Expect to be persecuted for your faith in Jesus Christ.
(Part 1)
Christians throughout the world are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ. Many Christians are being tortured and killed because of their faith in Jesus. This news is terrible, sad, and unsettling, but it should not be a surprise.
Why should this news not be surprising?
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice …. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed… .(1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)
Jesus tells us that we (Christians) will be hated by the world (unbelievers).
In the Bible, Jesus says to his disciples “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. …. (Matthew 10:22 ESV)
We also read, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19 ESV)
A belief in Jesus Christ can cause conflicts within families.
Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:21-22 ESV)
The enemy is real!
The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. …. (John 10:10 ESV)
… Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV)
Satan is called the ruler of this world.
…, for the ruler of this world is coming. …, (John 14:30 ESV)
… the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. (1 John 5:19 ESV)
Satan blinds the eyes of the unbelievers.
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, …. (2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV)
Satan is at work in the unbeliever.
…, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— (Ephesians 2:2 ESV)
Persecuted For Your Faith will be continued in future posts.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)
Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.
