These are not easy days especially for those Christians who live side by side with Muslims as neighbours. These are perilous times.
As we approach the close of this age, there is going to be a tremendous increase in the persecution of Christians worldwide. What we are seeing is only the beginning of 'birth pangs'. Many may think it is going to be limited to the lands where Muslims are dominant. No! It will equally take place in the so called developed countries. It is not dependent on how wise we are, it is dependent on what the Word of God says.
If you look at the events that led to the Holocaust, part of the sentiment was that the Jews were responsible for the economic woes of Germany and the Great Depression and that the Jews plan to dominate the world as recorded in a fraudulent book called "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" There was widespread antisemitism all over Germany and greater part of Europe. Hitler exploited this when he came to power in 1933 and began to implement his plans which he outlined in Mein Kampf published in 1924. When he began the massive extermination of the Jewish population, much of the populace did not see it as an issue, even Christians. The best many did was to be indifferent. Today, we live with the history of one of the worst genocides ever committed against a people group - the Holocaust.
Why do I draw this historical lesson? There is a growing sentiment against Christians all over the world and the drum is being beaten very loudly by the media. It is as if Christians are the cause of the problems and violence perpetrated all over the globe. In Communist countries, they are seen as spies who cooperate with 'foreign elements' to undermine the powers of the state. In the Islamic countries, they are not just seen as spies but also they are seen as 'infidels' who should be subjugated or killed before they corrupt the 'holy' Muslims. All the recent persecutions, killings and sufferings of Christians all over the world attest to this. In the Western countries, Christians are seen as the only obstacles against for example legalized abortion, homosexuality and 'freedom' which at best can be described as license to live in sin. Starting from the media to the movie industries, from Civil Rights to the Academia, there seems to be a commitment to destroy Judeo-Christian culture and principles. The world do not want to have defined absolutes. Very soon, Christians will begin to go to jail for some evangelism activities in these countries. It is as if the world will know peace if only Christians will keep silence and stop insisting that Jesus Christ if the only Way to God. Life will become difficult for committed Christians in the coming days. There are many situations that will lead to all these, both circumstantial and planned. It is already happening like Massimo's comment shows above.
Never assume "it will never get to me". Get involved now in the ministry towards the persecuted. Train yourself now in holy and righteous living. Take the tough decisions now to please God in all that you do.
The challenge is, is your faith strong enough to carry you through evil days and to the end? Is your anchor strong on Christ alone? It is true that many churches prepare and motivate their members on how to become rich and wealthy; I wonder how many equally prepare them on how to stand strong in the days of trials and turmoil that are about to come? The Bible is correct when it says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" 2 Tim 3:12. NIV. Better be prepared now and make sure you are standing on the Solid Rock.
Remain rapturable!
