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The Beatitudes are the Lord's prescription for happiness.

Today on a new beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie explains one of the most puzzling ones on the list.

Jesus has blessed those who are persecuted for righteousness,

sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This is one promise very few Christians claim, who wants to be persecuted.

But when you've been living your life as you ought to, you start getting pushed back and you catch

a black, it's a confirmation you're a child of God.

You think persecution doesn't happen today, more than a dozen Christians die for their faith each day around the world.

But even when the persecution isn't that severe, many of us still face opposition for what we believe.

We may not lose our lives, but we may lose our job or a promotion or a friend.

Today on a new beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us a new perspective on persecution

and on several other facets mentioned into the Beatitudes from the sermon on the mountain.

But I hope you're not one of them.

Let's pray together.

Father, we thank you that you're here in this room with us.

You've told us that when two or more are gathered together in your name,

you're there and the myth.

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