But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:10 NKJV)
Global Report
Numerous reports and studies have documented severe persecution of Christians in various parts of the world. Here are some significant examples:
Open Doors’ World Watch List (2023): This annual report ranks countries based on the severity of persecution against Christians. According to the 2023 report, North Korea remains at the top, with an extensive system of oppression against any form of religious expression. In Afghanistan, after the Taliban regained control, reports of violence against Christians increased significantly, pushing many to extreme secrecy or to flee.
Nigeria has seen staggering violence, particularly in regions with high activity from militant groups like Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. According to the Pew Research Centre, thousands of Christians were killed, and hundreds of churches were destroyed in 2022 alone.
In China, the Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on unregistered churches, imprisoning pastors, and forcing the closure of places of worship through a campaign targeting “foreign influence” in religious practices. Reports indicate that many Christians are forced to either abandon their faith or practice it in extreme secrecy. Open door will launch a new watch list for the darkest places in the world to be a Christian on Jan 15th. With the four countries mentioned above, other countries that made their current top ten list include Somalia, Libya, Yemen, Iraq Syria, India, and Pakistan.
Persecution in Western Nations
While Western nations have generally been more accepting of religious diversity, there are disturbing tendencies that mirror forms of persecution against Christians. Under the guise of cracking down on hate speech, there is a growing amount of persecution in western nations:
Free Speech Restrictions: In some countries, there have been legal actions against individuals who express Christian beliefs against certain societal norms (e.g., beliefs about marriage and sexuality), resulting in fines or legal penalties.
Workplace Discrimination: Cases have arisen where Christian employees have faced termination or discrimination for their beliefs or practices. In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favour of a high school football coach who was fired for praying on the field after games.
Church Closures: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches experienced closures or restrictions that were perceived to be harsher compared to other venues, raising concerns about religious freedom.
We must establish that not every suffering is necessarily persecution in biblical context. The abuse, intimidation, harassment, and punishment of people because of their faith in Christ is frequently referred to as persecution in the bible.
John 15:20: “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they willalso keep yours.”
2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Why Believers are Persecuted:
Persecution can result from a number of things, such as:
Spiritual Conflict: As believers represent the light of Christ, this often brings opposition from the forces of darkness, this highlights how spiritual warfare plays a part in the persecution of believers. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, … against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil…”
Moral Conviction: Believers may face persecution for refusing to conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2), for standing firm on Biblical principles that go contrary tosocietal and cultural norms.
Witness to the Faith: Jesus taught that adversity could be a means of showcasing one’s faith. (Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…”)
Prayer Points for The Persecuted Church
1. Pray for Strength and Courage:
Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”
Pray that they will be strong and courageous at the face of persecution, and be strengthened in their faith, body, soul and spirit. Their hearts will not fail, they will not overcome by the spirit of fear, and they will not give in to the trials and temptations in Jesus name.
2. Pray for Protection
Psalm 91:1-2: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
Pray that they will know and experience the protection of God even in the midst of persecution, pain, and suffering in Jesus name.
3. Pray for Comfort and Peace
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.”
Pray that they experience the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit in the midst oftheir struggles; such peace that passes all understanding.
4. Pray for Boldness in Faith
Acts 4:29: “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.”
Declare that they will remain as bold and the lion, for that is the portion of the righteous. Declare that they are bold in the truth and bold with the truth. And while even in the midst of persecution, they will not diminish but increase in faith.
5. Pray for Provision
Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Even in the worst of their situation we pray for God’s miraculous provision, that God would provide even through the hands of their persecutors, and through other supernatural means and their every need will be met In Jesus name.
6. Pray for Global Awareness and Support
1 Thessalonians 5:25: “Brothers, pray for us.”
That God would touch the hearts of believers all around the world and stir up men and women with amplified voices From all spectrum; Leaders, kings, and Queens, to stand up in support and encouragement for the persecuted church.
7. Pray for the Persecutors
Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Pray that the faith and the courage of the persecuted will be a witness unto them.
That the Lord will give them supernatural encounters and open their spiritual understanding to their need of a saviour; and for conviction by the Holy Spirit unto salvation in Jesus name.
8. Pray for the Spread of the Gospel
Colossians 4:3-4: “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ… that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”
pray that even in the midst of persecution, God would open up doors for the persecuted to keep sharing the gospel, with courage, boldness, and with power in Jesus name.
