Secondly, he was certain that ministry was a mercy.

He says, we have this ministry as we received mercy.

That is to say, he never lost sight of the fact that this was an overwhelming mercy

to allow him to preach this message.

He is known as the church's first martyr, Stephen.

Acts 7 tells us that after being mocked, beaten, and stoned, he cried out, Lord do not hold

this sin against them.

So with his last breath, he didn't curse his killers or call out for revenge, he glorified

Christ.

Now, you may never have to face that kind of persecution, but like Stephen, you live

in a culture filled with people and institutions and leaders that hate you.

How can you prepare yourself for the suffering that will come because of your faith in Christ?

Today's lesson on grace to you can help answer that.

So join John MacArthur now as he continues his compelling new series that's airing for

the first time.

We call it the world versus the kingdom of God.

And John now as he begins the lesson.

As we come to the revelation of God in his word, we are drawn back to 2 Corinthians chapter

4.

2 Corinthians chapter 4.

We have been talking about the fact that there are two kingdoms in the world.

There are two rulers in the world.

...