Keith Lawler: IDOP For The Persecuted Church • Pathway Church Shorewood • LIVE • 11/02/2025

This morning, I shared the story of God’s faithfulness in my life and the journey He has taken my wife Jean and me on, from our early days together to over two decades serving in Cambodia. I reflected on the privilege and responsibility we have to share the gospel, especially with those who have never heard it. In Cambodia, 90% of people have never heard the name of Jesus, and yet, when they hear the gospel for the first time, many respond with open hearts. This stands in contrast to the spiritual confusion and resistance often found in places where the gospel is more accessible but misunderstood.

I emphasized that before we can truly care about the lost—whether they are our neighbors or people on the other side of the world—we must first be convinced of God’s love for us personally. My own encounter with God’s love and forgiveness transformed my life, moving me from religious routine to genuine faith. It is only when we are rooted in the reality that God knows us fully and loves us completely that we are empowered to love others, even our enemies, and to persevere in sharing the good news.

The journey of faith is not without hardship. I spoke about the reality of persecution, both subtle and severe, and the spiritual battle that underlies it. Whether it’s mockery at work or threats of violence in other countries, Jesus warned us that opposition would come. Yet, the call remains: to boldly proclaim Christ, not just invite people to church or discuss politics, but to speak of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the hope He offers.

I shared stories of believers who have endured great cost for the sake of the gospel, including a Cambodian pastor who risked his life to build a church in the face of threats. Their courage is not born of human strength, but of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. We, too, need the Spirit’s boldness to overcome the fear of man and to endure trials. The evidence of a transformed life is not just church attendance, but a heart that overflows with love for Jesus and a desire to make Him known.

Finally, I urged everyone to invest their lives in what matters for eternity. Each of us is called to be a missionary in our own context, to love those around us, and to bring hope and healing through the gospel. The world is desperate for the love of God, and He has chosen us to be His hands, feet, and voice.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The foundation for loving others and sharing the gospel is a deep, personal conviction of God’s love and forgiveness for you. Until you are convinced that God knows you fully and loves you unconditionally, your motivation to reach others will be limited. This love is not just intellectual but must be experienced in the depths of your soul, transforming your heart and priorities. [08:19]
• 2. True spiritual growth requires moving beyond religious routine into a living relationship with Christ. Attending church or performing Christian activities is not enough; surrendering your life to Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you is essential. Maturity comes as you engage with God’s Word, seek His presence, and allow Him to shape your character and calling. [13:47]
• 3. The reality of persecution is a normal part of following Jesus, not an exception. Whether it’s social rejection, loss of employment, or even threats to your life, Jesus and the apostles made it clear that opposition will come to those who live godly lives and boldly proclaim the gospel. Rather than seeking comfort, we are called to embrace the cost of discipleship, knowing that God’s favor often rests on those who are insulted and persecuted for His name. [27:36]
• 4. The power to endure hardship and to witness boldly comes from the Holy Spirit, not from human resolve. Fear of man is a real barrier, but it is overcome as we are filled with the Spirit, who gives us supernatural courage and wisdom. Spirit-empowered prayer and obedience open the door for God to work through us in ways that far exceed our natural abilities, both in everyday life and in extraordinary circumstances. [30:29]
• 5. Every believer is called to be a missionary, whether across the world or across the street. The mission field is wherever God has placed you, and the people around you are desperate for hope, love, and truth. Invest your life in what matters for eternity—let God use your gifts, your story, and your presence to bring healing and salvation to others, knowing that one day you will stand before Christ and offer Him the fruit of your life. [41:27]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:13] - Family and Ministry Background
• [02:34] - The Unreached and Access to the Gospel
• [03:31] - Challenges of Sharing the Gospel in Different Cultures
• [04:19] - Persevering with Family and Friends
• [05:41] - The Difference Between Religion and Relationship
• [06:53] - Encountering God’s Love and Forgiveness
• [09:19] - The Transforming Power of God’s Love
• [12:21] - Growing Through God’s Word and Community
• [14:16] - Trials, Persecution, and Spiritual Opposition
• [16:33] - The Centrality of Preaching Jesus
• [18:22] - Stories of Bold Faith in Cambodia
• [21:31] - Spiritual Warfare and the Power of the Cross
• [25:30] - Changing Hearts Before Changing Culture
• [27:18] - The Blessing of Persecution
• [30:11] - Overcoming Fear Through the Holy Spirit
• [32:40] - Every Believer’s Mission Field
• [35:54] - Not Forsaken in Persecution
• [38:29] - Growing Up in Christ
• [40:12] - The Cost and Reward of Surrender
• [41:27] - Investing Your Life for Eternity
• [43:43] - Praying for Boldness and Signs
• [45:16] - Closing Prayer and Sending

Bible Reading

John 3:16 (ESV) — > “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

2. Matthew 5:11 (ESV)
> “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

3. 2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)
> “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Observation Questions

1. In the sermon, what was the turning point that moved the speaker from religious routine to a genuine relationship with God? ([08:19])
2. According to Matthew 5:11, what does Jesus say about those who are insulted and persecuted for His sake?
3. What examples of persecution or opposition did the speaker mention, both in Cambodia and in his own life? ([15:02])
4. In 2 Timothy 3:12, who does Paul say will experience persecution?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the speaker emphasize that being convinced of God’s personal love and forgiveness is foundational before we can truly care about the lost? ([08:19])
2. How does the experience of persecution differ between places where the gospel is new (like Cambodia) and places where it is more familiar but misunderstood (like America)? ([03:31])
3. What does it mean, practically, to “move beyond religious routine into a living relationship with Christ”? ([13:47])
4. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers endure hardship and witness boldly? ([30:29])

Application Questions

1. The speaker shared that he only began to care about others’ salvation after he was convinced of God’s love for him personally. Are you convinced, deep down, that God knows you fully and loves you unconditionally? If not, what holds you back from believing this? ([08:19])
2. Think about your current spiritual habits. Are there areas where you are just “going through the motions” rather than seeking a real relationship with Jesus? What is one step you could take this week to pursue a deeper connection with Him? ([13:47])
3. The sermon described both subtle and severe forms of persecution. Have you ever experienced mockery, rejection, or loss because of your faith? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([15:02])
4. The speaker said that the power to endure and witness comes from the Holy Spirit, not from our own strength. When was the last time you asked the Holy Spirit for boldness or help? What would it look like to rely on Him more this week? ([30:29])
5. The sermon challenged everyone to see themselves as missionaries in their own context. Who in your life right now is “unreached” or far from God? What is one practical way you can show them God’s love or share your story with them this month? ([41:27])
6. The Cambodian pastor’s story showed courage in the face of real danger. What fears hold you back from sharing your faith? How can you take a small step to overcome one of those fears? ([19:57])
7. The speaker urged us to invest our lives in what matters for eternity. What is one area of your life (time, resources, relationships) that you sense God is asking you to surrender or use for His kingdom? What’s stopping you from doing it? ([41:27])