TOMORROW we wrap up our message series through Jesus’ Beatitudes from Matthew 5 with the eighth and final one- “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” He goes on to say, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (vs. 10-12)
Martin Saunders writes the following in a piece entitled, Tracey Ullman’s ‘As A Christian…’ Sketches: What’s She Getting At? (Christian Today, March 8, 2017): If you were to make a list of modern Defenders of the Faith, Comedian Tracey Ullman probably wouldn’t be at the top of it. The award-decorated star, who is even more of a household name in the US than in her native UK, has never talked openly about a personal religious faith, and got her big break playing a bizarre born-again Christian club singer.
Yet for her new TV series – her first original British program for 22 years – she’s created a Christian character which seems to be both ‘faith-positive’ and offering a critique on the marginalization of the faith in modern Britain.
The character is a sympathetic, intelligent woman who impresses everyone around her until she utters her catchphrase line ‘as a Christian…’ At this point the atmosphere changes, the other characters treat her with a mix of fear and disgust, and the general consensus is that she’s ‘a bit weird’ for having a faith in 2017.
In one sketch featuring the character, Patricia Hughes, the revelation is enough to thwart her chances of getting a job. Her interview is going well, to the point that the man across the table infers that she’s going to get it, until she reveals that ‘as a Christian’ she finds it hard to talk up her skills and CV. As soon as he learns this his face falls, he calls in a colleague who confirms his concern at the news, and Patricia is made to feel uncomfortable to the point that she withdraws her application.
BOSS: … Obviously, I can’t say anything official right now, but you should expect a phone call.
PATRICIA: Thank you! I just find it so difficult to boast on my CV. It’s just that, as a Christian, I…
BOSS: Oooh!
PATRICIA: What?
BOSS: You’re a…
PATRICIA: Christian.
BOSS: Yeah… Okay…
PATRICIA: Is that a…?
BOSS: No… not at all. [Looks at résumé] You don’t seem to mention it anywhere here…
PATRICIA: Well, why would I?
BOSS: No, fair point…
PATRICIA: I’m not planning to run your polymer factory along biblical lines.
BOSS: Haha, no… could you just give me a second, please?
At that point, the boss invites a co-worker, Denise, to meet the applicant. When she finds out Patricia is a Christian, the conversation gets awkward again.
PATRICIA: There’s a problem with me being a Christian, isn’t there?
DENISE: Absolutely not! Legally speaking…
PATRICIA: But you both seem uncomfortable for some reason. Do you think that it makes me untrustworthy?
DENISE: No! [Laughs]
PATRICIA: Incompetent?
DENISE: Mm-mm! [Shakes head]
PATRICIA: A bit weird?
DENISE: [Long pause]
PATRICIA: I see. Well, in that case, I’ll just withdraw my application.
DENISE: Oh, now…
PATRICIA: It’s funny, isn’t it? It’s been perfectly normal to be a Christian in this country for the last 1,500 years or so, but now, well…
BOSS: Really sorry about this.
PATRICIA: It’s fine. I forgive you. [She leaves]
DENISE: Lucky escape.
BOSS: Yeah, what a nutter.
Persecution takes different forms in our world today, ranging from disapproval, ridicule, being misunderstood/misrepresented, shunning to physical abuse, forced labor, imprisonment, torture, and execution.
Frans Veerman, director, Open Doors World Watch Research Unit, writes, “The US displays worrying trends on religious freedom due to secular intolerance, which tries to eradicate religion from the public domain. However, if we scored the US with our questionnaire for the World Watch List, it would certainly not rank among the 50 countries where it is hardest to be a Christian. The nature and intensity of persecution in those nations are at an entirely different level.”
As a Christ-follower in our country, the form persecution takes in our lives is nothing compared to so many other places in our world and yet 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” So we’ll look at how believers experience persecution in our society and how to apply Matthew 5:10-12 to our lives today.
(Remember, if you’re attending the 9 am service, plan on lingering a little longer after the service concludes and if you’re attending the 10:45 am service, arrive a little earlier. This will give you the opportunity to connect/catch up with others who attend the other service.)
FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION X2 CHALLENGE GOING ON NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31: You can transform a life with an $80 gift that will provide a wheelchair for someone in a developing country who would not otherwise be able to afford one. The X2 Matching Gift Challenge doubles the number of wheelchairs delivered and therefore doubles the impact of each gift! Your “over and above” gift will not only help provide people around the world with the transforming gift of mobility, but the invaluable gifts of independence, dignity and hope. Write “FWM” on the memo line of your check or go online to donate. You can contact the church office at office@goldcoastchurch.org or 805.485.5433 if you have any questions.
DONUT PICKUP NEEDED: We need some second service attendees from Oxnard who would be willing to pick up donuts (approximately 9:30 am, corner of Gonzales & Oxnard Blvd) and bring them to the church facility on a rotating basis. If you are interested in the possibility of this ministry, please write Donut Pickup on the connection card this Sunday or contact Darrell Foote (806-660-3061 – dfoote07@verizon.net).
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Gold Coast is looking for a part-time Office Administrator to assist the pastors and staff with various church administrative duties. Hours are flexible and it’s possible that the hours will increase for the position over time. Office experience and computer knowledge is needed for this role. If you or someone you know is interested in getting more information, please send a resume and contact info to Pastor Tim at tim@goldcoastchurch.org.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are looking for willing hearts and hands to be a part of Discovery Cove – our children’s ministry that serves our littlest family members from infancy through 5th grade. Volunteers serve one service a month. For additional information, please contact Christina Brower at christina@goldcoastchurch.org or 805.766.8876.
SUNDAY PRAYER TIME EVERY SUNDAY MORNING: You’re invited to Sunday morning Prayer Time from 8:20-8:50 am in the Elementary Room every Sunday! Come for a couple of minutes or stay longer. This is open to everyone! Prayer cards with suggested topics will be available – you can pray aloud or silently.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS SCHEDULE:
Saturday October 19 Job 5; Ps 108; Acts 10-11
Sunday October 20 Job 6-8; Acts 12
Monday October 21 Job 9-10; Acts 13-14
Tuesday October 22 Job 11-12; Acts 15-16
Wednesday October 23 Job 13-14; Acts 17-18
Thursday October 24 Job 15; Acts 19-20
Friday October 25 Job 16; Acts 21-23
Saturday October 26 Job 17; Acts 24-26
Sunday October 27 Job 18; Ps 114; Acts 27-28
Love,
Scott