“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
Evil (Satan) loves darkness, and therefore will deceptively work through Non-Christian and even Professed Christians alike who walk in their own understanding, to snuff out the witness of the Light. Where there is Light, there is Truth, and Satan despises both. His weapon is and has always been deceit and confusion which draws one to darkness. This battle between Truth/Light and Darkness/Lies is ramping up quickly with physical and Eternal cost to consider. Jesus (God in Flesh) suffered persecution for being that Light as so did after him the Prophets,even through today in America the persecution continues at an increasing rate. In my mind, when a Christian is persecuted for their STAND for Light and Truth, Jesus rises from his seat at the Right Hand of the Father, Honored and Moved. Like a proud parent of their Childs Faithfulness to Honor Him as opposed to honoring man, in order for Light and Truth to invade the darkness as so commissioned.
Additional insight from …
The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is a nonprofit, interdenominational missions organization that offers practical and spiritual help to persecuted Christians around the world. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. His wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In the 1960s, Richard, Sabina, and their son, Mihai, were ransomed out of Romania and came to the United States. Through their travels, the Wurmbrands spread the message of the atrocities that Christians face in restricted nations, while establishing a network of offices dedicated to assisting the persecuted church. The Voice of the Martyrs continues in this mission around the world today through the following main purposes:
Our ministry is based on Hebrews 13:3:
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
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