I don’t know about you, but I have loved this month of missions at BCC! Honduras and India have already been spotlighted, and Peru is next up at the end of the month. Likewise, the persecution of Christians has been a key focus. Stephan mentioned the idea of persecution for followers of Christ in his message, and Madhukar and Sony shared their own story of actual physical persecution. It may shock you to hear that Christians are persecuted in this way. However, the truth is, persecution of Christians globally is happening at increasing rates.
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (of the Southern Baptist Convention shares this data concerning persecution of the church:
According to the report’s findings, on average “thirteen Christians a day were killed for their faith in 2023.” This number was part of a larger trend that saw:
- nearly 5,000 Christians murdered last year,
- more than 4,000 detained,
- almost 300,000 displaced,
- and an estimated 365 million persecuted for their Christian faith.
That means one in seven Christians around the world currently experience high, and sometimes dangerously violent levels of persecution on a daily basis.
Moreover, according to the report, “The number of attacks on churches and Christian-run schools, hospitals, and cemeteries exploded in 2023.” Almost 15,000 churches and Christian properties were attacked in 2023, which is a “seven-fold [increase] compared to the previous year.” In China alone, some 10,000 churches were shuttered, while in Algeria the number of Protestant churches went from 47 to four. Countries like India, Nigeria, Nicaragua, and Ethiopia closed and/or attacked churches at an alarming rate as well.
Overall, more Christians faced violent attacks in 2023 than ever recorded. The number of displaced Christians around the world more than doubled. One in five Christians in Africa were persecuted for their faith, while that number was two in five for Christians in Asia. Worldwide, Christians faced more hostility in 2023 than they have in recent years. [Taken from: https://erlc.com/resource/the-top-countries-facing-christian-persecution/]
I believe the American church may find itself experiencing more persecution as time goes by. There are already signs of this in recent years as government policies begin to conflict more and more with religious beliefs and freedoms. However, as followers of Jesus, we should not be surprised. In fact, a clear understanding of the New Testament teaching on suffering will help both prepare and strengthen us for whatever may come. It will also call us to stand together with our brothers and sisters, in places like India, who are currently enduring suffering for Jesus’ name.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12)
BUT WHY WOULD PEOPLE PERSECUTE CHRISTIANS?
Jesus tells us:
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” (John 3:19-20)
“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 what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ 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 15:19-21)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
WHAT IS A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE FOR CHRISTIANS TO HAVE ABOUT SUFFERING FOR CHRIST?
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’” (1 Peter 3:14)
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE HEAR OF PERSECUTION IN OTHER PLACES?
“You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (Hebrews 10:34)
In summary, the New Testament teaches believers:
- Expect persecution. If they persecuted Jesus, they will persecute his followers.
- There is blessing for those who remain faithful even though persecuted.
- Persecution is not a sign of God’s absence but a reflection of our faithfulness; that others are seeing Christ in us. That is cause for rejoicing!
- Our enemy is not not ultimately those persecuting us. This is a spiritual war, and Satan will use earthly powers to do his dirty work
- Stand with others who are being persecuted. Pray for them. Seek their release when possible. Speak up for those who have no voice.