2. Persecution of Christians Does it concern us all? Why do Christians face persecution? Because: The Gospel is intolerant. The Gospel is about God’s way to victory.

3. Various Aspects of Suffering and Persecution The physical persecution The psychological persecution The economical persecution The social persecution

4. Various Aspects of Suffering and Persecution The racial or tribal persecution The political persecution The Mafia and Guerilla persecution

5. Jesus Teaching about Persecution Jesus said: " If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you, but I have chosen you out of the world." (John 15:18-19) "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 4:10-11) Don’t think something unusual has happened to you. The Prophets have been suffering in the same way...

6. Biblical Examples of Persecution Abel - murdered by Cain Isaac suffers from the Philistines’ envy Israel - persecuted by Pharaoh and the Egyptians David and Saul John the Baptist Hebr. 11:35-38 Stephen asks: " Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted?" ( Acts 7:52)

7. Martyrdom and Suffering is Identification with Christ “ The Servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) “If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you... But I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:18-19)

8. Martyrdom and Suffering is Identification with Christ It is also Christ’s identification with us... “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts.9:4) “Who are you Lord? I’m Jesus, whom you are persecuting!”

9. Suffering is part of the Church Suffering and Martyrdom is the mark of missions till Christ returns. –“I send you forth like sheep in the midst of wolves, be therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) –“They shall lay hands on you, persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons,... But do not worry,... for I will give you words and wisdom.” (Luke 21: 12-15)

10. Suffering is Part of the Church’s life Persecution is the consequence of the world’s hatred towards God’s revelation in Christ. – “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake” ( Matt. 10: 21-22)

11. Suffering is Part of the Church’s life Martin Luther puts it this way: When a man begins to confess his faith with his words and his life, the world becomes angry and begins to persecute and to torment...

12. Persecution and the early Church Role models –Paul: An Ambassador in chains 2Cor.12:10 “You and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim.3:12) –Peter: Suffering was something normal “Do not be surprised” (1Peter 4:12-13)

13. Consolation in Persecution Christians are not left alone! The Holy Spirit – the comforter prepares the Christian for persecution and gives: -Joy in Persecution -Accompanies us into prison -Teaches us not to trust in ourselves - “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2Tim.4:17)

14. Behaviour in Persecution Christian behavior towards persecutors Christ’s reaction towards his persecutors Why should we forgive? –Because of Christ’s teaching about our attitude towards our enemies.

15. Fruit of Martyrdom and Suffering The Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church Persecutors become converts

16. Visible fruit of Martyrdom Believers are strengthened (Phil. 1:12) The Gospel can be preached to people who might not hear otherwise (Phil 1:13)

17. Visible fruit of Martyrdom The dispersal of Christians spreads the Gospel into new areas (Acts 8:1) Many of the brethren became confident by my bonds, and much more bold to speak without fear (Phil. 1:14)

18. Martyrdom calls for Christ’s Church to maintain Solidarity Showing solidarity through : - Sharing the burden of others in prayer - Practical compassion - Remember the suffering church during the Lord’s supper - During times of Worship

19. Creative interaction and support for the suffering church Put up some pictures in the church of martyrs Pray for persecuted Christians regulary during your Sunday service (become specific) Preach on the subject at least once a year

20. Creative interaction and support for the suffering church Make sure that every prayer meeting in your congregation has you pray for the need of some persecuted believers. Pray especially during Ramadan for the churches in Islamic countries, where the persecution rises

21. Creative interaction and support for the suffering church Take advantage of the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted Church Provide your Church with appropriate news letters or magazines from organizations who help the persecuted

22. Creative interaction and support for the suffering church Organize local displays on the subject Furnish your book table with books of martyrs to educate your congregation

23. Creative interaction and support for the suffering church Write to persecuted Christians and their families and churches Support petitions for governments in countries of severe persecutions

24. Creative interaction and support for the suffering church Encourage your denomination to get involved Reserve at least one Sunday collection to support Christians under persecution

25. Dr. Tokunboh Adeyemo says: A person can cope with enormous pressure and suffering, if he experiences solidarity of others. We need to give this support to our brothers and sisters who are suffering for Christ’s sake...

26. Eternal Perspective “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count…And he said, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’…” Revelation 7:9-17