PERSECUTION

The 'end time' die has been cast. 

Hatred for Biblical Christianity is more overt than ever. Simply dismissing the Gospel message and ignoring those who proclaim it no longer satisfies a world steeped in sin. 

We are now considered purveyors of hate, not hope ... a threat to mankind's freedom to do as it pleases. Our 'intolerance' is seen as a blight on humanity's collective conscience, blamed for any guilt it feels for sin.  

Therefore, persecution of the body of Christ is justified in the mind of an untoward generation. This 'ego-driven' aggression is seen as virtuous by those who ... call evil good and good evil. (Isaiah 5:20)  

Moral restraints are seen as an insult to mankind's intellect and free will. 

David witnessed it in his day ... Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:1-3)

The preaching of Jesus as Lord is so offensive to their ears that His devoted followers must be silenced by any means necessary ... All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Barclay - If anyone proposes to accept a set of standards quite different from the world's, he is bound to encounter trouble. If anyone proposes to introduce into his life a loyalty which surpasses all earthly loyalties, there are bound to be clashes. And that is precisely what Christianity demands that a man should do.

In His 'Sermon on the Mount', Jesus encourages us to persevere ... Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)

But understand that there is an opposite side to the coin: 

When 'so-called' Christians live like the world - vain, earthly, sensual, and given to pleasure, wealth, and ambition ... Satan is satisfied and persecution is nonexistent.