As America continues to move away from its Christian roots, the persecution of Christians is expected to rise. An example can be seen in the recent backlash against a fast-food chain president for expressing support for traditional marriage, resulting in planned protests and boycotts by opposing groups. Though this represents a milder form of persecution, it contrasts with the more severe struggles faced by early believers, who endured reproaches, tribulations, and the loss of their possessions. While current experiences may not reach such violent extremes, preparation for potential escalation remains necessary. Jesus Christ and the apostles provide guidance on facing persecution with specific attitudes. Patience is foundational, requiring endurance and trust in God's timing for deliverance, as He works to transform character over time. Additionally, a positive outlook is essential, reflecting a desire to glorify God through praise and thanksgiving, even in suffering, as exemplified by Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison. The manner of enduring, through both words and behavior, also serves to honor Him. Further, Christians are called to do good during persecution, rising above circumstances to show love, even to enemies, mirroring Jesus Christ's actions during His crucifixion when He offered forgiveness and comfort. Lastly, an attitude of joy is encouraged, not as a natural response, but as a recognition of sharing in Christ's sufferings, supported by the strength and perspective provided by God, knowing that such trials are for a righteous cause and carry the promise of the kingdom of heaven.

Persecution of Christians manifests in various forms across the world, often with profound impact on their lives. In many regions, tens of thousands are martyred each year for their faith and adherence to what they believe is the truth of God. While such extreme violence is less common in Israelitish nations like the United States, persecution here takes on a different, often non-violent but psychologically traumatic form, devastating to one's way of life. This persecution is largely executed through the courts, denying Christians the right to worship God according to their conscience, with actions that can be both subtle and overt. One notable instance occurred in Charlotte during the Democratic National Convention, where local churches faced rejection for extending hospitality. Fifty-six Charlotte area churches prepared gift baskets with regional candies and welcome letters for delegates, offering assistance in transportation, child care, and spiritual matters. However, the DNC banned the distribution of these baskets, citing that the congregations held values contrary to the party platform, including views on women's rights and pro-life stances, despite the baskets containing no political messages. In contrast, a gathering of Muslims praying for the convention was warmly welcomed, highlighting a disparity in treatment. In American universities, persecution is evident through the suppression of Christian beliefs and organizations. At Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, the Christian Legal Society was denied campus status for requiring members to adhere to traditional Christian norms on sexual morality, a decision upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling in 2010, forcing the group to disband. Similarly, Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and the University of Illinois have implemented policies that effectively exclude traditionally Christian student groups from campus facilities, denying them regular access simply for their faith. State and local authorities also exert pressure on Christians, as seen in Washington state and Illinois, where pharmacists are forced against their conscience to dispense morning-after pills, despite alternatives being available nearby. Additionally, private businesses face challenges, such as Hercules Industries in Colorado, owned by a Catholic family, which objected to providing mandated coverage conflicting with their faith. The Obama Justice Department argued that no incorporated business owner can claim religious freedom or conscience to override legal requirements, illustrating the tightening constraints on Christian practice. These examples reveal a creeping encroachment on religious freedom, making it increasingly difficult for Christians to maintain their beliefs while engaging in public life, whether through community outreach, education, or business.

Persecution against the Christian religion, encompassing all denominational groups claiming Christianity, is a growing reality worldwide, manifesting in various forms. In non-Israelitish nations, where Christian religions do not dominate, violent persecutions are prevalent, driven by a tsunami of hatred fueled by satan and prophesied by God as the tribulation. In contrast, within Israelitish nations, satan employs a subtler strategy, avoiding violence and instead using a gradual approach to undermine Christianity through educational institutions and the courts. This method has proven eminently successful, with humanists, who prioritize man's achievements over faith in the Creator, holding most leadership positions in secular authority across government, business, education, media, science, and even within some Christian circles. The decline of religious liberty in America is evident, as recent surveys indicate growing concern among older generations, while younger adults show little worry. Satan's influence through humanist leadership has led to a culture of misplaced trust, where authority is given to men rather than to God, resulting in a harvest of lawlessness as described in Hosea 10:13. A specific example of this persecution is seen in governmental policies such as the Obamacare Act, which mandates employers to pay for abortifacients, conflicting with the religious convictions of many, including businesses like Hercules Industries. This family-owned company has resisted, taking the issue to court on the grounds of their faith, facing government arguments that dismiss the burden on their conscience. Such conflicts highlight a broader struggle over authority in matters of faith, pitting God's commands against secular dictates, and foreshadow potential challenges to other religious practices.

Persecution against Christians, as addressed in I Peter, emerged in various forms during the early church period, particularly around 63 to 67 AD when Peter wrote to the dispersed elect in Asia Minor. During this time, under Nero's reign, especially following the burning of Rome in 64 AD, Christians faced severe accusations and physical torments. Nero shifted blame for the fire onto Christians, leading to widespread persecution across the Roman Empire. This included verbal abuse and escalated to horrific physical tortures such as being covered in wild beast skins to be devoured by dogs, crucifixion, burning at the stake, and even being used as human torches to light Nero's gatherings. Beyond physical suffering, Christians endured social and psychological persecution. Misunderstandings of their practices, such as the secretive Passover and phrases about eating body and drinking blood, fueled rumors of cannibalism. Their greetings with a kiss of love were misconstrued as orgies of vice, and their teachings about a world dissolving in flames at Christ's return were twisted to incriminate them. Additionally, accusations of disrupting family life arose, often due to differences in belief within households or Christian communities. Persecution was not constant but occurred sporadically in pockets throughout the empire. Peter's writings emphasize that such suffering is inevitable, often provoked by the Christians' good works, which stand as a conscience to the world and provoke opposition. Yet, he encourages believers to remain steadfast, reminding them that they are not alone in their trials, as their brotherhood worldwide experiences similar afflictions. Peter attributes the root of this persecution to satan, who stirs up opposition against God's people. Through enduring these trials with good conduct, Christians are to glorify God, trusting in His promise that they will not be tested beyond their ability to bear.

Persecution, as a form of tribulation, is an external pursuit or act of being put to flight by forces outside oneself, distinct from internal stress or distress. It often manifests in severe and brutal ways, such as Christians being thrown to lions, lit as torches, or subjected to violent deaths like beheading in historical contexts. In more modern settings, persecution can take milder forms, such as legal battles over religious practices like observing the Sabbath, resulting in job loss, or facing family conflicts and social ostracism due to faith-based decisions. Some have endured court cases or imprisonment over misunderstandings of child discipline as instructed by God, while others have battled authorities and institutions over healing practices rooted in belief. Historically, persecution has been a significant trial for believers, with early Christians and later generations facing martyrdom, beatings, and public humiliation as witnesses before the world. In contrast, many in contemporary Israelite nations experience relative tolerance due to cultural and legal protections, though this is not universal, as severe persecutions persist in some Gentile nations where religious expression is suppressed, sometimes through imprisonment or systemic oppression. Even within tolerant societies, subtle forms of persecution like social reproach or economic penalties for adhering to faith principles are not uncommon. Persecution serves a purpose in God's plan, often acting as a means to test and refine character, to shock into repentance, or to provide a powerful witness of faith at specific times deemed significant by God. It is seen as a gift of grace, a sign of divine favor when endured for righteousness' sake, indicating worthiness for God's Kingdom. This form of suffering, when faced with the right attitude, can elevate one's standing in God's eyes, potentially leading to greater responsibility in His Kingdom. Attitudes during persecution should include patience, a desire to glorify God, a commitment to continue doing good, and even joy, recognizing it as a mark of divine approval and a step toward spiritual growth.

Persecution, as depicted biblically, primarily carries a religious nature, though ethnic persecution is noted in the book of Esther. In spiritual contexts, it manifests in various forms, often culminating in death. God's Word documents numerous instances of such persecution, from righteous Abel in Genesis to the prophetic accounts in Revelation, where satan relentlessly pursues the righteous in his frenzied attempts to thwart God's purpose and plan and to overcome Jesus Christ. This aggressive and injurious behavior, carried out with hostile intent, is a pervasive reality, especially in the New Testament, where it is presented as an expected terror for those who live godly in Christ Jesus. Persecution becomes a lot in life for those related to Jesus Christ, serving as a sign of the authenticity of their relationship with Him, as affirmed in Philippians 1:27-30. God counts as righteous those who respond to persecution in faith, recognizing its vital role in His purpose.

Persecution, as it pertains to those who follow Jesus Christ, is an inevitable consequence of living according to God's way of life. The essence of persecution lies in subjecting a person to injury or disadvantage due to their beliefs, going beyond mere disagreement to inflicting harm, depriving privileges, or imposing unfavorable circumstances. This may manifest as injury to feelings, family, reputation, property, liberty, or influence. It can include deprivation of office, prevention of advancement, fines, imprisonment, banishment, torture, or even death. Furthermore, persecution encompasses being shunned by those who might otherwise value friendship, or being deprived of protections and rights due to religious convictions. Such experiences are to be expected, even in the best of times, as history reveals that much of the story of God's church is a record of persecution. Jesus Christ was forthright about this cost of discipleship, warning that love for Him would provoke the world's hatred. This hostility arises because His followers are not of the world, having been chosen out of it by Him, and because they are identified with Him, whom the world hates. The world's hatred stems from its rejection of Christ's words and works, which expose human sinfulness and spiritual bankruptcy, revealing a stark contrast to worldly values and standards. Forms of persecution can be severe, including excommunication, which in earlier times meant exclusion from spiritual and social life, leading to devastating consequences like loss of family, employment, and social standing. Persecution may also come from religious sources, adding emotional weight to the suffering, as opposed to secular opposition which might feel more external. Even murder has been a form of persecution inflicted on Christ's followers, often by those within religious communities. Despite these hardships, persecution serves as a mark of identification with Christ, demonstrating a radical distinction between His followers and the world. It is not an accident but part of God's purpose to strengthen faith and foster growth in holiness by stripping away unnecessary distractions. Moreover, enduring persecution with joy showcases the supernatural radiance of God's way of life, serving as a powerful witness to others, as seen in historical accounts of faithful endurance under duress. Thus, persecution, in its various forms, remains a fundamental aspect of the Christian experience, calling for mental and spiritual preparedness to bear it without shrinking from duty.

Persecution for religious beliefs remains a pervasive global issue, often manifesting in severe and varied forms. In many regions, particularly in Islamic nations, individuals face hostility for not adhering to the dominant faith, with acts ranging from terrorism to strict enforcement of religious laws targeting Jews, Christians, and even other Muslims who diverge from specific creeds. Stories of persecution include Indian Christians facing murder charges after a prayer-related incident, a Malaysian pastor abducted by unknown assailants, and Kenyan teachers killed by militants for sharing their faith. North Korea stands as the most dangerous place for Christians, where discovery of faith can lead to immediate execution or lifelong imprisonment in labor camps, often extending punishment to entire families. Other nations like Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India also rank high in persecution, with most being predominantly Islamic, except for Eritrea and India. In Western nations, persecution is less violent but still significant, defined as any hostility experienced due to identification with Christ. This includes fines, lawsuits, job loss, deprivation of rights, and social disdain. Increasing intolerance from governments and citizens manifests in efforts to erase God from public life, social media cancellation, and harsh denunciations of traditional beliefs. In educational settings, Christians and conservative Jews face demeaning treatment, with speakers shouted down, Christian colleges threatened with loss of accreditation, and student groups disbanded. Incidents such as a teacher being suspended for giving a Bible to a student and a coach placed on leave for praying publicly highlight this growing hostility. Forms of persecution span a wide range of hostile actions, from verbal abuse like reviling and false accusations to social exclusion, denial of rights, exile, property destruction, imprisonment, torture, and ultimately death. Historical accounts, such as the aggressive pursuits by Saul of Tarsus, illustrate the extent of persecution, including murder, scattering of communities, and imprisonment. Jesus specifies that blessed are those persecuted for righteousness' sake, emphasizing suffering due to living out God's truth, which contrasts with mere association-based persecution. This distinction underscores the inevitability of opposition for those who truly follow His way in a world at enmity with God, highlighting the need to endure with patience and faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice and promises.

Persecution falls upon God's people by virtue of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Biblically, in a spiritual context, persecution assumes various forms: physical, such as beatings and stonings; verbal, such as mocking, insults, and slander; social, such as excommunication or ostracism; and mental, such as intimidation and threats. Persecution can also involve imprisonment, banishment, and even death. Imprisonment is exemplified by the apostle Paul, who, while writing to the church at Philippi, encouraged the brethren to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly because of his chains and suffering. Despite the physical suffering, frustration, and delay, Paul declared that what happened to him served to advance the gospel, demonstrating that such trials can spread God's truth and way of life. Persecution can come from anyone, anywhere, even from within close circles, sometimes with intense hostility.