Queen's Road Cell

6. Why is it important for us to think about the early Christians’ willingness to suffer for Jesus’ name (see 5:40-42; 7:59-60; 9:15-16,23-30)? 5:40-42  " they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" They rejoiced.  7:59-60   "stoning... he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them" -They forgave 9:15-16 " For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." The saw the necessity of testimony, acceptance  9:23-30 " the Jews plotted to kill him ... took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall" They helped one another. They escaped Suffering is normative. Jesus suffered to leave us an example  Their message was true. Their suffering authenticated their message We suffer because of persecution, active and passive We suffer because because of ou...

Laity Sunday 2019: Word 27  As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28  He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Lk 11:27-29) 19  Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20  Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21  He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” (Lk 8:19-21)                 We conclude from these parallel passages that: 1.        It is more blessed to hear and obey God’s word than to be Jesus’ mother. 2.        Jesus regards those who hear and obey God’s word as His true family. 3.     ...