Throughout the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd centuries, the followers of Christ were targeted and persecuted. Beginning from Christ Himself and especially after His death, His followers were banned from preaching, praying, or worshipping through Him and in His name.
Indeed, His name was banned, and anyone found using His name was arrested, thrown into prison, or killed. Interestingly, some of these laws were made by “worshipers of God.” The Jews, through the Sanhedrin, Pharisees, and Sadducees, hounded the followers of Christ from Jerusalem and all other cities where Jews were.
All the sufferings of Paul in heathen lands were instigated by Jews and not Gentiles. Subsequently, the Romans took over from the Jews and banned all forms of Christianity from the Empire, forcing Christians into hiding…
Such persecutions and ostracism have been prophesied to recur in these last days…and slowly, but surely, it is creeping in. Already, several countries have made laws than ban praying in Jesus’ name in schools or public places. There are several news reports in which teachers or students who did so have been punished. Has a similar fate befallen Muslims using Mohamed’s name, to Buddhists using Buddha’s name, or to Hindus using Brahman’s name? I have not heard of such an incidence. Yet, it happens to Christians in so-called Christian or Western countries.
Statues or sculpture describing Christ, or the 10 commandments have been removed from many court rooms, schools etc. Preachers are banned from preaching publicly about Christ in many countries (not only Islamic ones). You cannot post or preach against practices that the Bible frown against. For instance, people who have stood up for Biblical teachings against homosexuality etc. have been targeted, dismissed from their jobs, or removed from social media.
Whilst laws upon laws are being made to protect sinful practices and those who champion such agenda, laws are made to criminalize those who stand for Christian morality and views. Sadly, such laws are made in “Christian countries”. Whilst Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and other religions are respected and cherished, Christianity is trampled on and repressed. Dare speak in favour of creation or of God against evolution and you will see your end. Make strong appeals for Biblical morality and call homosexuals to repentance and you will feel the angst of Satan.
What do these tell you, dear reader? We are surely, but slowly, entering the shadows of the end where unhinged persecutions shall be unleashed on the faithful followers of Christ. The Bible said it and it is coming to pass, championed by the United Nations. Satan is angry and is determined to crush all opposition to his rule, for his time is short… The speed with which the world is being forced to accept homosexuality should be a cause for concern for all discerning minds. What is the cause for such determination to force kids to become gay, lesbians, or transgenders?
“Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand? Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time, we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader. 5T 136.2″
In this beautiful quotation above is a rallying call for all who fear the Lord to prepare for the worst and be determined to shine through the approaching darkness…when everything that is “righteousness” shall be criminalized and evil shall rule … Just mark the way marks…be watchful unto prayer, and as God saved Israel from Egypt, so shall He save His people from the approaching darkness…
May the love and peace of God surround us on this Sabbath. A peaceful happy Sabbath to all the saints of God!!
