Persecution

Recently in a gathering of twenty missionally minded believers I was asked what I thought was next for the church in North America. Without hesitation I answered, "persecution." Two examples are illustrative. I am informed that a major Christian college located in Canada will be forced to shut down operations because it refuses to hire homosexual professors and surrender to a unScriptural agenda. This violates "hate speech" laws. Yesterday the Supreme Court of the U.S. ruled that the Federal government can force citizens to purchase a good or product (health insurance), an unprecedented expansion of government power. This expansion is accelerating on all levels- local, regional and national. Romans 13:1-7 grants governments the power to coerce, by force if necessary. It is the responsibility of Christians to obey the law of the land. However, Acts 5 (specifically verses 40-42) indicates that in certain cases genuine believers have a higher authority. The apostles are forbidden by the Sanhedrin, the ruling body of Israel at the time, to speak in the Name of Jesus. They are flogged and released. But they continue to teach and preach in the Name of Jesus. The corollary is that they are willing to suffer.
     In some countries with ongoing persecution, Christians form a tiny minority oppressed by far more numerous adherents of a different religion. Governments are not involved. But in some countries government authorities actively persecute those who believe in Christ. 2 Timothy 3:12 states clearly that all those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Jesus says that even as the world has hated Him that they will hate us also. (John 15:18ff) Persecution is coming. But be of good cheer, Jesus says, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18 ESV)