Persecuted Church
The term "Persecuted Church" refers to the body of believers in Christ who face hostility, oppression, or violence due to their faith. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where Jesus Himself foretold that His followers would face persecution. For instance, in Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This teaching underscores the idea that suffering for one's faith is both a trial and a blessing, as it aligns believers with Christ's own suffering and the prophetic tradition of the Hebrew Scriptures.Throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of Paul, we see numerous examples of persecution faced by early Christians. Acts 8:1 mentions the persecution that arose after Stephen’s martyrdom, leading to the scattering of the church. Paul, who once persecuted Christians, later became a key figure in the early church and wrote extensively about suffering for the Gospel (e.g., 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted"). The concept of a persecuted church serves as a reminder of the trials faced by believers and the call to remain steadfast in faith, as well as a call for solidarity with those suffering for their beliefs globally today.
Persecuted Church4
Who Is Brother Andrew?
By Brother Andrew0MAT 28:19Brother Andrew shares his journey as a young Dutch missionary who, in 1955, discovered a desperate need for the Word of God in Poland behind the Iron Curtain. This experience led to the founding of Open Doors, an organization dedicated to supporting the persecuted church and distributing millions of Bibles worldwide. His autobiography, 'God’s Smuggler,' recounts his daring adventures and commitment to spreading the Gospel despite significant risks. Recognized for his lifetime of service, Brother Andrew continues to focus on the challenges posed by the Islamic World, fostering relationships with leaders in the Middle East to promote peace and understanding. Now in his 70s, he remains active in ministry alongside his wife, Corrie, and their family.
An Encouragement to Pray for the Persecuted Church
By K.P. Yohannan1.8K25:02JHN 16:33ACT 14:22PHP 1:29In this video, Dr. K.P. Johannon, the founder and president of Gospel for Asia, shares stories of persecution faced by Christians in unreached mission fields. He recounts the tragic incidents of a missionary witnessing the poisoning of a young believer and the acid attack on a girl who refused to deny her faith. Dr. Johannon emphasizes the suffering, starvation, and physical abuse experienced by thousands of believers in South Asia. He also reminds viewers of Jesus' words in Matthew 10, where he warned his followers about the persecution they would face for their faith.
Prevailing, Prayer, Persecuted Church
By John McGregor1.1K44:22ACT 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and strength of Jesus in the church. He highlights the persecution faced by the early church and how they remained faithful to God despite the challenges. The preacher shares a powerful story of a pastor who was arrested and imprisoned for his faith, but continued to trust in Jesus and lead others to salvation. The sermon also discusses the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison by an angel, illustrating the victory that believers have in Christ over any obstacles they may face.
The Persecuted Church in the End Times
By David R. Barnhart1.0K36:132CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher's main purpose is to break the hearts of the listeners, focusing on the persecution and suffering of fellow believers in the persecuted church. The preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to have their hearts broken for the world in need and to see mankind as God sees. The sermon references the Quran to highlight the violence and persecution faced by believers. The preacher also shares recent examples of persecution, including the killing of Ethiopian Christians in Libya and the burning of a Christian boy in Pakistan. The sermon calls for believers to separate themselves from unbelievers and to strive for holiness in the fear of God.