Proof The Bible Is True

I am not an alarmist, nor am I a prophet. But as I listen to and read a cross-section of materials emanating from the Western (primarily American) church I am aware that there are those who recognize a trend toward the persecution of Christians in the West. The form of the persecution will be different perhaps than other parts of the world. At some point it may converge with global persecution and take on more violent forms.

In the premier issue of the Journal of Lutheran Mission are papers and responses from a Summit on Lutheran Missions held in San Antonio, Texas on November 2013. In an article titled “What will Happen to Missouri [referring to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod]?” The Rev. Randall L. Golter, executive director of the LCMS Office of International Mission, comments regarding the possible coming persecution: “Headed our way may very well be the cleansing and purifying by the Lord Himself, so that the idols fabricated every day by the church are exposed and she remains useful for His purpose of making Christians.”

It is a rather sobering and, I believe, realistic statement. Would God allow persecution to come upon Western churches to purify the church? God allows persecution as a means of fulfilling His mission in the world. Persecution has many purposes, in fact, and purification is one of them. The question is, can we clean-up our act now and avoid persecution (something like Nineveh after the preaching of Jonah)?

Read More Persecution Blog: Anticipation of Coming Persecution.