“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (II Timothy 3:12 NIV) Although Believers in Jesus are spared from God’s wrath (I Thessalonians 5:9a), they aren’t exempt from Satan’s wrath. (Daniel 7:21, Revelation 13:7a) A generation of Jewish and Gentile Believers in Jesus will face the worst persecution the world has ever known. (Matthew 24:21) Whether that occurs in this generation or the next, only God knows. Now is the time for discerning Believers to “get real.”

Getting closer to the Lord now will help in times of life threatening persecution. Develop a strong relationship with the Lord through prayer, Bible reading, fellowship and service. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

Read about the torture of Christians in other countries. Examine the lives of early and modern Christian martyrs. Pray for those who are being persecuted in the name of Messiah Jesus. Befriend Believers in Jesus who escaped persecution and are safe in America and other free nations. By God’s grace, American Believers in Jesus haven’t faced persecution on a scale like the Sudan. Thank God, the USA is a sanctuary for persecuted Christians. There is no need to have “false guilt” about being spared from persecution. Help those Believers in need with your surplus, and rejoice for being a Believer in America and other free countries.

Study Eschatology (last things) to get a Biblical view of prophecy. Avoid sensationalism when viewing prophetic passages. Trying to “stretch” current events into Biblical prophecy distorts Scripture. Many Christian books and articles have been written on prophecy. Make sure to use discernment before reading such publications. Be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 and see if those books stand the test of scriptural scrutiny.

In conclusion, Jewish and Gentile Believers in Jesus need to “get real” about godly relationships. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13 NIV) Whatever quarrels there are between brethren will divide the Body of Messiah. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV) Finally, when the Lord returns for His people, it won’t be a secret. “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:31 NIV)

Marc lives in Pittsburgh, PA and works in the Information Technology field. His testimony has positively impacted his Gentile brethren at his church. You can read more about his testimony here.

Copyright 2002