Persecuted for the Truth

httpss://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/january/top-50-christian-persecution-open-doors-world-watch-list.html)

“Around the world Christians are facing a rising tide of persecution and violence. Does the Prime Minister share my concern at this trend and in particular cases like those of Sunil Saleem, a Christians man who was beaten to death at a hospital in Lahore, in Pakistan? Or 33 women in Eritrea who were imprisoned simply for praying? In this country we quite rightly protect religious freedoms, will her government step up efforts to get other countries to respect religious freedoms?" - Chris Phillips MP, South Croydon .

The discussion of persecuted Christians has become prominent in recent months, with MP Chris Phillips raising the topic in Prime Minister’s Question Time. Across the world, Christians are directly and indirectly being persecuted for proclaiming the name of God. Over the years in the UK, persecution has been somewhat subliminal, with nurses shunned for praying with patients , crosses banned from 2 workplaces and business owners frowned upon for standing upon biblical principles within their respective establishments . The rising threat against the people of God is an indicator of the end times. In this season, we must not grow weary but further root ourselves in Christ and develop our faith to withstand the plans of the enemy.

The 2018 Open Doors Watch List stated that approximately 215 million Christians across the world are experiencing high to extreme levels of persecution (4) with North Korea holding the number 1 spot for near enough 16 years in a row. Countries like Syria, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and India are on the list with real religious rivalry causing high levels of tensions and bloodshed across their respective nations.

http://www.crisismagazine.com/2015/its-time-for-an-encyclical-on-christian-persecution)

Granted, this walk with God was never promised to be an easy one and in the grand scheme of things, this is all part of the journey. There are a few things we can learn from those currently overtly persecuted fo being Christians. First of all, their identity in Christ. If you truly know who you are, you will never be shaken by external factors that try to discredit your identity. Secondly, their level of faith. To openly proclaim that you are a Christian, in a country where other beliefs and faith systems operate is tough, but to be punished and subjected to a labour prison and still remain faithful to Christ? That is an immeasurable level of faith that I pray all of us can achieve in our Christian walk.

It is imperative for Christians across the world to unite our faith with other believers, notably those that are subject to persecution for openly proclaiming the name of the Lord. To our brothers and sisters across the world that are shunned for believing in the one true God, we stand with you and declare that you are not alone. You are in our prayers and the good Lord will help you in running this race of endurance.

This week, commit yourself to praying for brethren in other countries. Remember them as you go throughout your week and pray that God continues to grant them the strength to keep going and uphold their faith. Be sure to follow Open Doors (5), an organisation that supports Christians across the world who suffer for their faith. Subscribe to their newsletter for regular emails which should provide you with more information about our brothers and sisters across the world currently suffering, as well as other amazing resources they have on their website. Support in any way you can.

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/about/how-we-help/)

1 Premier Radio, ‘Christian Persecution raised by MP in last PMQs’ https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Christian-persecution-raised-by-MP-in-last-PMQs (accessed 22 July 2018)

2 The Telegraph, ‘Christian Nurse sacked for offering to pray with patients’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/30/christian-nurse-sacked-offering-pray-patients-just-showing-compassion/ (accessed 20 July 2018)

3 The Independent, ‘Christian Owners of Chymorvah hotel who refused to allow gay couple to stay in double room…’ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/christian-owners-of-chymorvah-hotel-who-refused-to-allow-gay-couple-to-stay-in-double-room-take-8866168.html (accessed 21 July 2018)

4 Christianity Today, ‘Open Doors World Watch List’ https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/january/top-50-christian-persecution-open-doors-world-watch-list.html (accessed 20 July 2018)

5 Open Doors UK, ‘About Us’ https://www.opendoorsuk.org/about/how-we-help/ (accessed 20 July 2018)