The Persecuted Church
The Persecuted Church
They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. (Acts 7:58)
Suffering Is Unavoidable
The church was scarcely born before it was under assault. Stephen was the first recorded martyr, stoned to death by an enraged crowd. And although the severity of persecution has ebbed and flowed with history and geography, the world that tortured and killed Jesus is the world that continues to hate and persecute those whose only crime is naming Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Try inviting people to a Bible study in Syria or Saudi Arabia. Even in nations that pay lip service to freedom of religion, Christians are harassed, imprisoned, ostracized, and even killed. Like it or not, the world is a giant combat zone between the forces of darkness and the forces of light, and humanity is caught up in an intense spiritual conflict that has physical ramifications.
Use Every Opportunity
Our Savior told His followers to expect suffering: “You will have suffering in this world” (John 16:33). So it should be no surprise when we face trials and tribulations. This is the normal Christian life.
Let’s pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters and aid them in any way we can. Ministries like Voice of the Martyrs have information and actions we can do to make a difference in the lives of persecuted believers. Many of us are blessed to be living in a time and place in which we are not heavily persecuted, so let’s take advantage of every opportunity to share Jesus freely.
Bottom Line
If the world hated Jesus, it will hate those who love Him. Don’t let that stop you from faithfully testifying for Him.