Derek Thornton

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)

Posts tagged International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Notes &

What did Paul endure for the sake of Christ? 1 Cor 11:23-28

  • numerous imprisonments (23)
  • beaten times without number (23)
  • often in danger of death (23)
  • 5 times received 39 lashes (24)
  • 3 times beaten w/rods (25)
  • Once stoned (25)
  • 3 times shipwrecked (25)
  • 1 night and 1 day in the deep. (25)
  • danger from rivers, robbers, countrymen, Gentiles, city, wilderness, sea and false brethren (26)
  • labor and hardship (23), (27)
  • sleepless nights (27)
  • hunger and thirst, often without food (27)
  • cold and exposure (27)
  • concern for all the churches (28)

Finally death in Rome!

Filed under IDOP persecution International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2 Corinthians

Notes &

They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:40-42

Filed under IDOP persecution International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Acts

Notes &

I have found over the years that many of the most fruitful times of ministry for the Lord have come at the same time as great opposition and persecution. There seems to be a direct correlation between effective work for God and intense opposition. The apostle Paul experienced this too. He wrote, “A great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me” (1 Cor. 16:9).
Brother Yun- Living Water

Filed under Brother Yun IDOP persecution International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Notes &

Acts 5:25-32

But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Filed under IDOP persecution Acts International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

2 notes &

What did Jeremiah do when he was laughed at, scorned, mocked and reproached due to proclaiming the Word of God. Jer 20:7-8

  • He would weary of holding it in and could not endure it if he tried to stop! Jer 20:9

2 Tim 1:8- Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,


Filed under persecution IDOP International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Jeremiah 2 Timothy

Notes &

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Extremely powerful passage in any way and it clearly states that sometimes it is the will of God that we suffer!

Filed under IDOP persecution 1 Peter International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

2 notes &

IDOP #3- Ways to pray for the persecuted.

  1. That they would experience complete trust in God. 2 Cor 1:8-9
  2. That they will endure. Hebrews 10:36
  3. That they will love Christ far more than life itself. Rev 12:10-11, Philip 1:21, Acts 20:24
  4. That they will love their enemies. Luke 6:27-31, Matt 5:44
  5. That they will rejoice in the sufferings of Jesus so that they will rejoice even more when Christ comes. Heb 10:34, Matt 5:12, 1 Pet 4:13, Acts 5:41
  6. That they will remember their unbelievable future glory. Rom 8:18

Source: IDOP Nov 9, 2008- Britt Merrick PDF

Note: PDF file is a quick download and includes other prayer points!

Filed under IDOP persecution International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Britt Merrick

4 notes &

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master ’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also.
John 15:18-23

Filed under IDOP International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church persecution