On Sunday mornings our congregation is working through the Gospel of Matthew. Right now we're in the midst of chapter ten, where Jesus sends out the Twelve to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." He warns them of the persecution that's going to come their way for preaching the gospel of the kingdom. The good news for believers is that when persecution comes, we don't need to panic. All we have to do is follow God's plan.
In one sense that's rather simple, isn't it. But it's by no means easy. In fact, it's impossible apart from God's power. That's why it's so important to hold on to His love. Paul Baloche has a song by that title, which will be introduced to our congregation this coming Lord's Day. But in the meantime, I thought it would be good for our church body--and anyone else who visits this blog site--to understand the central message of the song. We live in a culture which will hate us for the gospel's sake. When persecution comes, will you hold on to His love? I hope you will, for His love is better than life (Ps. 63:3).