Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT

•

is one of the greatest challenges to being the church.

“Successful people reject rejection.” John C. Maxwell

Overcoming the Challenges of Being the Church

1) The crisis of

challenges

In the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins and the things you did against God. Yes, in the past you lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God. In the past all of us lived like them, trying to please our sinful selves and doing all the things our bodies and minds wanted. We should have suffered God’s anger because we were sinful by nature. We were the same as all other people. Ephesians 2:1–3 NCV

“We talk out of both corners of our mouth at once. We say we are a Christian nation, but much of our literature, our social practices, our deep interests are not Christian at all. They are totally secular.” Billy Graham

“Americans increasingly do not trust the church or pastors, as confidence and trust levels have eroded to historic lows for both.” LifeWay Research

“Only 31 percent of Americans say they have a lot of trust in the church or organized religion.” Gallup, Inc.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10–18 NLT

The

ways are hostile toward God’s

Reveal Answer

for my life.

2) The reality of

He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. John 1:11 NLT

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:18–19 NLT

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. Isaiah 53:3 NLT

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 1 Peter 2:4 NLT

Then he said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.” Luke 10:16 NLT

Since people

, I should expect

Reveal Answer

!

3) The

of faith

“Faith unlocks the promises of God, it shows us the power of God, it turns dreams into reality, and it gives us power to hold on in tough times.” Rick Warren

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NLT

So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. Galatians 6:9 GNT

… And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith… . Hebrews 12:1–2 NLT

I will not let up, back up, or shut up until I’m

! By faith, I will overcome the challenges I face while being the church.

Memory Verse

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV

Next Steps

I will be an overcomer by faith so that cultural challenges and personal rejections will not hinder me from being the church every chance I get.

I will strengthen my faith in God by registering for the next Base.

My Notes