“Yea, and all that will live godly in Jesus Christ shall suffer persecution.”

2 Timothy 3:12

I read an interesting article this morning that falls right into yet another prophesy that would occur in the Last Days. A study from the Italian-based Center for Studies on New Religions, determined that 90,000 Christians were killed for their beliefs worldwide last year. Only one third of those were victims of Islamic extremists like ISIS. The other two thirds were killed by state and non-state persecutors in places like North Korea, parts of Africa and Asia, Pakistan, and India. Not only are they being targeted by radical Islamists for their beliefs but are also being persecuted by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Why? Because of the belief amongst many that Christians represent the “West” with their colonialization history and that any practicing Christian is doing nothing more than subjugating their country and culture to the Western way of life. I am not sure how that works out in the West (like America) where Christian morals are under attack daily by other Americans.

According to the report, 600 million Christians worldwide were prevented from practicing their religion openly under threat of persecution. The good news is that Christianity appears to be growing rapidly beneath the surface. Unfortunately, this will embolden those regimes to increase the persecution as we get closer to the Last Days. Be watchful and know that this is yet another sign prophesied to happen. But, best of all:

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Matthew 5:10-12

 

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