If They Start Killing Christians

If They Start Killing Christians

By Keith Bellamy

In a news report a few years ago there was a news flash that made the following statement. “As many as 80 people were publicly executed in North Korea earlier this year, some for offenses as minor as watching South Korean movies or possessing a Bible.”

We have since learned that the killing of Christians was much worse than reported. Now we hear of Christians being executed in other parts of the world.

So, I started thinking about Christians being killed. After all it happened in the early days of Christianity and it has happened throughout history.

Phil Ware recently wrote the following in Heartlight magazine. “Jesus wasn't hated because he was a sweet, nice, non-threatening "why can't we all get along" kind of guy — the soft sweet Jesus so often portrayed in current mythology and popular culture. The real person was God's man. He spoke God's truth. He did God's work. He loved all kinds of people, not just the "nice" or powerful ones. He challenged common assumptions about God, religion, and power. He talked about an alternative way to live and called it the Kingdom of God — incendiary terms to those in power. Most of all, he spoke the truth to everyone and in every situation. He didn't back down. He didn't try to "spin" the truth so that he was acceptable. So, the last week of Jesus' life was marked with intense conflict and ended with his death.”

And if they start killing Christians what Phil has said is the reason they will do it. And I remember Jesus saying His followers would be persecuted. So, why should we be surprised when this happens?

Notice these words from 1 Peter 4:12 – 16. Dear friends don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad — for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian.