End Times,  Last Days,  Life,  Prophecy

Christian Persecution – A Sign of the Times

imagesGW8KHBMRChristians in the United States have lived in a bubble for a long time, but the bubble is beginning to pop. There was a time when those who were persecuted for their faith seemed like a far off distant group of people, but with today’s news outlets and internet availability, realization of Christian persecution has become a much more common and personal thing. We have all been horrified by watching the unfolding drama in Iraq as the new ISIS group is killing Christians by the hundreds. The Guardian began a recent news article with this comment: “Isis’s persecution of Iraqi Christians, which has already forced tens of thousands of men, women and children to flee for their lives, is fast becoming a genocide.”

The persecution of Christians is not really new, but it seems to be growing. In my new book that is coming out this fall, I quote Italian Sociologist Massimo Introvigne where he said, “Christians are the most persecuted group in the world, with one Christian being killed out of religious discrimination every five minutes.” Even though in the past the persecution of Christians seemed to always happen in foreign lands, we are beginning to see hints of it in our own country. It has started as law suits or other legal threats, but the Bible says we can all expect persecution before the return of Christ. I believe Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, and people who are saved during the tribulation period will be severely persecuted. However, persecution will escalate to martyrdom during the tribulation period, but I am confident it will become more severe before the rapture.

We must pray for our brothers and sisters in other lands, and we must prepare to stand firm as our faith is challenged. We must also prepare our children to stand firm. It is easier to face persecution when we know that we are standing on the truth.

2 Comments

  • Harold Smith

    First, I agree with all you have said. Second, those who profess to be Christians, but are not among the ones raptured, will pay a heavy price for following Jesus Christ during the persecution to follow. I often ask myself, “Am I reaching out to the opportunities I encounter daily to show Jesus to others?”

    • timriordan

      Thanks Harold for your comment. I am sad to say that there will probably be many people left behind at the rapture who professed to be Christians while they were really not Christians at all. Satan has worked hard to lead people to believe that Christianity is just going to church, praying a prayer, or giving money to needy causes. It is important for Christians to regularly share the true gospel which tells people that real Christianity comes in response to repentance from sin and surrendering one’s life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I do believe Jesus is coming soon. Christians need to be sharing their faith with others on a regular basis while people still have time to come to Christ before the rapture.

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