Gathering 208: “Blessed are the…persecuted” // Service of Worship // Rev. Tony Minear, Ph.D.

Christian persecution is complex. It’s been happening throughout history since the 1st century followers of Jesus challenged the Roman empire. But do we have a Christian Persecution Complex? To what degree were Christians in the 1st century persecuted? And to what degree do Christians in the 21st century continue to be persecuted today? Join us as Pastor Tony Minear, Ph.D. explores the final Beatitude in our sermon series, “Blessed are the persecuted.” Evidence and scholarship seem to point to an exaggeration of persecution en masse throughout history. So where did this perception originate and why has it persisted? Listen and discover four major consequences of sustaining this perception. Perhaps by simply being more sensitive and aware of one another’s beliefs each day, it’s not as complex as we make it. 

Recorded live at Beatitudes Church in Phoenix, AZ on 11/21/21  

Preaching: Rev. Tony Minear, Ph.D.  

Scripture: Matt 5:10-12 

Scripture Reader: Janelle Tapphorn  

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