In just 220 days of 2025, over 7,000 Christians in Nigeria have been killed. Churches have been destroyed, families torn apart, and believers hunted down in Iraq, Iran, Palestine, N.Korea etc. In China, online church services have been banned, adding more weight on those already suffering for their faith.
Many of us in safer parts of the world rejoice that we do not face such persecution, and we thank God for that. Some hold to the idea that God will take away His people before suffering comes. Imagine telling that to these brothers and sisters who have already seen loved ones beheaded or villages burned to the ground. To them, the idea that “true tribulation hasn’t even started yet” would sound unthinkable. They'd laugh at us. (Maybe a discussion for some other time)
We must do better. These believers need our prayers. They need our support. They need us to stand with them as they suffer for Christ. Missionaries in hostile regions are laying down their lives. While they are facing both inner battles with sin and external persecution, most of us wrestle only with sin and small inconveniences at work or in society.
Christian persecution is not defined by the stories of famous martyrs alone. It is written in the lives of countless unnamed believers. Think of the Nigerian brother who was killed before his family, leaving them without safety or support, still fleeing from terrorists with their village in ashes. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. No one talks about them. This is the real face of Christian persecution. Don't forget this.
If persecution is certain, then now is the time to conquer sin. I live in Europe and I can see troubling signs here too (not going to elaborate them now). The Lord calls us to actively wage war against sin in our lives, anger, lust, gluttony, pride and every chain that holds us back. Christ has promised freedom not only from the penalty of sin but also from its power. The reason many of us do not overcome is because we do not truly believe Christ can deliver us.
To those friends who believe they will escape tribulation, regardless of the theology, I say this in love: do not be surprised when persecution comes knocking at your door. Don't be surprised if you aren't taken away when terrible things happen. In China and other parts of the world, many abandoned the faith when persecution arrived, because they were taught a theology that only appeared only 200 years ago (things unheard of in the 1500 years of Christianity and even after 300 years of reformation). Even so-called non-essential doctrines can have life-or-death consequences I believe. (An issue to discuss some other day)
The days ahead will be dark. But Christ calls us to press on towards holiness and maturity, to be ready today. Brothers and sisters, let us not waste time. Put sin to death. Cling to Christ. He is with us. Pray for the persecuted. Support those on the front lines. Stand firm in faith and spread the Gospel. Pray that we may endure till the end looking into Jesus.
Bad days are coming, but Christ is greater. He is faithful. He is able to keep us. Let us live as though He could return at any moment.
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. (2 Peter 3:14)
In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3)
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14)
There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough-a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice-which costs nothing, and is worth nothing. (J.C. Ryle)
The more the holiness grows in man, the more he ceases to see it. (St. Charbel)
MAKE RADICAL CHRISTIANITY GREAT AGAIN.
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