Red Letters: Climbing the Character Ladder, Part 3

Two weeks ago today, most of us as we were on our way home heard the news of the pastor in Illinois who was killed during a church service. While we may have wondered how something like this could happen, the truth of the matter is that Jesus assured his followers that persecution would be part of their experience as one of his followers. The words of Jesus in the Beatitudes seem to be a paradox, how is a person blessed when they are persecuted? Today's message will look at the last two rungs on the character ladder, and we will look at a very difficult issue, the persecution and suffering of those who follow Jesus. But the amazing thing is that in the darkest and hardest places, followers of Jesus will find the greatest joy and deepest meaning.