“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19, NIV).
Christian persecution around the world has reached unprecedented numbers. Today, there are almost 300 million Christians both nationally and internationally living in persecution. This is something God cares about very much.
According to the 2020 World Watch List, “Additionally, 2,983 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons. On average, that’s 8 Christians killed every day for their faith: 9,488 churches or Christian buildings were attacked, and 3,711 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, and imprisoned.”
Christian persecution is not just happening overseas. It is also here in the United States. Here in the U.S. we see Christian persecution in many forms. Take a look at some of the recent news headlines:
—”Professor Forced to Sue After Being Compelled to Endorse Ideology Against His Beliefs.”
—”For Sharing Gospel, College Student Has Sought Justice for 3 Years.”
—”New York Adoption Agency Facing Closure for Its Beliefs.”
—”Funeral Home Violated Law Firing Gay, Transgender Workers.”
This is just to highlight a few cases, but that’s not all. The decision the Supreme Court handed down on June 16 raised potential prejudicial issues against the church. We are waiting for legal interpretation of that decision and will address it soon.
International persecution is also on the rise. Here are just a few of the headlines from around the world:
—”In Just 2 Weeks, China Shuts down 48 State-Registered Churches.”
—”Stop Believing in God or Lose Welfare Support, Widowed Chinese Christian Told.”
—In India, 16-Year-Old Stabbed and Stoned to Death for His Faith.”
—”3000 Egyptian Christians Without a Church After Illegal Demolition.”
—”In Targeted Attack, Cross Torn From Gates of Turkish Church.”
There is no denying that Christian persecution is here in our midst. However, Luke 10:19 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, tells us that the Lord has given us “authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]: and nothing shall in any way harm us!”
Decree with us:
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, MEV).
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37).
“These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18).
“No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me, says the Lord” (Isa. 54:17) {eoa}
Cindy Jacobs is an author, speaker and teacher with a heart for discipling nations in the areas of prayer and prophetic gifts. She and her husband, Mike, co-founded Generals International in 1985.
For the original article, visit generals.org.
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