When The Persecution Comes

Christians in many places around the world face severe persecution.  They face suffering, imprisonment, and even death for their testimony of Jesus and the Word of God.  Also the persecution of Christians has been common throughout history.  But in America there has been little real persecution of Christians.  The persecution faced by American Christians has been relatively minor.  It usually only consists of being ridiculed, made fun of, or being shunned by a group.  

But serious persecution of Christians may come to the United States.  It does seem to be heading in that direction.  Our culture keeps becoming more secular and more hostile to Christianity.  For example, if someone mentions that homosexuality is a sin he is severely criticized by the culture.  At some point this may be labeled as hate speech.  

Of course Christ and the cross is the biggest offense of all.  Unbelievers actually hate Christ and the truth.  He shines light into the darkness and exposes their evil deeds (John 3:19-21).  Jesus confronts people with the reality of their sinfulness and the fact that they are guilty before God.  People do not like being told that they are sinners in need of a savior.  

So if persecution comes what will become of Christianity in America?  Evangelicalism is said to be a mile wide and an inch deep.  The modern American church is shallow and does not have a deep understanding of the Bible.  The number of professing Christians will probably decrease dramatically.  Many professing Christians never were true Christians to begin with.  Some mega churches will no longer be mega.  If persecution comes being a Christian will become serious business (as it should be already).  It will no longer be like becoming a member of a country club.  People like Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, and Mike Murdock will disappear from the scene.  The prosperity preachers will take the money and run.  But a remnant of true believers will remain faithful.  

Persecution will bring purity to the church though we should not seek persecution.  It is actually normal for Christians to be persecuted and hated by the world.  They hated Christ and they will hate his followers also (Luke 17:21, John 15:18-25).  We should pray that we will remain faithful when persecution comes.  We should count it as an honor to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41, Matthew 5:10-12).