"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do
not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why
the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater
than his master.' {20 John 13:16} If they persecuted me, they will persecute
you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will
treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent
me." (John 15:18-21)
Countries like India face increasing persecution.
This wave will eventually reach every nation. Christian persecution started
with Jesus himself. Christian Martyrs of the World lists thousands of brutal
killings throughout the history of the Church. Christian persecution didn’t
slow the growth of the Christian faith during the first few centuries after
Christ. Even as its early leaders died horrible deaths, Christianity flourished
throughout the Roman Empire.
Persecution is the result of the non-compromising stand of
the believer of the Truth toward the world.
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| Gunpalli Village |
Our fellowship with Christ cannot be frustrated by any
persecution (Rom. 8:35–39). Persecution is a light that dawn on His people to
prove to the world that Christians are the conquerors of pain.
Increasing persecution is the last important item we need to
face on this earth before we enter into the Eternal Kingdom.
Persecution is an indicator of the “last days” (II Tim. 3:1–5). A sea of people
will be found in heaven through our church planting efforts (Rev. 7:9–17).
Since persecution is painful, often Christians react in
defensive ways. It leads them sometimes even to politicize the issue. A church
planter should view persecution through an eschatological lens. Our task is to
prepare the Church for persecution; not to prevent it.
Martyrdom and the Mission of God are inseparable, linked
together within the Church by unbreakable chains. Jesus forewarns us of this (John
16:1–4) so that His people will not stumble when persecution breaks out. The
Church must keep witnessing for the Truth even during severe persecution (Rev.
2:8–10; 3:8–10).
—Russ Sharrock
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Pastor Accused of Forced Conversion
In Pakshirajapura, Karnataka, Hindu nationalists protested,
and accused Pastor Steven Suresh of forcefully converting members of the
nomadic Hikki Pikki Adivasi tribe to Christianity, and
insulting the Hindu gods. Police arrest Suresh and 11 other Christians.
The new
converts were forbidden to draw water from the town well, and denied
government-subsidized staples such as rice and sugar. Please pray for the safety
of Pastor Steven and the other believers, and that they will remain steadfast
in their faith in the face of persecution.
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