10/21/18 - How To Face Rejection - John 15:18-26; 16:1-4

It may seem odd to hear Jesus tell His followers they will be hated by the world. After all, Christians have brought the world some pretty amazing things such as education, hospitals, homeless shelters, help for the poor and the list goes on and on. So why would they be hated? Jesus says it's because the world hated Him first. The world hates Jesus because it does not want to be told what to do and it certainly does not want to be held accountable. The world likes options. But here's the thing…Jesus didn't give options. "No one comes to the Father but through Me." People get angry when they are told they are sinners in need of the forgiveness found only in Jesus Christ. If you love the one whom the world hates then you too will be hated. Hatred also comes because Jesus' followers are not of this world. What does that mean? It means our loyalty is not foremost to the company, our country, our family, our race, or our culture. Instead, our ultimate loyalty is to Jesus. This means there will be times when you will stand for what the world stands against and you will stand against what the world stands for. So let me ask you - Have you ever been hated for your faith in Jesus? If not, why? Are you keeping your identity a secret? Consider this: Jesus gave up His kingly name and position in heaven and He died to make a name for you, to write your name in the Book of Life for all eternity. Now, what threat, what embarrassment could possibly stop you from making His name known?