Throughout the Bible we can read stories of persecution to those who followed God. Some were even martyred for their beliefs. The persecution of Christians, among others, is still happening today. In some nations like China, Christians are forced to register with the government in order to attend a certain congregation. You might have heard of underground churches there where Christians are gathering in secret so they can worship God freely. Time magazine did a story a few months ago on this topic. Folks, this is not just happening in China, it’s happening all over! Christians have suffered beating, and burned down churches. Christians are being put to death even at the proclamation of their faith. It can be hard to hear stories of anyone being treated unjustly. For those who don’t believe in a literal devil, I’m here to tell you, he is as real as the persecutions of Christians and other God fearing people of faith.
I encourage you to look at The Voice of the Martyrs website at Persecution.com. The site contains real stories of real people who are prisoners because of their faith. The site will provide you with ways that you can pray as well.
The beautiful thing about God is, regardless of our troubles, large or small, He cares. Martyrdom and persecution toward Christians in our peace loving nations are not a typical part of our news—thankfully. But I do wonder as God has become less and less popular, and as many in our nation would rather accept perverse things and lifestyles than the 10 Commandments, if there will be a day where those of us who serve the Lord openly will face persecution. Already those of us who are Bible believing and proclaiming Christians are considered, bigoted and narrow-minded. This brings to mind something that was said by Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
I’ll leave with the words of Jesus as he spoke to His disciples. I have no doubt this applies to the church today as well. John15:18-21:
“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 greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.”
Please check the following blogs within this series (Please note: Some blogs won’t be available for viewing until they’ve been formally released):
Trials and Faith: Why is This Happening?
Trial and Faith: Trials by Fire
Trials and Faith: The First Christian Martyr
Trials and Faith: Jesus Freaks
Trials and Faith: Resisting Temptation to Sin