Revelation 2: 8-11- Persecution

 Read Revelation 2: 8-11-

Jesus had a message for the church, and it wasn’t necessarily something one might want to hear. In verses 9 and 10, “I know your afflictions and your poverty, yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you; the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

Jesus knew the new Christians of that time were going to continue to be persecuted but wanted the church to know they were still on the right path. We must know today that persecution is still part of being a Christian. Many see Christianity as a threat to their positions of power and control, so they work to eliminate or at least denigrate Christianity. Many Christians were killed last week in the Congo because they were Christians. Many Christians in other areas are criticized for adhering to Christian principles others disagree with such as working to protect unborn children. Jesus is preparing the church at that time for what would be happening, and we need to prepare ourselves on criticism we may receive because of our commitment to Jesus Christ.

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