Christian Persecution.

Matthew 5:11-12
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Today's message is going to be pretty short and sweet...

Many of you who read this may not even understand what this scripture from Matthew means, or at least can't even imagine it. It seems so unreal. However, when you look at the roots of Christianity, many believers in Christ have suffered persecution greatly all along.

Too often we take our faith and relationship with Christ for granted. Thank God we have the freedoms in our country to worship, praise, and pray to the Lord of Lords all the time whenever we want. We're so comfortable in it, that we have no idea what believers in other parts of the world are feeling at the same as our tranquility.

Do them a favor today and please pray for those who undergo torture, torment, and ridicule to live out their faith.

Lord, many call on your name all across the world you created. Yet, they face trials and hardship everyday just for something they believe. I pray that you can lead them out of this persecution and that their challenges can be a powerful witness to others so that they too can step up to the plate and accept you as their savior. In your name, Amen.