2nd Annual Global Campus Conference: The Desert Challenge

Update!

LIFE welcomes Sam to the campus ministry family who got baptized this past Sunday!

Also, be sure to check out the new audio sermon from campus day: What is Truth?

Our new brother Sam pictured with one of our awesome Life Talk Leaders Chenelle.

Can You Drink the Cup of Campus Ministry?

I recently got back from “The Gathering” 2008 in London. It was incredible to see the way God is moving in the European churches. I had the honor to teach a class on how to build a great campus ministry for the European leaders. Click this link below to check it out along with other lessons from the event:

http://www.londonchurch.org.uk/?page_id=122

- Mike Patterson

Good News

God has blessed LIFE Ministries in Phoenix this year beyond what I could have ever dreamed. Consider what I have seen God do since moving here in January of this year:

• 18 baptisms in the last 9 months
• 4 placed memberships
• Multiplied LIFE Talks from one to five since January
• Currently at ASU-Tempe, ASU-West Campus, SCC, and MCC
• Exciting for me is the new LIFE Talk leaders who have raised up which I believe have really become 6 other campus ministers: Coltin, Anthony, Marcel, Millie, Chenelle, Janelle, Kelsey, Ashley
• Starting a new LIFE Campus Ministry in Portland, OR by sending Marcel and Janelle to Portland in December to join the new church (www.portlandicc.org).

Let’s praise God as we continue to build His Kingdom for His glory! Oh yeah, one more thing I’m personally fired up about. I have started dating an awesome sister Shay! There is a God!

New dating couple

Love in Christ,

Mike Patterson

“In Our Generation”- NEW AUDIO SERMON

Capture the dream of LIFE Ministries as Mike Patterson preaches on evangelizing the world in our lifetime! CLICK HERE

Persecution

It has been amazing to see the gospel bearing fruit and growing all over not only ASU, but MCC, SCC, and ASU West. Recently, as God’s kingdom has marched on, LIFE has received various forms of persecution. Persecution comes from the world who doesn’t understand our lifestyle as disciples, religious groups who don’t understand Biblical doctrine, internet articles and radio shows from bitter fall-aways, and sadly fellow brothers/sisters in our former fellowship here in Phoenix who slander and character assassinate God’s movement and leaders. We are to pray for these people. Excitingly, through all these challenges not one person has fallen away since the summer months and so many have come to know the Lord! The following is a Bible study on peresecution to help show how persecution is the result of godly living. This can be used as a Bible study with a non-Christian or to strengthen your convictions on persecution.

PERSECUTION

Introduction:

      A. 2 Timothy 3:10-13

      B. Everyone who wants to be a Christian will be persecuted.

      C. Persecution for the Christian is normal and to be expected. 

I. JESUS WAS PERSECUTED.

      A. Mark 3:20-30

            1. Jesus’ family thought he was out of his mind.

            2. Jesus was accused of demon possession.

      B. John 7:12-13

            1. There was widespread gossip and slander about Jesus.

            2. He was accused of deceiving people.

      C. John 7:45-52

            1. The Pharisees (mainstream religion) did not accept Jesus.

            2. Nicodemus’ principle: hear Jesus’ side before passing judgment on gossip.

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    • Have you suffered persecution for Jesus? Why or why not?

 

II. THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH WAS PERSECUTED

      A. Acts 13:44-52

            1. The religious leaders were jealous of the apostles’ impact.

            2. In spite of the persecution, the disciples rejoiced.

      B. Acts 26:19-25

            1. Paul’s strong message of repentance stirred up opposition.

            2. Paul was thought to be insane.

      C. Acts 28:21-22

            1. The church was highly controversial.

            2. The church was called a sect (another word for a “cult”) 

• Has your church ever been persecuted? Why or why not?

 

III. JESUS AND THE APOSTLES’ WARNED ABOUT PERSECUTION

      A. John 15:18-20, 16:1-4

            1. We will experience persecutions just like Jesus did.

            2. Jesus warned the disciples so they would not go astray.

      B. 1 Peter 4:1-5, 12-19

            1. People are threatened by Christian living.

            2. They heap abuse to justify their actions.

            3. Do not be surprised or ashamed.

      C. John 3:19-21

            1. The real issue is sin being exposed. 

IV. OUR ATTITUDE ABOUT PERSECUTION

      A. Matthew 5:10-12

            1. Persecution comes because of righteousness.

            2. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven.

      B. Philippians 1:27-30

            1. Conduct yourself as Jesus did: Trust God, and do not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23)

      2. Do not be frightened.

      C. Acts 4:23-31

            1. Pray to God for boldness.

            2. Don’t pray for the persecution to cease.

      D. Acts 5:41-42

            1. Rejoice because you’ve been counted worthy of suffering disgrace.

            2. Never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news.  

CONCLUSION

      A. What is your attitude about persecution?

            1. God’s desire is for persecution to bring about refining, strengthening and maturity.

            2. Satan’s desire is for persecution to cause fear, doubt, qualms, and mistrust.

      B. Are you willing to be persecuted?

            1. Persecution is a mark of a disciple (John 15:18-20)

            2. Remember that “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be 

                              persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) 

• Share about internet criticism, persecution on campus, etc.

Mike Patterson

Dave is baptized into Christ!

LIFE Ministries welcomes Dave to the army of God!