Christian Persecution

Following his list of birth pangs, Luke says this in his gospel: “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My names sake.” (Luke 21:12) One can read all about this in the book of Acts, fulfilled graphically by Steven, James, Peter, Paul, and many others. In fact, all of the Apostles were either tortured or killed for their faith, along with many thousands of martyrs. Luke continues; “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents or brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My names sake.” (Luke 21:13-17) This type of persecution of Christians has continued largely unabated from the time of Christ till today. The Voice of the Martyrs is a Christian organization that details Christian persecution around the world. They have a free magazine that will keep you informed. The Voice of the Martyrs (persecution.com)

Matthew’s gospel, however, instead of stating “before all these things” (after listing the beginnings of birth pangs), says “then” or after these things. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My names sake.” (Matthew 24:9). This is clearly a reference to the time period immediately following the BBP’s, or, the time just ahead of us.

Unless you don’t look at the news media at all, I’m sure you are aware of the growing persecution of Christians all over the world including here in the USA. With the ubiquitous adoption of “hate speech” laws, even the bible is fast becoming banned literature in secular society. Pastors and teachers who promote biblical truth against abortion, LGBQT lifestyles, multiple gender identities, etc. are increasingly condemned and shut down for hate speech. Simply teaching that Jesus is the only way of salvation has become hate speech. The god of this world is having his way. No doubt, the most virulent persecution of Christians in the world comes from the antichrist religion of Islam. Here is a link to a recent article detailing Muslim persecution of Christians: The Most Tragic Story Never Told: The Muslim Persecution of Christians | Frontpagemag

We must prepare our hearts and minds for persecution. It’s here already, and it’s going to become much worse. We need to always be ready to give an inspired defense of what we believe and why- (1st Peter 3:15). But, as Luke said above, we don’t need a prepared or rehearsed speech to state our beliefs. We just need to open our mouths and let the Holy Spirt in us do the rest. Don’t worry if your words fall on deaf ears. Remember Jesus’ words, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you ‘A servant is not above his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you….” (John 15:18-20)