- http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/a/JZ-Persecution.htm
Christians have been persecuted all over the world. Many early Protestants who broke from the Catholic Church were imprisoned and burned at the stake. Christian missionaries have been killed in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Christians were imprisoned and killed during the reigns of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Today, the nonprofit organization Voice of the Martyrs tracks Christian persecution in China, Muslim countries, and throughout the world.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus prophesied that his followers would be attacked:
"Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:20, NIV)
We here in America have always felt very safe being so far removed from the rest of the world. But, in spite of what these feel good prosperity hucksters on TV say, these days of Church safety in this land of ours is swiftly coming to an end. The dam of persecution is ready to break.
Dear fellow believers in Christ Jesus,
If you are used to comfort, get used to hardships.
If you are used to having plenty, get used to having little.
If you are used to being first, get used to being last.
The heavenly ruler of all things, here and in the heights above, is going to sift His Church separating the true from the false.
Rejoice in what is coming. Our heavenly home is nearer now than ever before.
