Meeting the New Testament Priority of Christian Persecution

Our Messiah never hid it from us: "in the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33), and "all that will live godly in Messiah Yeshua shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). The rising cost of following Him around the world is no surprise to heaven — it is the fellowship of His sufferings, and a mark that the light still shines where the darkness hates it most. Do not look away from your brothers and sisters in chains, my friends. The Body is one; when one member suffers, all suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). Their endurance under fire preaches a sermon louder than any pulpit. So watch, and remember them as though bound with them (Hebrews 13:3). Pray, give, and let their courage stir your own. The night is far spent; keep your lamp burning.