Christian Persecution

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
(Luke 10:19; NIV)

Christian persecution around the world has reached unprecedented numbers. Today, there are almost 300 million Christians living in persecution both nationally and internationally. This is something God cares about very much.

“Additionally, 2,983 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons. On average, that’s 8 Christians killed every day for their faith: 9,488 churches or Christian buildings were attacked, and 3,711 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, and imprisoned.” 1

Christian Persecution is not just happening overseas. It is also here in the United States. Here in the U. S. we see Christian persecution in many forms. Take a look at some of the recent news headlines: “Professor Forced To Sue After Being Compelled To Endorse Ideology Against His Beliefs”. “For Sharing Gospel, College Student Has Sought Justice for 3 Years”. “New York Adoption Agency Facing Closure For Its Beliefs”. “Funeral Home Violated Law Firing Gay, Transgender Workers”. This is just to highlight a few cases, but that’s not all. The Supreme Court decision handed down on June 16th raised potential prejudicial issues against the church. We are waiting for legal interpretation of that decision and will address it soon.

International persecution is also on the rise. Here are just a few of the headlines from around the world: “In Just 2 Weeks, China Shuts down 48 State-Registered Churches”. “Stop Believing In God Or Lose Welfare Support Widowed Chinese Christian Told”. “In India, 16 Year-Old Stabbed and Stoned To Death For His Faith”. “3000 Egyptian Christians Without A Church After Illegal Demolition.” “In Targeted Attack, Cross Torn From Gates Of Turkish Church”.

There is no denying that Christian persecution is here in our midst. However, Luke 10:19 in the Amplified version of the Bible tells us that the Lord has given us “authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]: and nothing shall in any way harm us!”

Decree with us:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
(1 John 4:4; NIV)

“What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us who can be against us? ”

(Romans 8:31; NIV)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
(Romans 8:37; NIV)

“And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.”
(Mark 16:17-18; KJV)

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
(Isaiah 54:17; KJV)

For the Future of the Kingdom,

Mike and Cindy Jacobs