The persecution of Christianity in its simplest terms,
historically and worldwide, can be outlined progressively:
1. Social Persecution
2. Legal Persecution
3. Violent Persecution
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| Graphic from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/publiccatholic/2013/03/degrees-of-christian-persecution-where-does-america-fit/ |
Where are we in America?
Social persecution of Christianity is commonplace – even
fashionable. Disapproval, insults, hatred, ridicule and criticism. By and
large, the media will not tolerate any expression of Christianity.
We have been wading into the waters of Legal persecution of
Christianity for years. How many court cases have targeted or successfully
hampered the free expression of Christianity? The Gospel of Peace is now
officially “hate speech”.
At least we haven’t experienced Violent persecution yet . .
. or have we? Take some time and see for yourself. It’s buried, but it’s there.
In this country there have been an increasing number of violent crimes and
murders against Christians for no other reason other than their faith. But if
Social persecution already exists, which it does, you can expect the media to
avoid such stories like the Plague.
Whether you are a Christian or not, you need to know how
this relationship works. Numbers of people are really inconsequential.
Temperature is what matters. The spiritual temperature of Christianity is
almost always directly proportional to the degree of persecution.
CHRISTIANS! Have you ever noticed that the capstone of
Jesus’ Beatitudes is this:
“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.”
Everyone wants a
blessing, but they won’t take what the Lord gives. Stop fighting and arguing
with those whose understanding is darkened. Stop useless boycotts with no power
behind them. Stop feeding your natural desire to get even and win and stand up
for your rights. Stop wasting your life.
READ THE WORD.
DO WHAT IT SAYS.
GET READY.
