Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. (Matthew 24:9)
As the church grows persecution will intensify. As persecution intensifies the church will grow. In a recent article, Justin D. Long emphasized the startling fact that more people have died for their faith in the Twentieth Century than in all of the previous centuries combined. “During this century, we have documented cases in excess of 26 million martyrs. From AD 33 to 1900, we have documented 14 million martyrs.” In 2019 about 245 million people worldwide are highly persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Clearly, the persecution that Jesus referred to (Matthew 24:9) has already begun.
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. (Hebrews 13:3)
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (John 15:20)
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7)
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)
Resources
International Christian Concern
News
Major power moving to eliminate any ‘visible evidence of Christianity’
In Nigeria, the Biden Administration Forgets the Religious Roots of Foreign Aid
We Must Stand With India’s Persecuted Christians
New Heritage report reveals ‘systemic persecution of Christians’
Pray
“Our prayers can go where we cannot. There are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed when we pray.” – Brother Andrew (Open Doors founder)
“Because of your prayers we feel that the Lord is answering and helping us to continue with our ministries, the Lord’s presence gives power and gives hope and peace. We definitely appreciate the support and prayers of the church globally.” – Pastor Edward, Syria
Unreached of day prayer calendar
Resources
Voice of the Martyrs global prayer guide
Open Doors One Million Prayers of Hope
Inside the United States
Not Just Nashville: Attacks Against Churches Nearly Tripled in 2023, Report Finds