Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
The history of the Christian church is the history of persecution. They are inseparable. Men and women suffered for Christ sake.
Notable among them was St. Ignatius, the Bishop of Antioch. He was a unique Bishop with notable contribution to Christian theology. He was the second or third Bishop of Antioch.
He was martyred for the sake of Chirst. He was probably arrested on the charge of "atheism"—denial of the Roman gods—and was taken from Antioch to Rome by an escort of ten soldiers. He was resolute to die for his faith in Christ.
This is one of his notable quote probably on his way to Rome when he was about to be killed: "Now I begin to be a disciple. … Let fire and cross, flocks of beasts, broken bones, dismemberment … come upon me, so long as I attain to Jesus Christ."
He lived in the days when Christians were thrown to hungry beasts in an amphi theatre with people watching. That is what some Christians of yore passed through for us to be here today. The foundation of our faith was laid with the blood of saints.
In the opening scripture, Apostle Paul said suffering for the sake of Christ is part of our calling. Apostle Paul says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution"( 2 Tim 3:12).
The message of suffering for the sake of Christ is rare on our pulpits today. To the modern believer, it sounds odd and irrelevant.
Persecution doesn't necessarily involve bloodshed at all times. Sometimes, it comes in the form of denial of rights and privileges for not compromising.
Some believers compromised to bypass persecution. It is impossible to stand for Christ and not be persecuted.
Your stand in Christ cannot be ascertained until it is tested by persecution. Persecution and Christianity cannot be separated even If we pray against it.
Those of us that live in areas where nothing threatens our faith should always pray for those in persecuted areas that they should stand in Christ.
It is not easy to stand for Christ in the face of sword, hunger and deprivation. It takes grace and depth of conviction.
If persecution comes your way, pray to stand because 'blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven'.
Father, we pray for the persecuted saints, that you uphold them and we also receive grace to stand for you In the face of persecution In Jesus name.