January 30, 2011 – The Challenges of Being a Witness

To view the Audio or Video of the Sermon only please forward to the 44th minute mark on your player.

The Bible often talks about persecution. It is no secret that good people sometimes suffer simply for being good. The Psalmist writes this prayer, “Deliver me from those who work evil. Even now they lie in wait for my life… Rouse yourself (Lord), come to my help and see! (Ps 59) A prophet named Habakkuk also protests evil, “O Lord, how long shall I cry to you “violence” and you will not save?” And he literally watched from a watchtower to see what God would say. God replied, “There is a vision …wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay” (Hab. 1:2, 2:1-4). What good news that God hears our complaints and we can expect an answer.

This week Paul encounters persecution; he is stoned and left for dead. We wonder, shouldn’t faith be safer? Who wants to suffer? The Bible has a lot to say about the subject, and this story explains how God lifted Paul up and he carried on. How do you and I build such courage? I can’t wait for worship! Join us, won’t you?

To prepare read: Acts 14:8-20 and Habakkuk 2:18-3:19

READ THE SERMON: The Challenges of Being a Witness