Exceedingly Glad in the Face of Persecution
Exceedingly Glad in the Face of Persecution
Come on now, somebody!
I need you to hear me today!
I’m talking about being exceedingly glad
in the face of persecution.
I’m talking about walking bold and unshaken
when the world rises up against you!
Can I get an Amen?
Now listen to me—persecution is not your shame. No! It is your crown! It is heaven’s stamp of approval! If the world mocks you, insults you, threatens you, even attacks you—what do you do?
You lift your head and rejoice!
You smile in the face of their hatred! Glory to God!
And let me tell you this, as a matter of fact—
if the world ignores you,
if they don’t even know you exist,
if they don’t even know us as a body
in this community—then something is wrong!
That is sinful! That is a sign we are not living right! God said His people must be seen,
His witness must be heard,
His truth must shake the world!
John 15:19 (AMP) says:
“If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own… but you are not of the world… and because of this the world hates you.”
Listen, beloved, rejection proves selection!
Their hatred is heaven’s approval.
If the world loves you, something’s wrong!
But if the world despises you
because you stand for Yeshua, that is a blessing!
James 4:4 (AMP) says:
“Being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy.”
Somebody shout, “I’m not the world’s friend!”
That’s right! If you’re walking God’s path,
the world will oppose you. If they ignore you,
if they pretend you don’t exist—that is a warning. Rejection is a crown.
Matthew 5:12 (AMP) says:
“Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”
The prophets were hated! The apostles were beaten! The Messiah Himself was mocked!
And here we are today—
walking in the same footsteps! Glory to God!
If they hated the prophets,
don’t be surprised if they hate you. But rejoice! Because your reward is beyond measure!
Hebrews 11:36–38 (AMP) says:
“Others were mocked, scourged, imprisoned… stoned… destitute… wandering… living in caves… of whom the world was not worthy.”
Let me tell you something—
if the world is not worthy of the prophets,
the world is not worthy of you either!
Don’t let their rejection make you timid. Be bold!
Be courageous! Be seen for God’s glory!
Matthew 5:10–12 (AMP):
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right… Be glad and exceedingly joyful… for great is your reward in heaven… in this same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”
Somebody say, “Rejoice!” That’s right!
Every insult, every lie, every mockery—
it’s depositing treasure in heaven. Glory to God!
Can I get an Amen?
Luke 6:22–23 (AMP):
“Blessed are you when people hate you, exclude you, insult you… Rejoice and leap for joy, for your reward in heaven is great.”
I said leap for joy! Jump up in the Spirit!
When they hate you, rejoice.
When they slander you, rejoice.
Acts 5:41 (AMP) says:
“They departed from the council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
Somebody shout, “I’m worthy!” That’s right.
To suffer for His name is honor, not shame.
Don’t you ever forget it!
2 Thessalonians 1:4–5 (AMP):
“Your steadfastness and patience in your persecutions… is a clear sign—a manifest token—of the righteous judgment of God, so that you will be considered worthy of His kingdom.”
I’m telling you—the very trials you face
are proof of your place in heaven! That’s right.
Don’t fear it. Don’t run from it.
It is God confirming your destiny!
Acts 4:20 (AMP):
“We cannot stop telling people about what we have seen and heard.”
Listen now! The fire of truth cannot be quenched! Threats cannot shut our mouths!
Chains cannot silence our voices!
The gospel must be heard!
Acts 5:42 (AMP):
“They did not stop teaching and telling the good news of Jesus the Christ.”
That’s right—every day, in every place,
in every house, in every heart,
we proclaim Him boldly!
Philippians 1:29 (AMP):
“You have been granted the privilege, not only to believe, but also to suffer for His sake.”
Listen! Suffering is a gift, a privilege!
If you are persecuted for His name,
you are chosen, you are honored!
2 Timothy 3:12 (AMP):
“All who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Are you willing to suffer persecution for Jesus Christ?
Romans 8:37 (AMP):
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Even in persecution, we win, we triumph, we rise!
Matthew 10:28 (AMP):
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Listen—men can touch your body,
but they cannot touch your eternal destiny!
Isaiah 41:10 (AMP):
“Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
The Lord Himself holds you up! You are never alone!
Luke 12:32 (AMP):
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
The world can threaten, oppress, and insult—
but we will not be afraid
Conclusion
Now hear me, church! Persecution is not defeat,
it is testimony. It is God’s manifest token.
It is proof that you belong to Him!
Our fellow churches say to you
Whats happening?
Why is this happening at Dagsboro
As if this is some strange thing
1 peter 4:12
Listen peter said don’t think it strange
when this happens to you
as if something strange is happening
listen, I find it strange that it isn’t happening to you!
I find it strange that it never happens to you
I find it strange that everyone likes you
The bible says woe unto you
when all manners of men speak well of you
I find it strange that the false denominations around you embrace you
And let me remind you again—as a matter of fact—
if the world ignores you, if they pretend we don’t exist,
if they don’t see our witness in this community,
that is not neutral—that is sinful! That is a warning!
God’s people must be seen, His truth must make noise,
His gospel must shake the earth!
The bible believers whether prophets in old test
Or apostles in new testament
Or Jesus in between
They were called troublemakers in the communities
They were turning their world upside down
So rejoice and be exceedingly glad!
Leap for joy when hated! Refuse to be silenced!
Fear not, for the Lord upholds you!
The world may hate you, but heaven celebrates you!
The world may condemn you, but God crowns you!
And when Yeshua returns,
every persecutor will be silenced,
and every faithful witness
will shine like the sun in His kingdom!
Amen! Amen! Glory to God!