Wednesday, 9th November, 2016
Bible Reading: Matthew 5: 10-12.
Memory verse: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14(NKJV)
Christian persecution is hostility experienced from the world as a result of one’s identification as a Christian. It includes verbal harassment, hostile attitudes, beatings, confinement, rape, imprisonment, discrimination in education & employment, and may even death.
Open Doors, a US based ministry devoted to serving persecuted Christians says each month 322 Christians are killed for their faith, 214 churches & Christian properties are destroyed, & 772 forms of violence such as beatings, arrest & forced marriages are committed against Christians. Also, at least 100 million Christians are persecuted for their faith worldwide especially in Middle Eastern countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Key point: Would you stand for Christ in the face of Persecution?
Prayer points:
- By your hand, O Lord, uphold all those who are persecuted for your name’s sake, in the name of Jesus.
- Powers frustrating Christians all over the world, die by fire, in the name of Jesus.