The Persecuted Church

Standing for Jesus

In many countries, believers are often targeted, harassed, and even killed because they profess the name of Jesus. In fact, more Christians were killed for their faith in the 20th century than in any other century before. As the church, it is important that we grow in our awareness and prayerfulness. Here are a few ways to do that.

The World’s Top Persecutors

Here are a few facts/countries covered in this report from persecution.org

• Nigeria: More Christians were killed in Nigeria last year than in any other country.
• North Korea: Christians are imprisoned and tortured for their faith that threatens the Kim regime.
• India: A rise in radical and religious nationalism, primarily targeting Christian and Muslim communities through blasphemy allegations and anti-conversion laws.

Ways to Pray for the Persecuted Church:

First, many people believe that we are to pray for the end of persecution. This is not often how the persecuted church would have us to pray. We don’t necessarily pray for the end of persecution because Jesus uses this persecution to truly reveal himself in many of these dark places, but rather that the Christians who are being persecuted would have backs and hearts strong enough to endure and share the message of hope.

Second, we can pray like Jesus taught us from Matthew 10:17-20-17 “Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Third, pray against the spiritual forces which are enslaving the lives of many and that we may boldly declare the gospel like Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”