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Chuck Smith
Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching
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Sermon Summary
Chuck Smith emphasizes that being persecuted for Christ's sake is a mark of true Christian identity, distinguishing believers from others. He explains that Christians should not retaliate or harbor resentment during persecution, but instead rejoice because it signifies their alignment with God's servants and their identification with Christ. The sermon encourages believers to maintain a heavenly perspective, understanding that their trials are proof of their future hope and reward in Christ. Smith clarifies that the joy comes not from the persecution itself, but from the deeper spiritual truths it reveals.
Scriptures
Matthew 5:11
I. NOT BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED BECAUSE THEY ARE OVER ZEALOUS. A. Some in worship think they must say amen - hallelujah. II. WHAT ISA CHRISTIAN? A. Unlike anyone else. B. Life controlled and dominated by Jesus Christ, "For my sake." C. His life and thoughts controlled by heaven. Ill. HOW HE FACES PERSECUTION. A. Must not retaliate. B. Must not feel resentment. C. Must never be depressed by persecution. "Rejoice and be exceeding glad." IV. NOT TO REJOICE IN MERE FACT OF PERSECUTION - REGRET. V. REJOICES IN. A. You are like God's servants. B. You are identified with Christ. C. Proof of where we are going. VI. WHAT IS THE REWARD?
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching