He that has an ear, let him hear.
If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go.
If anyone is to be klled with the sword, with the sword he will be killed.
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
The above verses describe the warfare Satan is bringing against the saints. The scriptures tells us that the dragon is making war against the offspring of the woman. Those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus (Rev.12:17). He could not destroy the child, so he is destroying the woman's offspring through imprisonment and martyrdom. At least Satan is trying to destroy the faithful remnant.
The scriptures tells us that the saint must and will endure in these times of persecution. Again a victorious church is emerging in China and Iran. Even in places like N. Korea God is building his church and the devil cannot defeat it.
God keep us strong during persecution and may we be faithful and endure to the end.
Blaine Scogin