In many parts of the world, Christians gathering to celebrate Christ’s resurrection do so with the knowledge that any day their faith could cost them their lives as it has for thousands of their brothers and sisters.
On Palm Sunday, twin bombings by jihadists at two Egyptian churches killed at least 45 worshippers and wounded more than 100 others in the latest of a long string of deadly attacks targeting Christians throughout the world.
The attacks were directed specifically to Christian in their houses of worship to avoid any ambiguity regarding the intent. As has been noted, this was “an attack on Christians simply because they are Christians.”
On Saturday, the Pakistan military said it has thwarted a “major terrorist attack” against Christians planned for Easter Sunday after a successful overnight raid just hours after Christians celebrated Good Friday services.
On Easter Sunday 2016, an Islamist militant took the lives of more than 70 people and injured over 320 more after detonating his suicide vest in a park in Lahore that was full of Christian families celebrating the feast. Among the victims are more than 30 small children, who at the time of the blast were playing sports and outdoor games in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park.
During the last calendar year, some 90,000 Christians were killed for their faith across the globe, making Christians by far the most persecuted group in the world, according to a study from the Turin-based Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR).
The director of CESNUR, Dr. Massimo Introvigne, told Breitbart News that whereas atheistic communist regimes were the greatest persecutors of Christians in the last century, “Islamic ultra-fundamentalism” has taken its place as the number-one agent of persecution.
The Center’s findings corroborate those of other scholars and human rights groups. According to the 2016 “World Watch List,” for example, published by the Open Doors organization, nine out of the top ten countries where Christians suffer “extreme persecution” had populations that are at least 50 percent Muslim.
Their 2016 report revealed that “Islamic extremism is by far the most significant persecution engine” of Christians in the world today and that “40 of the 50 countries on the World Watch List are affected by this kind of persecution.”
During the year, nearly one-third of the Christians killed for their faith were executed at the hands of Islamic extremists such as the Islamic State or Boko Haram.
While tens of thousands of Christians are killed for their faith, Introvigne said, they are just the tip of the iceberg and much persecution takes place on a daily basis that never makes news.
Along with the enormous number of deaths, a great many more Christians—as many as 600 million—were prevented from practicing their faith in 2016.
On Easter 2015, Pope Francis reminded the world that there are more Christian martyrs in the present age than even in the first centuries, when the Roman Empire attempted to eliminate all followers of the nascent religion.
Calling for “tangible help in the defense and protection of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted, exiled, killed, and beheaded just for being Christians,” Francis told a crowd of tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square that today’s martyrs “are more numerous than in the first centuries.”
Follow Thomas D. Williams on Twitter
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Sunday 16th of April 2017 01:50:55 PM
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The group of national Christians my dd worked with in a Asian country received threats and their young pastor beaten up a few times. Quite a few Christians have been killed because they wouldn't renounced their faith in that country.
Sure you do. So much that you shake your damn head.
The other day we watched the last two episodes of "The Bible" which depicted the Passion and days after when the apostles went out to spread the word. Each one, except Paul, was murdered because of their beliefs. And they tried to kill Paul many times, and finally gave up and exiled him to an island in Greece (I think). It was all about power. People in power feel threatened by the idea that Jesus has Godly power stronger than theirs.
I am not familiar enough with scriptures or revelations to say I believe that this is a sign of the end of times. But it does seem to me that the more things change, the more they remain the same.
What about them? Where are blacks persecuted? Not being snarky, I am just not aware of this. As for women, of course they are persecuted. Particularly by Muslims. This has been going on for thousands of years. I'm not sure why we expect things to change.
In the book of Revelations one of the passages speak of the whole world seeing the death of the two prophets, which was a mystery. Until now there was no way to even imagine that happening. We have iphones, t.v. cameras and itunes.
Revelations 13 talks about the beast with 7 heads and ten horns, and the ten horns each have a crown.
It's long been understood that these represent the nations and leaders.
Of course there are the smaller nations, but the main nations are generally the ones talked about.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
There's no arguing this issue...even though no source is cited for the claim.
What about gays? Blacks? Women in third-world countries? They are persecuted too.
flan
I guess the you have a different definition of persecution.
However, gays are certainly persecuted on the other side of the world - killed for being gay. Women are persecuted by Muslims every day. Blacks? I'm not aware of blacks currently being persecuted just because they are black, although Africans are once again being sold into slavery - by other Africans.
But, Christians are the ones forced to hide their religion or go to jail or die for it by the millions around the world. And all it takes to find the "source" is a simple google search.
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Who were the two prophets that were killed in recent time?
I'm not sure, I haven't heard of them.
The prophets in the Bible are believed to be Elijah and Enoch.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
John Hagee and Perry Stone, both, do an amazing job of going through the prophecy of the end times.
Perry Stone is very in depth.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
There's no arguing this issue...even though no source is cited for the claim.
What about gays? Blacks? Women in third-world countries? They are persecuted too.
flan
I guess the you have a different definition of persecution.
However, gays are certainly persecuted on the other side of the world - killed for being gay. Women are persecuted by Muslims every day. Blacks? I'm not aware of blacks currently being persecuted just because they are black, although Africans are once again being sold into slavery - by other Africans.
But, Christians are the ones forced to hide their religion or go to jail or die for it by the millions around the world. And all it takes to find the "source" is a simple google search.
I am not disagreeing that Christians are persecuted. It's the "most" label I question.
There's no arguing this issue...even though no source is cited for the claim.
What about gays? Blacks? Women in third-world countries? They are persecuted too.
flan
I guess the you have a different definition of persecution.
However, gays are certainly persecuted on the other side of the world - killed for being gay. Women are persecuted by Muslims every day. Blacks? I'm not aware of blacks currently being persecuted just because they are black, although Africans are once again being sold into slavery - by other Africans.
But, Christians are the ones forced to hide their religion or go to jail or die for it by the millions around the world. And all it takes to find the "source" is a simple google search.
I am not disagreeing that Christians are persecuted. It's the "most" label I question.
flan
There are more Christians persecuted than those other groups you speak of. Why do you think your ignorance of world events means it is not true?
And in many countries, "most" Christians certainly are persecuted. I mean, even just having to watch 1 Christian killed for their beliefs pretty much terrorizes everyone.
How about if atheists start getting killed? Would you care then?
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Monday 17th of April 2017 10:04:00 AM
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Who were the two prophets that were killed in recent time?
It hasn't happened yet. Revelations chapter 11.
Thanks. So these two prophets, once killed, is that the end or the beginning of the end? I guess I need to start reading....
I will suggest reading the book of Revelations. Remember the John was shown the future threw his eyes and had to describe future technology the best he could,
Who were the two prophets that were killed in recent time?
It hasn't happened yet. Revelations chapter 11.
Thanks. So these two prophets, once killed, is that the end or the beginning of the end? I guess I need to start reading....
I will suggest reading the book of Revelations. Remember the John was shown the future threw his eyes and had to describe future technology the best he could,
I agree with Lindley. Please read the book of Revelations. The last 2 prophets will not appear until near the end. The tribulation is to last almost 7 years and a lot has to happen in those last 7 years. But the technology is now available for the mark of the devil, IMHO, the planting of microchips in everyone. We will be deceived into accepting the mark of the devil. I'm aware of people already believing it will be wonderful for banking and tracking people.
Animals, especially pets, have been microchipped for years. See, you are already accepting the inevitable mark of the devil.
There is a company that routinely microchips their employees. I read the article a month or two ago. It was an eye opener for me. Stupid people or more like sheeple...
__________________
I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
I finished the first chapter. The seven stars and seven golden candlesticks. Seven churches in Asia. Not sure what that all means.....
I heard about the microchipping, too, czech. For the ease of security. Nope. I'll swipe my card key to get into the office, thank you very much. I can't believe the sheep mentality. I don't even like the fact that my whereabouts are monitored by my iphone but I keep it on in case it's stolen. I really need to re-think that. It's weird getting "welcome back" messages from the club every time we pull into the parking lot.
Who were the two prophets that were killed in recent time?
It hasn't happened yet. Revelations chapter 11.
Thanks. So these two prophets, once killed, is that the end or the beginning of the end? I guess I need to start reading....
I will suggest reading the book of Revelations. Remember the John was shown the future threw his eyes and had to describe future technology the best he could,
I agree with Lindley. Please read the book of Revelations. The last 2 prophets will not appear until near the end. The tribulation is to last almost 7 years and a lot has to happen in those last 7 years. But the technology is now available for the mark of the devil, IMHO, the planting of microchips in everyone. We will be deceived into accepting the mark of the devil. I'm aware of people already believing it will be wonderful for banking and tracking people.
Animals, especially pets, have been microchipped for years. See, you are already accepting the inevitable mark of the devil.
There is a company that routinely microchips their employees. I read the article a month or two ago. It was an eye opener for me. Stupid people or more like sheeple...
I agree we now have the technology for what is described as the mark of the beast, but I don't think it is what is happening now. I believe that people will take a certain type of chip that shows loyalty to the antichrist knowingly. I do believe that those who are Christians will be rapture before the tribulation begins.
I still won't get microchiped because I don't like being tracked.
Reading revelations and discussion about it now.....interesting.
Chuck missler has a dvd set that explains the horses of apocalypse and I believe a book set too. He has also written books about the rapture and the book of Daniel which also has some prophecy of the end times.
He worked with the department of Defense and is a honor graduate of the U.S. Navel Academy.
Nook keeps changing my words😞
-- Edited by Lindley on Monday 17th of April 2017 11:16:34 AM
-- Edited by Lindley on Monday 17th of April 2017 11:17:36 AM
Who were the two prophets that were killed in recent time?
It hasn't happened yet. Revelations chapter 11.
Thanks. So these two prophets, once killed, is that the end or the beginning of the end? I guess I need to start reading....
I will suggest reading the book of Revelations. Remember the John was shown the future threw his eyes and had to describe future technology the best he could,
I agree with Lindley. Please read the book of Revelations. The last 2 prophets will not appear until near the end. The tribulation is to last almost 7 years and a lot has to happen in those last 7 years. But the technology is now available for the mark of the devil, IMHO, the planting of microchips in everyone. We will be deceived into accepting the mark of the devil. I'm aware of people already believing it will be wonderful for banking and tracking people.
Animals, especially pets, have been microchipped for years. See, you are already accepting the inevitable mark of the devil.
There is a company that routinely microchips their employees. I read the article a month or two ago. It was an eye opener for me. Stupid people or more like sheeple...
I agree we now have the technology for what is described as the mark of the beast, but I don't think it is what is happening now. I believe that people will take a certain type of chip that shows loyalty to the antichrist knowingly. I do believe that those who are Christians will be rapture before the tribulation begins.
I still won't get microchiped because I don't like being tracked.
Would you be willing to provide the Bible passages referring to the rapture? I'm curious. I have never found a biblical reference pertaining to the rapture and I have a concordance.
Personally, I do not believe in the rapture. Christians will be a here for the end days IMHO. We will suffer along with non-believers, during those end times.
__________________
I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
Who were the two prophets that were killed in recent time?
It hasn't happened yet. Revelations chapter 11.
Thanks. So these two prophets, once killed, is that the end or the beginning of the end? I guess I need to start reading....
I will suggest reading the book of Revelations. Remember the John was shown the future threw his eyes and had to describe future technology the best he could,
I agree with Lindley. Please read the book of Revelations. The last 2 prophets will not appear until near the end. The tribulation is to last almost 7 years and a lot has to happen in those last 7 years. But the technology is now available for the mark of the devil, IMHO, the planting of microchips in everyone. We will be deceived into accepting the mark of the devil. I'm aware of people already believing it will be wonderful for banking and tracking people.
Animals, especially pets, have been microchipped for years. See, you are already accepting the inevitable mark of the devil.
There is a company that routinely microchips their employees. I read the article a month or two ago. It was an eye opener for me. Stupid people or more like sheeple...
I agree we now have the technology for what is described as the mark of the beast, but I don't think it is what is happening now. I believe that people will take a certain type of chip that shows loyalty to the antichrist knowingly. I do believe that those who are Christians will be rapture before the tribulation begins.
I still won't get microchiped because I don't like being tracked.
Would you be willing to provide the Bible passages referring to the rapture? I'm curious. I have never found a biblical reference pertaining to the rapture and I have a concordance.
Personally, I do not believe in the rapture. Christians will be a here for the end days IMHO. We will suffer along with non-believers, during those end times.
I'll be happy too, but I will have to wait till my little man goes home.
The word "rapture" is not in the Bible. That is a modern word used to describe the taking away of God's people, and is considered the "good reaping of the earth".
Revelation 14:13-16King James Version (KJV)
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
People rely on several other passages to foretell the rapture, including.....
Matthew 24:37-42 (NKJV), "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."
And this is one study on Revelation and other relevant verses:
The book of Revelation implies a pre-Tribulation Rapture without specifically mentioning the event. In chapter 4 verse 1, John sees a door open in the heavens and he is raptured to Heaven in what appears to be a symbolic type of the Rapture of the Church. In Revelation 19:11, John sees the heavens opened again, and Jesus descends on a white horse, with the Church accompanying Him (Revelation 19:14). Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation focus on the Church, but there is no more mention of the Church until the end of the book (Revelation 22:16). From chapter 4 through chapter 21, there is only mention of “saints,” which would be those who accept the Gospel during the Tribulation.
The Bible never specifically defines the timing of the Rapture by tying it to any other event like the re-establishment of Israel or the rebuilding of the Temple. Even its proximity to the Tribulation is inferred rather than definitely stated. That’s because the Rapture is an imminent event that could occur at any moment.
There are strong scriptural inferences that the Rapture will occur before the Tribulation begins. A couple of those are found in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse as recorded in Luke 21. Jesus stated that when the end time signs “begin to take place,” we are to look up, for our redemption will be drawing near (Luke 21:28). Note that the redemption will come not at the end of the signs, but as they begin to take place. Jesus then added that believers should pray earnestly that they might “escape” the great tribulation that is coming upon “all those who dwell on the face of the earth” (Luke 21:36).
In this regard, Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 that believers are waiting for “His Son from heaven… that is, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” And Jesus told John to write to the church at Philadelphia, representative of faithful Christians, that “because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10).
Faithful Christians will not be here to suffer through the tribulation.
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Monday 17th of April 2017 12:44:15 PM
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
But "most" gays, blacks, and women are? Bullschit.
NO, I didn't say that.
What I questioned was who was the MOST persecuted group in the world.
The OP gives one man's opinion.
It would take research and a definition of "persecution" to be able to make a definitive statement.
flan
I think most people have a general understanding of what "persecution" means. It does NOT mean the VP won't have dinner with you or you don't get to force someone to bake you a cake. It does mean you are not able to live your like freely without the fear of punishment, imprisonment or death by the controlling government or factions.
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Whoa, LL. That is not what my concordance says at all. It says (Rev. 3:10) or implies, that believers will be protected (like the Jews were during the plagues while in Egypt) as referenced in Mathew 24:21, 13:5-10, 24:4-28; Da 12:1, Mk 13:19; 2Th 2:1-12.
Not saying you are wrong, just a differing interpretation.
__________________
I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
And when I was using the Bible on my kindle and my phone, things were changed or missing.
The KJV or NKJV is the standard.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.