood" is an excellent resource on understanding the real estate practices that led to the current make-up of Baltimore City neighborhoods.
Carriers of the Mission
Here's a quote written in the 2nd century by church father Athenagorus about the carriers of the mission:
“Among us you will find uneducated persons and artisans and old women, who, if they are unable to prove the benefits of doctrine, yet by their deeds they exhibit the benefits arising from their persuasion of its truth. They do not practice great speeches, but they exhibit good works. When struck, they do not strike back. When robbed, they do not go to law. They give to those who ask of them. And they love their neighbors as themselves."
Object of the Mission
Here are photos from the Baltimore Sun's Darkroom on the Great Fire of Baltimore, 1904.