Today’s Verse and Thought
“The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God.”(Psalm 9:17)
From yesterday- Churches have historically been thought of as a holy places of sanctuary. Today, however, something is changing. Threats are coming from within the church as well as without. Schools can issue a lockdown when there’s an intruder, but what is the “Code Red” for churches? Who will come to a church’s aid?
Dying for their Faith
“Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.”(Psalm 118:7)
The dangers in our world seem to be growing daily. Globally, each week a new war or other violent activity hits the headlines. Yesterday we looked at what happens in schools when there’s a external threat and they enact a Code Red.
Just like schools, churches have historically been a safe haven, at least in the United States. Today, however, that’s changing. How can the Church protect its people? How does the world respond to threats against the Church?
The world hates God’s people. This is an age-old story - as old as the Garden when Cain killed Abel because Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God and Cain’s wasn’t. Cain went into a murderous rage and killed his own brother simply because he pleased God.
The world hates God. The world hates God’s people. Jesus told His disciples that the world hated Him, and they will hate His followers too. The church today is suffering great violence from enemies even in their own governments.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”(Romans 12:14)
According to “Open Doors” watchlist on Christian persecution around the world, “More than 365 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.”(Open Doors). That’s more than the entire population of the US. One in seven people today are being persecuted for their faith worldwide.
“Thirteen Christians a day were killed for their faith in 2023, on average. Nigeria remains the deadliest place to follow Jesus; 82% of killings happened here. Violence only eased during Nigeria’s elections, which accounted for a drop in the number of Christians killed globally compared to 2023.” (Open Doors)
As the news and social media amplify a global political narrative about the Palestinian muslims and their alleged ill-treatment at the hands of Israel, it’s nearly silent about the millions of Christians around the world who are being displaced, starved, sanctioned, arrested, ostracized, and even murdered for their faith every year.
Erasing Christianity
Countries all around the world have made a concerted effort to try and erase Christianity. In China, for instance, only 2% of the population is Christian. In 2023 more than 10,000 Christian churches were forced to close. Most were small house churches, but according to Open Doors, even larger organized ones are harassed. It’s almost impossible to find a Christian church in China today.
“New regulations mean churches must display signs reading, ‘Love the Communist Party, love the country, love the religion.’ Digital surveillance is growing, with Christians in one province required to register on a state-controlled app before attending church services. “(Open Doors)
China and Africa are actively pursuing Christians because of their faith. India is also part of this war against God as Hindu extremists, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have “normalized hatred” against its 70 million Christians who make up only about 2.3% of the population.
“Violence against Christians in India has increased substantially, especially in the northeastern state of Manipur. While the causes are complex in nature, in 2023, thousands of believers from the Kuki tribe were displaced amid strife with Hindu extremists, ultimately leading to ethnic segregation.”(source)
Even in Western culture there has been a growing effort to restrict any kind of religious activities.
“From national laws regulating religious dress to local laws banning public worship by Muslims, religious restrictions have in recent years become more common in Europe. Indeed, while the Middle East-North Africa region had the highest levels of religious restrictions in the world, Europe saw some of the biggest increases over the last decade in certain types of restrictions.”(Pew Research)
Christians are the most persecuted of all religions
According to a 2019 article in the BBC about religious persecution they stated that Christians are the most persecuted of all religions.
“Christians were the most persecuted religious group, it found. Mr Hunt said he felt that "political correctness" had played a part in the issue not being confronted…The interim report said the main impact of "genocidal acts against Christians is exodus" and that Christianity faced being "wiped out" from parts of the Middle East.
It warned the religion ‘is at risk of disappearing’ in some parts of the world, pointing to figures which claimed Christians in Palestine [Israel] represent less than 1.5% of the population, while in Iraq they had fallen from 1.5 million before 2003 to less than 120,000.”
The Persecuted Christians in America
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”(Matthew 5:10)
When we compare Christian persecution in the US to what is happening in other countries, we may feel a sense of relief. We don’t witness our government rounding up people in a Bible Study like they do in China. And we have little worry over being killed for singing praise songs in public as someone in Africa would fear.
But does that mean Christians in the US aren’t facing persecution from God-haters in our society? Our persecution here in the states is often more subtle, or hidden. But the fact is, persecution is a great hidden enemy against Christians today in our “One Nation Under God.”
US Christians targeted for their faith
According to one report, there were over 400 acts of hostility against churches in the US in 2023 alone. This was double the number of incidents from the previous year.
“Between January and November 2023, FRC reported that at least 315 occurrences of vandalism, 75 arson attacks or attempts, 10 gun-related incidents, 20 bomb threats and 37 other incidents took place at churches. According to the report, 17 of the incidents fell into more than one category, with vandalism and arson being the most common combination…California had the most, 33, while Texas was second with 28 incidents.
”(source)
These crimes against church buildings are crimes against God and His people. Individuals, as well as Church organizations have also faced a growing threat as other factors impact their existence.
These hidden enemies of God are growing as more and more Christian institutions fight for their ability to exist.
To be continued…
Today’s Question
Verses to Explore
“Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.”(Proverbs 21:16)
“And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.”(Matthew 24:10)
“Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat. Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.”(Psalms 35:19)
“Rescue me from the mud; don’t let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters.”(Psalm 69:14)
“Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people.”(Amos 5:15)
Today’s Prayer
Father I am so sad for all the brothers and sisters around the world who can’t freely worship you. I think about how blessed I am because I have so much freedom. I praise you and thank you today for giving us the ability to be able to speak your name; study your word; gather in our assemblies, all without threat of violence. Your Word tells me that we are blessed when we suffer persecution because of you. While I don’t ever want to have to die for my faith, I know that I have to be willing. We lay our lives down in worship of you. Every breath we take is because of you. And our hope and future are found in you. For that, we should all be willing to lay down our lives. Our lives are in your hands Father. I can’t pretend that I am happy about persecution, especially if I had to die for what I believe, but I know you are with me. I know your will is what I want in my life. I am so grateful that today I live in a country that has given me that blessing. I pray that you protect your people everywhere and I pray for our leaders that you will bless them and lead them in the path of your will. I pray for our churches that they hold fast to the truth. I pray for pastors that you give them courage and strength. And I pray for all the ministries that bless your people that you strengthen them. May all honor and glory be yours. Amen.❤️