First Church of God of Baltimore
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Statement of Purpose
We are a multiracial, multigenerational church located in Northeast Baltimore committed to being the Body of Christ. We are committed to biblical preaching and teaching, faithful stewardship, and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. We reach our hands in fellowship to every blood washed one.
This Week at First Church of God of Baltimore
Excerpt from Sermon, 8/29/99: "Blessings and Persecution" (Matt. 5:11-12) ...at first glance it seems as if Jesus is being repetitive, because he seems to be saying the same things in verses 10-11. However, a closer look reveals that Jesus is actually speaking to two different audiences. While he speaks about persecution in both, verse 10 is a general admonition, while in our text for today, he speaks to a more specific grouping. Here, the words of Jesus are aimed squarely and intentionally towards those who have such a level of belief that they are willing to put into PRACTICE the teachings of Christ. This group is not to be confused with those who simply are content with naming the name of Christ, or merely being associated with Jesus. Have you noticed today how many people are willing to name the name of Jesus or to be associated with Him? The latest Gallup polls indicate that almost 75% of Americans polled say that they believe in God. That is no surprise to me, for everywhere I look, I see people who are willing to "be around" God. From the gangster rappers who give God praise for giving them raunchy and unspeakable lyrics, to the movie stars who thank God after winning an Oscar or a Tony award, to the multi-million dollar athlete who thanks God for allowing them to dunk a ball or hit a home run, even to the average person on the street, who acknowledges God for allowing them to win the lottery, it seems as if everyone believes in, and is thankful to, God. But, when Jesus says "Blessed are you when... you are persecuted for my sake", he is not talking to casual acquaintances, or people just hanging on the fringes of religiosity content with being Christian "groupies". My friends he is talking to those who have believed the gospel to such an extent, that it has changed their life, and has affected their behavior! So, if you are being persecuted for Jesus' sake, you are on the right track! You are operating in the kingdom when you are being persecuted. Know that you are shaking the foundations of hell when you are being persecuted for Him; know that you are peeling back the borders of darkness when you are being persecuted for Him; know that you have the devil on the run when you are being persecuted for Him. If the reason for my persecution is Jesus, then that is the greatest testimony that my life could ever offer. If my life reflects His in such a way to get Hell's attention, then to God be the glory. If what I do in his name brings praise to Him and reproach to the camp of the enemy, then I will have really lived life to the fullest. So, yes, the reason for my persecution is to be found solely in the person of Jesus, but that same person enables me to have a kingdom response to my trouble: Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.
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