Persecution of the Church

Temi Michael-O

Most moms would lay down their lives for their children. We have said yes to C-Section to save our babies from distress. The joy of having a newborn makes us forget the pain and risks. We can rip apart a lion, walk through fire, and rip out our hearts to save our children. You know what I mean. Jesus wants us to lay down our lives not just for our babies. He wants us to lay down our lives for fellow believers and the gospel. I love that Jesus didn’t simply tell us to do what he couldn’t exemplify. Jesus went beyond dying for those he loved. He died for those who persecuted Him, those who didn’t believe He was the son of God.

In 2017, I visited the Diet of Worms where Martin Luther was summoned for heresy and told to recant his 95 theses. The 95 theses condemned the selling of “indulgences”, the forgiveness of sins. Thank God we don’t have to pay for forgiveness! Jesus paid it all.

Martin Luther stood on the same ground you see those big shoes crafted in memorial of his legacy. Last Thursday was the 502nd anniversary of the Reformation day. The day Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. I have been deep in thought about the persecution of Christians and Martin Luther’s audacity to stand for what he believed was scriptural. Are most Christians willing to do what Martin Luther did?

“My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.” – Martin Luther

This 16 year old Nigerian, Leah Sharibu remains in captivity for refusing to convert to Islam, for choosing Jesus. She is one of the millions of Christians whose lives are on the line for their faith. Please pray for her. My prayer is that she returns home to her parents alive. I can’t imagine her parent’s grief and pain.

Photo credit: U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

You can read about the persecution of the church here

Christians all over the world are being persecuted today. In fact, obeying and agreeing with Biblical principles means one would be tagged a “hatemonger”. Sadly, good Christians are beginning to compromise their standards and going with the flow of liberality. Since the enemy has failed in his plan to invalidate the Bible, his plan is to ensure Christians are persecuted for proclaiming Biblical truths.

I believe we should ask ourselves how much we are willing to lose for the sake of our faith. Will you deny Jesus to save your life? Will you agree with beliefs that do not align with God’s word just to keep your job? Are you following Jesus for good times only?

Thank you.

27 Comments

  2. Thanks so much dear sis for bringing the message of laying our lives down for the gospel so close to home. As mothers we would go through any lengths to ensure our babies are safe and in good health. I never thought of it this way

  4. Sobering message! Indeed, In other parts of the world Christians do get persecuted for the word. Thanks for sharing!

    P.S when I first saw the 👞 shoes, I was like..wow you must have a big shoe size! Glad they are not yours!!! 😀

  6. Sighs. We are really in the end time.

    Love how you linked Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the other martyrs.

    We should really stand our ground for the truth we hold and truth be told, we would have to make that decision daily as so many things are out there to sway us from the truth.

    About Leah, it was reported that she had been killed though. A while now.

    Good one sis. 💯

  11. God is good. I was able to come across this post and some of the questions I have in mind was answered instantly. Best wishes! I’m also a mother (three kids).