Learning from the Persecuted ChurchSample
![Learning from the Persecuted Church](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F22291%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Radical Perspective
All of us live our lives from a particular perspective. This perspective is shaped by many factors, including our experiences, our education, and our upbringing. Hopefully, all of these things that shape our perspective on life are also shaped by our spiritual life. This includes our relationship with God, and is reinforced by the scriptures in a significant way. We can also add to our perspective through the observation of the Persecuted Church.
We have discussed the radical faith, joy, hope, and love that the Persecuted Church demonstrates as they serve the Lord through difficulties and suffering. Finally, we will focus on their radical perspective. This perspective is an eternal one, and when we see our lives through the lens of eternity, our lives change dramatically and for the better.
The Beatitudes offer an incredible window into what life is like when one has an eternal perspective. We are prone to see the things of everyday life, as if this life is all there is, and ever will be. The Bible teaches just the opposite. It shows us that our lives are “like a vapor that appears for a moment, then vanishes away.” Since we will live on in eternity as well, we should see this life and all that it contains for what it is: the beginning notes to the prelude of forever.
The Beatitudes give us an eternal perspective on humility, mourning, gentleness, righteousness, mercy, purity, and peacemaking. They also give us a true understanding of Christian persecution. Every statement of the Beatitudes begins with “Blessed are…”. This text shows us how we are actually blessed when we are reviled, persecuted, and slandered for the sake of Christ. This will seem to be absurd, unless we understand life in light of eternity. The truth is seen in the scripture, but the life and witness of the Persecuted Church testifies of the experiential reality of this lofty spiritual concept. When we learn to have this radical perspective of seeing life in the light of eternity, radical faith, joy, hope, and love will fill our lives.
Let us walk in Spirit and in truth with all we have learned from the radical faith, joy, hope, love, and perspective of the Persecuted Church.
Get to know ILI:
Every person should have the opportunity to know Jesus. God's vision is to change history by accelerating the spread of the Gospel through leaders of leaders empowered by the Holy Spirit.
If you would like to know more about the International Leadership Institute, visit https://ILITeam.org.
Scripture
About this Plan
![Learning from the Persecuted Church](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F22291%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Christian persecution is one of the biggest human rights issues happening in our time. Today, over 260 million Christians are living in places where they experience high levels of persecution. We can learn great things from those who boldly witness for Christ, no matter the cost.
More
We would like to thank International Leadership Institute for providing this Plan. For more information, please visit: https://ILITeam.org/
Related Plans
![The Benefit of Doubt: How Confronting Your Deepest Questions Can Lead to a Richer Faith](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55103%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
The Benefit of Doubt: How Confronting Your Deepest Questions Can Lead to a Richer Faith
![Bold Faith, Mighty Works: Walking in the Spirit’s Power](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55354%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Bold Faith, Mighty Works: Walking in the Spirit’s Power
![Faith Under Fire](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55243%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Faith Under Fire
![[Be a Gentleman] Purpose](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55336%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
[Be a Gentleman] Purpose
![We're So Blessed: A Fun 5-Day Family Devotional From CAIN](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55340%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
We're So Blessed: A Fun 5-Day Family Devotional From CAIN
![3-Day Bible Quest: Level 2: Love Unlocked – Powering Up Through Jesus](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55368%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
3-Day Bible Quest: Level 2: Love Unlocked – Powering Up Through Jesus
![3-Day Bible Plan: How to Truly Love Thy Neighbor in Today’s World](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55370%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
3-Day Bible Plan: How to Truly Love Thy Neighbor in Today’s World
![Play-by-Play: John (3/3)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55369%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Play-by-Play: John (3/3)
![Chosen and Complete: Embracing God's Plan Beyond Marriage](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55339%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Chosen and Complete: Embracing God's Plan Beyond Marriage
![Raising the Next Generation: Trusting God’s Plan for Single Mothers](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55219%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)