Reasons for Rejection

Chaplain Bill Bryan teaches on the expectation of persecution that Jesus describes in the Upper Room Discourse.

Introduction

• Chaplain Bill begins by contrasting the freedom experienced at Grace Bible Church with the plight of 660 hostages in Iran, noting the historical significance of these events
• Reflection on the Hostages: Chaplain Bill expresses grief for the hostages and their families, and discusses the broader implications of international blackmail

Main Message: Christian Persecution

• Chaplain Bill draws a parallel between the hostages' suffering due to their citizenship and the persecution Christians face because of their faith
• John 15:18: the inevitable hatred Christians will face from the world
• Chaplain Bill explains the emphatic nature of the Greek grammar in John 15:18, emphasizing the certainty of the world's hatred toward Christians

Three Relationships Discussed

1. Relationship with God: Christians are called to abide in their relationship with God
2. Relationship with Other Believers: Christians are called to love one another
3. Relationship with the World: Christians are destined to be hated by the world

The Reasons for Persecution

• Identification with Christ: The world hates Christians because of their association with Jesus Christ, who was also hated
• Distinctiveness from the World: Christians are distinctively different from the world, which leads to hatred and rejection
• Ignorance of the World: The world hates Christians because they do not understand God or His plan
• Exposure of Sin: Christ and His followers reveal the sinfulness of the world, leading to hatred

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The hatred towards Christ was prophesied in the Old Testament, emphasizing that it was without cause

Religious Persecution: Chaplain Bill references historical instances of religious persecution, including the Spanish Inquisition, and the persecution of early Christians

Reactions to Rejection: Chaplain Bill outlines how Christians should respond to rejection:

• Love One Another: Encouragement to support each other within the Christian community
• Be Witnesses: Emphasis on witnessing to the world despite rejection
• Do Not Stumble: Encouragement to remain steadfast in faith despite persecution
• Be Cheerful: Reminder that Christ has overcome the world, offering peace amidst tribulation

Conclusion

• Final Reflection: Chaplain Bill challenges the congregation to examine whether the world even recognizes their distinct Christian identity
• Closing Prayer: The sermon ends with a prayer, asking for strength to withstand persecution and not conform to the world’s standards

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.