Some may see being persecuted as a bad thing or even worse as a curse. However, God told us when we live a godly life we will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus tells us we will be persecuted and suffer tribulation (John 16:33). This means persecution will be, in some form, a part of a true believers life. This is the opposite of the easy, prosperity, and God serves you gospel. What purpose does persecution serve? In the article titled “Persecution Watch Group: The ‘Unexpected Gift of Persecution’ Purifies the Church”, they interview pastors who have been in prison. King asked the pastor’s questions about their experience. What an amazing response they gave.
“Do you know what kills the Church? It’s not persecution. It’s wealth. It’s ease. It’s influence. Those are the Church killers,” he stated. “I’ll tell you when I look around our country, and when I look at the Church [in] our country [and] around the world for the most part, and then I compare it with the persecuted Church, I say what we need is revival.” ….In a separate video, King told a story about the history of the Church in Cuba, and how many pastors left the communist country after President Fidel Castro began persecuting the churches. However, those that remained were mostly pastors who led small house churches in shacks. christiannews.net
“[I]t’s shabby little thing in the eyes of the world,” he said. But people who were hungering for God began to line up to attend services, and pastors persevered despite threats of imprisonment or death from the government. King said that some officials even secretly came to the door, stating, “We know God is real, but we know nothing about Him. Teach me. I want to find God.” christiannews.net
Is Persecution a Good Thing
God used persecution to set Israel right all through the Old Testament. You see Israel running the cycle of prosperity, ease, and disobedience. God sends judgment. They cry out for help. God helps them and the cycle starts all over. The church runs the same circle as the Israelite’s did. The book of Judges in the Old Testament gives a clear picture of this circle. Why is it this way?
Judges 17:6 KJV In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Has America Truly Experienced Persecution
American believers have not suffered persecution the same as other nations. Though it is coming. Just like Israel our ease, laziness, and prosperity has caused most who profess Christ to be one way in church and another way in the world. The true gospel has been watered down to nothing and everyone is a good person. It is okay to do what you think is right.
They keep leaving out one thing. Jesus says persecution will come so it must come at some point. When it does we will see the same thing here that happened in Cuba. That is, when the money and fame runs dry and the threat of life becomes connected to true Christianity, the false will leave.
We hope and pray to see persecution as the bible says.
What Does God Say About Persecution
Romans 5:1-5 KJV Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Salvation gives us peace with God. We enjoy the blessing of God’s grace. We have joy in our hope of sharing in the glory of God. Joy extends to trouble as well. It is time for the church to grow up. God uses persecution to mature and strengthen our faith.
Wow, I never saw persecution this way. Thank you for sharing.