Christians and Persecution

Christians and Persecution

“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” 
                                           Matthew 11:12.
Jesus is saying here that from the time of John the Baptist what has become known as the Christian message has been moving forcefully ahead. While at the same time there have been men who have at times violently opposed it, from the time of it’s inception until the present day.
According to human rights watchers Christians are among the most persecuted people on the planet.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
According to a report in Reuters news the top ten countries in which Christianity is persecuted in are, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Maldives, Mali, Iran, Yemen and Eritrea.
Still despite all of this Christians every day present their message. A message that simply calls mankind to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus making it clear when he said
“... ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” 
                                                                     Matthew 22:37-39
And just as importantly said,
“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                                                                                                                                                 John 14:1.
This is why we as Christians continue despite the persecution to take our message to the world.
We truly believe that the decision to accept Jesus as ones Lord and Saviour is the most important thing anyone can do. It is a guarantee of eternal life with God.
Sadly in many parts of the world we Christians do this at our peril.
So the question to the none believer becomes, Why would anyone in their right mind ever want to follow Christ if it were not the truth.
C.S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
                                                            C. S. Lewis
For the Christian Christianity is of infinite importance.
As for Christianity's enemies there must be something they see as threatening. Otherwise why would they persecute a faith that promotes, love of God, love of ones neighbour and even love of one’s enemies?
A true Christian want nothing more than to present the eternal life offered by God to the rest of the world that they might decide for themselves if it is true or not.
Yet sadly in many parts of the world this is not permitted.
Think about it.