In the final Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10–12), Jesus declares: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… Blessed are ye when men shall revile you… for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” Pastor Andrew shows persecution comes not for religion, but for standing for God’s truth in a world that hates it. The world reviles when righteousness threatens its way of life; even nominal “Christianity” often opposes true righteousness. The Christian must bodly stand out!
