Christian Persecution

If you are a Christian and have experienced no form of persecution, then either you have been very blessed, or you may not clearly understand what persecution in our day and age means or looks like. At the time that the book of Matthew was written, persecution of believers generally meant being imprisoned and punished, and was often under the purview of the government.

Although the Canadian government does not directly and openly persecute believers, some laws they implement may restrict or compromise our freedoms. If fact, many laws allow behaviors we consider to directly oppose the Bible, such as abortion. We are fortunate to still worship freely, but at the end of days, that may not be so. But even today our faith is being subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) attacked.

Subtle Forms

Christmas being called Holiday Season is definitely part of it. Something as benign as a Christmas tree, is often called a holiday tree. Prayer is no longer allowed in our schools, and I am sure you can come up with other examples. I do not intend to make an exhaustive list of persecution, but simply to make you aware that it exists today.

As the end times approach, such persecution will only increase as our world turns away from Christ.

Tribulation Persecution

What we are experincing today is a mere shadow of what persecution of believers will be like during the Tribulation. Not that current believers will experience that, but those who come to accept Christ as their Savior during the Tribulation, will experince extreme persecution. They will be hunted for their faith and punished, tortured and killed, and the world will celebrate it. It brings to mind the persecution of the early Christians, many of whom died in colloseums, attached and devoured by lions. It will be entertainment for non-believers to persecute believers.

So, How Do We Respond?

We work to ensure that our family and friends all know Christ. Then we go on beyond our familiar boundaries and spread the word. Each of us has a unique gift, given to us by God. Use it to enlarge the Kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 3:12-13
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Satan is the Deceiver and Head Persecuter

Deceit and persecution are Satan's best tools. He uses our fears and desires against us. Be aware of your weaknesses, and as God to strengthen you. In your weakness, you are strong for God is with you!

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

If you are persecuted today, count it as joy, for you must be doing something wright. Satan has noticed and decided you are worthy of attack. But, fear not. Christ is with you, His Spirit dwells within you. Take up the armor of God and enter the battle. In God, you are victorious.

Ephesians 6:10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Blessings,

Jana