Persecution of the Church
Persecution and tribulation have always been part of the life of the church and the individual believer Persecution was part of the life of Jesus even when he was a baby. Joseph and Mary had to flee to Egypt to escape from the madness of Herod who feared his reign was threatened (Matt. 2:13) Throughout his ministry Jesus faced threats of entrapment and death from the religious leaders of the day.(Matt. 12:14). They made many accusations against him such as:
Mark 3:22 But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.”
They attempted to kill him on several occasions.
John 10:31 “The Jews took up stones to stone him.”
They struck him.
John 18:22 Jesus was struck by an officer’s hand
Luke 22:63 Jesus was stuck in the face and spate upon
And finally the crucified him. The most painful death one could suffer.
John 19:16-18
So they took Jesus and led him away. 17 Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went to the place called Skull Hill (in Hebrew, Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him. There were two others crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them.
Jesus suffered greatly on the cross and was humiliated by the Jews and the Romans. The very things he endured were the same things his disciples were told would happen to them.
Jesus made it very clear that persecution and tribulation were coming and to be expected. In the sermon on the mount , he said in Matthew 5:11-12, 11 “God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
He also said in John 16:32-33, 32 But the time is coming—in fact, it is already here—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 15: 18 if the world hates you you know it hated me before it hated you
John 21: 12 they will lay hands on you and persecute you delivering you up to synagogues and into prisons
Jesus did not paint a pain free picture for his followers. He gave them a reality check as to what they could expect and his life was a demonstration of what they could also expect in their lives.
The persecution continued in the life of the early church. A quick survey of the book of Acts verifies what Jesus had predicted would happen.
Acts 4-Peter and John are arrested and placed in jail. Later told to be silent about Jesus.
Acts 5-Apostle arrested and place in jail but set free by an angel. The next day they were on trial and were almost at the point of being murdered but instead were flogged and told to be silent.
Acts 6 Stephen brought before the council and stoned
Acts 8 Church of Jerusalem persecuted and many flee for safety
Acts 12 King Herod Agrippa persecutes the believers and beheads the apostle James. Peter placed in prison
Acts 13 Jews incite a mob against Paul and Barnabas while in Antioch Pisidia
Acts 14 Jews and Gentiles prepare to stone Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
Acts 15 Paul is stoned and left for dead in Lystra
Acts 16 Paul and Silas thrown in jail while in Phillipi
Acts 17 Paul and Silas escape for their lives while in Thessalonica
Acts 19 Gaius and Aristarchus are dragged into the amphitheater in Ephesus
Acts 21 Paul is arrested and put in jail in Jerusalem,
Acts 23 Paul’s life is threatened
Peter wrote to the church to encourage them during their time of persecution 1 Peter 4:12-14
John told the church to not be astonished if the world hates you 1 John 3:13
In the book or Revelation the churches are greatly persecuted. The church in Smyrna faced great suffering. Revelation 2:9-10
9 “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the slander of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they really aren’t because theirs is a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The Devil will throw some of you into prison and put you to the test. You will be persecuted for ‘ten days.’ Remain faithful even when facing death, and I will give you the crown of life
Much of the persecution of the early church came as a result of the opposition of the Jews but this extended to persecution by the Roman government as well. An article in “Exploring Church History” provides much of the following information.
The Jewish persecution stemmed mainly from their fears that Christianity would take away many of their constituents and that they would lose political favor.
Roman persecution was based on several factors. Politics and power was one of their concerns. The teaching of Christianity about a new King and a kingdom was taken as a threat to their political structure. They feared being overthrown. In addition the fact that the Christians would not worship their gods and goddesses was viewed as an act of treason which had to be dealt with severely.
The Christians were also persecuted because they did not fit into the social structure of the society that found great pleasure in dramas, theater and sporting events. These events usually began with a sacrifice to a pagan deity. The believers condemned the gladiator games in which prisoners were thrown to wild beasts for entertainment. The Christians also promoted equality of people this slavery which fueled the economy of the Romans was not supported by them.
Christians also were persecuted because they did not support the businesses that earned money through the sale of idols or other objects of worship. The economic effect was one of the reasons there was such turmoil in Ephesus when the people stopped buying the wares of idolatry. In addition Christians were often accused of causing calamities such as earthquakes, famine and pestilence which came as a result of their failure to worship the Roman gods.
A final reason for the persecution was the beliefs of the Christians. The believers were not pluralistic but taught that Christianity was the only way to God and eternal life. They aggressively evangelized and refused to worship the emperor or any of the gods. Because they had to meet in secret rumors circulated that perversion was taking place. In addition the communion service in which believers drank the symbolic blood of Jesus and ate his symbolic body generated rumors of cannibalism. The Romans considered the Christians as atheists because they worshipped and invisible God not a god of goddess that was an idol or image.
The persecution that began in Acts 6 continued for the next 300 years by Rome. Most of us are familiar with two of the rulers who were brutal against Christians: Nero and Domitian.
Nero reigned from A.D. 54-68. He was a homosexual and was considered a madman.
In A.D. 64 Nero accused the Christian community of setting the city of Rome on fire, and thereupon instigated a fearful persecution in which Paul and Peter perished. It was reported that Nero played the fiddle while he watched the city burn. The burning lasted for 9 days and destroyed 10 of the 14 districts of the city. Nero was accused of setting the fire so in order to divert attention from himself, he made the Christian community the scapegoat. Those who were accused of setting the city on fire were burned at the stake at night to light the gardens near Nero’s circus. Some were crucified and others were thrown to wild animals. The Christians were not punished for their beliefs but were punished for the arson they did not commit.
Domitian
The second wave of persecution of the church came under the reign of Domitian beginning in A.D. 95. He persecuted the Jews but also included the Christians because they refused to pay a tax that was to be used for the construction of a temple for Jupiter in Rome. The deeds of Domitian are more relevant than those of Nero to the themes of the Apocalypse. Worship of deceased emperors had been practiced for years, but Domitian was the first emperor to demand worship while he was alive. This led to a greater clash between the state and the church, especially in Asia, where the worship of Caesar was widely practiced. The persecution under Domitian presaged the more severe persecutions to follow. Because the Christians refused to participate in this worship, they were charged with treason. Some were martyred, others lost all their property and some like John were banished.
We can observe that the persecution that came to the church during the first century of its existence is in many ways the same today. A church that is on fire for God will be a church that is also under fire. Persecution of believers is on the increase in many nations of the world.
Here are some statistics given by Christians in Crises
Were you aware that ...
Since the death of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago,
43,000,000 Christians have become martyrs. Over 50% of these were in the last century alone.
More than 200 million Christians face persecution each day 60% are children.
Every day over 300 are killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Presently there are 40 countries in which persecution is occurring.
I want to take a little time to give an update on what is happening in several parts of the world. We need to be informed so we can pray more effectively and more fervently for our brothers and sisters who are experiencing tremendous persecution. I want to profile a few of the places where the persecution is happening even as we sit here tonight.
China: Prominent House Church Leader’s Sons Assaulted by Chinese Police (VOM)
On October 16, Zhang Jian, the elder son of Pastor "Bike" Zhang Mingxuan, was severely beaten by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials in Beijing, China Aid Association (CAA) reported.
Zhang Jian was at home with his mother, Xie Fenglan, when PSB officials entered their residence and secured the exits before severely beating him with iron bars for nearly half an hour. As Zhang lay bleeding profusely, his mother called the ambulance, but the receptionist told her that a higher government authority gave a directive not to dispatch an ambulance to rescue Zhang because he is related to Pastor Bike CAA reported. Xie Fenglan called her younger son, who rushed to the house and was also beaten by the same authorities, CAA added.
After some time a family friend took Zhang Jian to a local emergency room, where doctors said he may lose sight in his right eye as a result of the beating. The family has not been able to contact Pastor Bike, who was travelling at the time of the attacks, and they fear authorities have detained him. Pastor Bike is an outspoken evangelist. He traveled more than 10,000 miles across China’s 24 provinces passing out Christian literature and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been arrested several times for his evangelistic activities.
In August, two days before the Olympics, Pastor Bike was arrested along with his wife and co-worker. The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association launched an international petition drive advocating for the release of Pastor Bike, his wife and co-worker. More than 58,000 people signed the petition and it was delivered to the Chinese Ambassador, Zhou Wenzhong, in Washington D.C. Shortly after the petition began and the Olympics ended, all three were released.
Pray for Zhang Jian and his younger brother’s quick recovery from the attack. Ask God to protect Pastor Bike and his entirely family during this challenging time. Praise God for this family’s faithfulness to risk their all for the sake of the gospel.
India-More than 70,000 Christians displaced in Orissa
UPDATE: The Voice of the Martyrs contacts working to assist believers affected by attacks in Orissa state report that more than 70,000 Christians have been displaced and forced to live in refugee camps.
"At the Peyton Sahi relief camp which houses 35 families and 130 distraught tribals, Chabila Naik, a man who ran an orphanage for 50 children in Sarangada spent three days in the forest after their houses and churches were razed [with fire]. He has not been reunited with the children," VOM sources said.
Stories coming from persecuted believers in Orissa are heartbreaking. Christians spent days hiding in the forest following the attacks that erupted on August 24, after the murder of a prominent Hindu leader by Maoist extremists. “One family which did not want to be named said they had to leave their elderly mother in the jungles while the others walked through rain and darkness for 60 hours to get out of Kandhmal,” VOM sources added.
"We had no choice; I could either save my wife and two kids, or stay with her and ask for death for all of us. But, I am sure God has saved her, though I have no idea where she is," the man told VOM sources with tears in his eyes.
VOM is assisting displaced believers in Orissa and other areas in India where persecution has spread. Pray for believers who face these intense hardships and have in some cases lost contact with family members. Ask God to protect them and provide for their needs. Pray their testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him.
Iraq-Seven Christians Killed in Mosul, Iraq
Seven Christians have been killed in Mosul, Iraq, so far this month, The Associated Press (AP) reported. "We are worried about the campaign of killings and deportations against Christian citizens in Mosul. Such violations are damaging the national unity," Chaldean Archbishop Louis Sako told AP. "The Christians want only to live in peace and harmony and to work together with all Iraqis for the benefit of Iraq," he added.
On Oct. 4 an armed group of suspected Islamist extremists assassinated a man named Hazim Thomaso Youssif in front of his clothing shop, and Ivan Nuwya was shot to death in front of his home, located near a mosque in the Christian-majority neighborhood of Tahrir. Meanwhile on Oct. 6, a disabled 25-year-old shopkeeper was shot and killed in the neighborhood of Karama. Four other Christians, a pharmacy employee, a disabled man who owns a spare-parts store, and two day-laborers have also been killed.
The Christian community in Iraq is estimated to be 3 percent of Iraq's 26 million people, or about 800,000. Archbishop Sako is based in the northern city of Kirkuk and has overseen believers in Mosul since the killing of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho. Archbishop Rahho was kidnapped and killed by gunmen in March following Mass. His body was found dumped on the streets.
Some Christians believe that Muslim extremists are targeting shopkeepers in an effort to wipe out the Christian community's economic activity and drive out believers from the area. Since 2003, Christian leaders, churches and businesses in Iraq have been targeted by Islamic extremists. As a result, many believers have fled.
The Voice of the Martyrs actively supports Christians in Iraq with Action Packs, material resources for Christian leaders and evangelistic literature. VOM distributes the New Testament in Arabic and also supports widows through the Families of Martyrs fund.
VOM encourages you to pray for those who mourn these lost lives. Ask God to continue to embolden the Christian community in Mosul to proclaim the gospel even while suffering. Pray for God's protection for Christians living under difficult circumstances.
The Christian Post reported that 15,000 Christians have been forced to flee Mosul in the past weeks due to persecution.
Indonesia-Christians remain strong and resolute despite Muslims closing church
INDONESIA – Recently, Muslims closed a church in Jatimula, Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia and blocked Christians from entering and holding services.
According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, “Muslims blocked the alley leading to the church building. Pastor Anna and Huta Julu had to lead worship outside their church building and believers had to sit in the dirty alley to pray outside their church.”
VOM contacts added, “The sign outside the church building stated, ‘This church building is sealed,’ and it was written on a letterhead belonging to the Tambun Selatan district of Bekasi local government.”
This is the second time Muslims have closed the church in Bekasi. The church was first closed on September 10, 2005 when a mob of 100 Muslims nailed boards over doors and windows and prohibited believers from entering the building.
Despite the church’s closure believers in Indonesia rejoice in suffering for Christ. In 2005, Huta Julu said, “…we peered between the boards to check for damage inside [the church]. Three of us stood outside in the darkness and prayed. We thanked God that He allowed this to happen to us. We were very encouraged because we knew the Apostles experienced the same thing. We are never disappointed for being Christians.”
VOM has supported and encouraged believers in Indonesia and provides Christian books like Extreme Devotion to believers. Praise God for the unwavering faith of believers in Indonesia. Ask God to watch over Pastor Anna and Huta Julu as they continue to lead other believers in Indonesia. Pray for protection for believers as they couragesously live for Christ in the midst of hardships.
Articles from TheNews
NORTH KOREANS ESCAPE FOR ONE LAST MEAL
On our bus ride up to the Border, one of our Translators began to share an unbelievable story... His parents are missionaries in a city just across the North Korean border in China. They often give shelter to Christian Refugees who have escaped from North Korea into China; risking their own lives in the process.
Many of these Refugees know that they will eventually be caught- and they know the punishment that awaits them: When the Secret Police catch a Refugee they take them to the public square and break both their legs with iron bars! Then they drill a hole through their collar bone, insert a chain, and drag the Refugee back to North Korea for execution!
Even though they know the fate that awaits them, many of these Refugees say they have escaped JUST TO HAVE ONE DECENT MEAL BEFORE THEY DIE!! Their idea of a 'Decent Meal' is a simple porridge; and yet they are risking brutal torture and death to escape from North Korea... where conditions are even worse. The chilling level of brutality and the inhumane living conditions are beyond our ability to comprehend.
NORTH KOREAN ARMY BULLDOZES CHILDREN
A few years ago, a group of workers were widening a road outside of Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. When they came to the village of GokSan, they began to demolish an old abandoned building that lay in their path. Suddenly they stumbled upon an underground room-- a tiny catacomb, a meeting place for a secret underground Christian congregation!
The Police were notified immediately and the Pastor, Kim Tae Yong, was arrested along with all the members of this secret Church. In front of the entire village of GokSan and its 30,000 inhabitants, the Police told the Christians, 'Deny Christ or lose your lives!'.
The members of the Church refused to deny Jesus, so the Police selected four children from the group-- The Police then told their parents, 'Deny Jesus or your children will be hanged!'. The parents did not move, but merely called out to their children, 'We will see you in Heaven soon'.
To the horror of the villagers, the children were hanged in front of their parents. The Police then turned to the adults and threatened them once again. This time they were told that each member of the Underground Church would be placed in front of a steamroller and crushed to death. Not one member of the Church was willing to deny their Faith if God, and as the entire village watched, the Christians went to their death singing... 'More love to Thee, oh Christ, more love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee; This is my earnest plea, more love, oh Christ to Thee, More love to Thee, more love to Thee!'
It is difficult for us to fathom this level of brutality... it sounds like something out of a History book from ancient times-- and yet it is happening today- right now- in Communist North Korea!
VOM reports that there are 100,000 Christians in concentration camps in N. Korea.
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (BosNewsLife)-- The Islamic militant group Taliban said Monday, October 20, its gunmen killed a Christian aid worker in the capital Kabul because she was spreading Christianity in Afghanstan.
The Christian aid group 'SERVE - Serving Emergency Relief and Vocational Enterprises - Afghanistan' identified the woman as 34-year-old Gayle Williams. Interior Ministry officials and SERVE Afghanistan said the dual South African-British national, who worked with handicapped Afghans, was killed by gunmen on a motor cycle.
In a statement monitored by BosNewsLife, SERVE Afghanistan explained that the young woman was killed while walking to work at around 0800 local time Monday, October 20.
"Gayle was shot and killed shortly before she was due to arrive at the office. Reports say that two men on a motorcycle shot her and then fled the scene," the group added. SERVE Afghanistan said she died "almost immediately" after the attack.
TALIBAN ANGRY
In published remarks, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid defended the decision to kill her. "This woman came to Afghanistan to teach Christianity to the people of Afghanistan," he said. "Our (leaders) issued a decree to kill this woman. This morning our people killed her in Kabul."
SERVE Afghanistan strongly denied she was involved in proselytizing, which is prohibited by law in the country, or forcing people to convert to Christianity. "She was a person who always loved the Afghans and was dedicated to serving those who are disabled. Needless to say we are all in shock," the group said.
Voice of the Martyrs produces a weekly update video on the persecuted church. I want to show a short segment on a church in Afghanistan.
The church is suffering persecution in many other areas of the world. We need to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. We can only do this if we keep informed about what is happening and there are several organizations such as VOM and Christians in Crises that have up to date information on their websites. I encourage you to be informed so you can pray effectively for the believers as well as the persecutors.
We must pray frequently and fervently for the persecuted church. On November 9 there will be an international day of prayer for the persecuted church. We can all participate and intercede for our brothers and sisters. Pray for protection from the horrendous violence that is happening to them. Physical, mental, psychological abuse is happening daily. Pray for courage that they will be able to stand in the day of attack and not deny their faith but boldly proclaim it. Pray for those who are persecuting them that they will have an encounter with Christ and that the witness of the believers will bring them to Christ. Pray for provision for the physical needs of food, clothing, housing, jobs and health care for those who have been driven out of their homes or are denied access to services. Pray for the persecuted believers to be able to forgive those who are opposing them. Pray that bitterness and resentment will not take root in their hearts. Pray that those who have denied their faith will repent and be restored to fellowship.
Another way we can help is by supporting organizations that are penetrating the persecuted nations to bring humanitarian aid as well as spiritual instruction. You may not be able to go but you can give to help someone else who is there or is planning to go.
Finally you can be one of the courageous one whom God sends to these nations. The church in these nations needs encouragement and support. Persecution purifies the church and in some cases believers have denied their faith in Christ to preserve their lives or their children’s lives. Many are faced with hard decisions and some have faltered and need to be restored and forgiven. You can be a tremendous blessing to the persecuted church just by going. It will show solidarity between the believers in the free world with those in the persecuted areas. Brother Andrew once stated that there are no closed doors to the gospel if you do not need a return ticket. Perhaps you will be one whom God will send to the nations that are being persecuted.
An audio file of this message can be downloaded at the following link:
http://www.supload.com/sound_confirm.php?get=1234708730.wma
