The persecuted church - a news item on Examiner.com about the upcoming SI conference

Around the world, it is not uncommon for Christians to pay a price for their faith. When we hear about the persecuted church, our minds think of places like Korea and China where Christians meet secretly in the underground church. But what about the church in the West? Is persecution coming or is it already here?

What is persecution?

The definition of persecution is: "A program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate a people because of their religion, race, or beliefs." Understanding persecution on an intellectual level is one thing. The reality of persecution is another. For example, last month in China, a house church in China held a summer camp for 28 young adults (14-17 years old). A group of about 7-8 people broke into the home, and barred the exits. They called for help, and more people arrived including some from the local police and agents from the Domestic Security Protection Department.

Persecution in the church in America

Can you imagine a similar thing happening in the United States? Say a couple of Sunday School teachers decided to hold a Backyard Bible School for a week or two in the summer and all of a sudden authorities came in and took them off to jail and then ransacked their house, all because of their beliefs.

I really liked the Paul Washer video. He delivered this word with such calm authority, and considering the conservative Baptist crowd he is assisted with, probably some shock.

Considering the conference. What do you say to people to prepare? I pray for convicting RE-VIVING power, that might return us to our first love; break us, and possess us with the FEAR and LOVE of God that we once touched. I pray the God Falls, as the Holy spirit of old fell at Pentecost...and then.....we as they, were prepared for anything and anybody, as they were joyful to suffer for Christ's sake.

There are an estimated 3000 Christians imprisoned in Eritrea. There are reports of torture and hideous rites for them to recant. Some have been there, reported to be held in Train containers, massed in, with little or no food or clean water, and no facilities.

This fell upon them overnight, so to speak, as a new President formed his cabinet; a military Junta, and suddenly began to round up all political dissension...the exact same way as Hitler did with the German believers.

I do not know if the plans for the New World Order involve both Socialism and Islam, but it seems that is the tide to come.

"They will scourge you in their synagogues."

..And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

..But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

..For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

..And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

..ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

..And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

..But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

..The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

..It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

..Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known."

I am barren in this arena, and desperately need to be broken, and restored; re-vived. Pray for old BT..if you can..and I will with the many pray that God anoints this most sober word at the Conference.