Monthly Archives: October 2008

Hindu Threat To Christians: Convert or Flee  This headline in today’s newspaper caught my eye when I was at Starbucks this morning. In the country of India, the Hindu majority is persecuting Christians.  The story told of one family who was forced to watch as their Bible and other items were burned in front of them.  They were told to embrace Hinduism or their house would be demolished.  They were threatened to be thrown out of the village or even killed.

As I flipped through the pages to read the rest of the story, I noticed another article about persecuting Christians. This was taking place in Iraq.  Apparently, Christians there have been the target of suicide bombing and other forms of violence.  11 Christians have been killed in the last 10 days in the town of Mosul.  Many of them are now scattering to villages north of the city.

Although I was surprised to read these stories at Starbucks this morning, we should not be surprised to hear of Christians being persecuted.  In fact, we should expect it.  Scripture is clear that this is what will happen to people who stand for Christ.

- In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted

We need to make sure that we are not naïve, thinking that most Christians go through life without suffering.  Persecution is normal.  Throughout history and in many places in the world today, this is standard operating procedure for the church.  In fact, this verse makes it clear that if we are living “a godly life in Christ’ we will be persecuted too!

- 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.

On the day that you and I face persecution, I hope we are expecting it.  I hope we can see it coming and take heart.  Let’s know that our Christian brothers and sisters throughout time and all over the planet have experienced this and it is an honor for us to be in their company.  Let’s see past the present pain into our future reward.  And let’s be ready to lose our home or life or whatever it may be…for the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord!