Jesus tells those who believe in Him, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” (John 15: 19)

Added to that, the apostle Paul says that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3: 12).

This hatred that leads to persecution is an offensive movement against the cross. For the nature of the cross is an offense to those who do not believe.

This is evident as we look outside of America. In some areas, for instance the Middle East and Africa, Christians are slaughtered with guns and machetes because of their belief. Their homes and churches are burned to the ground. They are imprisoned and tortured.

Of course, Christians aren’t persecuted to that extent in America. However, I think most believers would agree that Christianity is under attack here; mostly in terms of its values being diminished and ridiculed by political activists, the news and entertainment media, and the government, which has gone so far as forbidding Christian activities on school grounds and in public venues.

But will that be the extent of persecution for the church in America and most of the western world? Will the persecution reach the wholesale level of hateful actions taking place in the Middle East and Africa?

I say yes, and more so, against Christians everywhere. That kind of persecution isn’t happening now, overall, because the church, as a whole, has ingratiated itself with the world. It isn’t pure in its beliefs and standards, having brought into itself many cultural practices and philosophies of the world.

To be liked and considered relevant, the church has blurred the distinction between itself and the world. It involves itself in the world’s politics and often partnerships with worldly organizations. So there remains a large part of the world that thinks the church to be nothing more than a part of the world’s culture.

That, however, will change. The time is coming, and soon, when God will sift and purify His church. At that time, His character will be reproduced in the lives of His remnant people, and the glory of God will light the earth. When that happens, all of the world will unite against the people of the cross.

That it will happen is true. So I pray that we’ll remain true, and be comforted and encouraged by faith in these words—

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in his footsteps.” 1 Peter 2: 21.

“The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8: 16-18.