There are a number of verses in the New Testament that talks about the persecution of believers in Jesus. For those of you listening from here in America, we know that by and large, this has not been our experience. Many Americans are concerned about our eroding Christian freedoms, but our experiences have been nothing compared to other believers around the world.
Consider these statistics reported from the Open Doors organization. Last year, in 2020, 260 million followers of Jesus were persecuted for their faith. Every day, an average of eight Christians were killed for their faith and 23 Christians were raped or sexually harassed for faith-related reasons. Every week, an average of 182 Churches or Christian buildings were attacked, and 102 Christian homes, shops or businesses attacked, burned or destroyed. Every month, an average of 309 Christians were unjustly imprisoned for their faith.
The most dangerous countries in the world for Christians in order are: North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Lybia, Pakistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, and India.
Why did you not know this? This is not reported by the mainstream American news media.
A May 3, 2019 article by the BBC reported that Christian persecution is at near genocide levels.
Sadly, the persecution is not lessoning, it’s increasing. We are now seeing increased restrictions and persecutions on Christians in western cultures.
Mathew 5:11-12 - “ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…”
There are the three types of persecution Christ lists that believers will at times experience?
Jesus gave two reasons: “for righteousness” in verse 10 and “on account of me” in verse 11.
Why this persecution against Christians? It is because of our faith in Jesus. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 10:22 - “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
2 Timothy 3:12 - “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
It may seem strange that Jesus said those who are persecuted are actually blessed, but he clarifies his meaning when he says “great is their reward in Heaven.”
Today you and and I can pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted. Here are five ways:
Today’s Challenge: Let’s be faithful to lift up the persecuted church in prayer and let’s use the freedom God has given us to fearlessly share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
