Dear Friends

We live in a world of biological growth, religious growth and the spiritual growth of God’s Church worldwide. Amongst the world’s population of some 6.5billion there are to be found approximately 151 million Atheists; 2 billion Christians; 1.4 billion Muslims; 740 million Hindus and some 360 million plus Buddhists.

In over 30 years Christianity has doubled in Africa and Latin America with the tripling of Christians in Asia. There are other facts, that could be stated, concerning various aspects of the Christian growth in the world but my aim is to focus on “Persecution and it’s Causes” as we understand it and see some biblical examples of the same.

FIRSTLY. The growing Church is seen as a threat, in some countries, to the National identity and to the majority Religion of the state. This is a fairly common factor that is identified or used against His Church. An example is Islam in various countries. Act 16.21

SECONDLY. Christians speaking up for the weak, needy, handicapped and despised of a society. That is often described as, a Human Rights posture, and causes some leaders to feel intimidated, criticised or insulted. So they react accordingly against the Christians.

THIRDLY. Christians. because of the Western World’s influence, are accused of having sinister agendas linked to Western purposes. So they are seen as enemies of their country or those who are corrupting their culture by the Western religion of Christianity. A common accusation is that one is working for the CIA!

FOURTHLY. Christians are seen as a threat to the links between religion and money. For example the caciques in Mexico who are the very powerful mafia type landlords who also supply drugs, alcohol etc related to the religious scene, especially in the province of Chiapas. Acts 16.19; 19.25. Nothing is new under the sun !

FIFTHLY. Christians cannot be controlled by the State in regards to clear Biblical teaching that the State may negate and overtly oppose. They follow One, known as King Jesus. Acts 4.18-20.

SIXTHLY. Some Christian organisations use terminology which are termed as inflammatory! Such as the words ‘Crusade’, ‘claiming the territory’ and ‘weapons of our warfare’! In some cases local people have panicked thinking the Christians had some military objective or method.

SEVENTHLY. A poor understanding of true Christianity. In some cases purely due to the lack of knowledge, coupled with fear of anything new, has caused a backlash. Also we need to be aware of deliberate disinformation, lies and distortions used against the advance of the Gospel.

FINALLY ! Is this article relevant for us personally ? YES! Not only because we need to identify with our suffering family in Christ, but also there is evidence of a growing anti-Christian spirit in our society, Europe and the USA. Evidenced by Christian symbols being removed through legal procedures. Christians being discriminated against through some local councils in our land and developments in and through the European Union etc. We need to be informed, watchful, prayerful and active in faith to stand and to serve our Lord as many are so doing in the Persecuted Church in some 50 plus nations of the world.

The Scripture says: “Wake up. Strengthen what remains and is about to die….watch and pray for the night comes when no man can work.” Rev.3.2; John 9.4.

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