Articles
Prepare for Persecution
Christians who are alert to what is going on in our world are well aware that opposition to our faith is accelerating and intensifying at a rapid rate.
I have been preaching a series of sermons on preparing for persecution. We need to be spiritually, mentally, and emotionally prepared to face whatever comes—and it’s coming!
This has been building gradually over a long period of time, and now we are seeing more and more the hatred from those who oppose everything we stand for.
Through the Scriptures we are told this would be our lot. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12 NASB; see Acts 14:22; 1 Thess. 3:2-4).
In the congregation where I grew up, I recall hearing men thank God that we could assemble “without fear of molestation”—that is, persecution.
That’s not a prayer we hear anymore. Perhaps that’s just as well.
Persecution may be just what the church most needs right now. How so?
First, persecution will determine who is truly faithful and who is not (Matt. 13:20-21; 24:9-13).
Second, it will strengthen us spiritually perhaps more than anything we’ve ever experienced (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Third, it’s an honor to suffer for the name of Christ (Acts 5:40-42; 1 Peter 4:12-14).
Fourth, the Scriptures teach us to rejoice in persecution because of the great reward awaiting us (Matt. 5:10-12).
Are you ready?
