In the face of Persecution … Philippians 1.27-30

Youcef is the pastor of a house church in Rasht, Iran, and was arrested in October 2009 for opposing the education practice that forces non-Muslim students to read the Quran in school. Youcef had argued that the Iranian constitution permits children to be raised in their parents' faith; however, for defying Iranian authorities, Youcef was charged with apostasy. 

Iranian officials used pressure tactics during Youcef's imprisonment as an attempt to coerce him to renounce his Christian beliefs, which included arresting his wife and threatening to seize his children. Still, Youcef remained firm in his faith, refusing to deny the name of his Savior Jesus Christ.

On September 22, 2010, Youcef was issued the death sentence for his conversion to Christianity and for encouraging the conversions of other Muslims. Youcef appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Iran, claiming he had never been a Muslim and therefore could not be found guilty of apostasy. However, a written verdict upholding the death penalty and ordering an investigation was handed down on June 12. A three-day reexamination of the case to determine whether Nadarkhani was a Muslim before his conversion to Christianity proved that Youcef never practiced Islam, but the court decided that he was still guilty of apostasy because his parents were Muslim. Youcef has boldly refused four demands that he recant his faith in Christ and "return" to Islam - making him eligible for execution at any time under Sharia law.1

>Dateline: North Korea-

Nowhere in the world is Christian persecution so fierce. Christians have to hide their faith; Christian parents can’t even share their beliefs with their children until they are old enough to understand the dangers. Owning a Bible could get you killed, or sent to a harsh labor camp. In 2010 hundreds of Christians were arrested. Some were murdered, others sentenced to labor camps. Despite the risks, the church is growing: there are an estimated 400,000 believers.2 
 

In Eritrea, as many as 2,200 believers remain in prison for their faith, while at least 13 have died under the harsh incarceration conditions.  It remained very dangerous to be a Christian in Somalia in 2010. At least eight Christians were killed and a quarter of all Christians fled the country. The few Christians are heavily persecuted and must practice their faith in secret.  In Nigeria, the forceful implementation of Sharia (Islamic law) in twelve northern states remains a huge challenge for the church. In 2010 there were continued attacks on Christian communities. Extremist Islamic groups, using violence as a means to achieving Muslim dominance, have increased their activities.

I could discuss Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Indonesia, China, and many more countries where it is dangerous to be a Christian, but this will suffice for now. Paul encourages the Philippian believers who are facing, and sure to face more, persecution to stand firm.  Take a look:

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1.27-30

What does it mean to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?  To live so as to honor the name of Jesus, to love so as to draw folks to Christianity, to subjugate our own needs for the needs of others, and yes, to stand strong in the face of any Christian intolerance. 

In the West, it is pretty easy to be a Christian … at least for now.  So, how should a Christian in the United States ‘contend for the faith,’ as Paul said?  First, know that America is no longer a Christian country; many of our young people have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In fact, many have been influenced to think that Christians are just ignorant, uninformed, weak people who need a crutch, and perhaps even ought to be pitied.  If they have not gotten that message by the time they graduate from their public high school, our colleges will certainly set them straight.  The halls of academia are anything but favorable to the cause of Jesus Christ. 

How then shall we live?  Be aware of the mindsets of the media, popular culture, including the arts, and academia.  Understand that a few outspoken, bigoted, hate-filled, and sometimes hypocritical Christians have damaged the cause of Christ.  Know what you believe, and be ready to back it up with solid information.  Scripture says, ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…’3

And Christians, pray for your brothers and sisters who are being severely persecuted simply for trying to follow Christ.

Grace and Peace,

Christine

PastorWoman.com